Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC067757 1 SC067757

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Benjamin Uk Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is owned and managed by a private organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to four children aged between 12 and 18 years.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager was registered with Ofsted on 1 April 2019

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit took place due to concerns arising from safeguarding notifications and independent visitor reports. This inspection was undertaken remotely by contacting the provider and completing inspection activity during video calls. This was due to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions. Prior to this monitoring visit, a remote monitoring visit took place in June 2020. An interim inspection, where the home was judged to have sustained effectiveness, took place in March 2020.

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This monitoring visit

The inspector requested a range of documents as part of the monitoring visit. These were provided in a secure way to enable the inspector to analyse the information. The responsible individual, the registered manager and the head of care were present during the inspection and were spoken to via video calls.

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This monitoring visit

There was an increase in significant incidents which required police attendance in December 2020. A shift in dynamics occurred when the group of children living at the home changed. As a result, there were some difficult incidents. However, the staff have reflected on the incidents and used this reflection to inform their practice and to develop risk-management strategies. Subsequently, there has been a reduction in significant incidents.

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This monitoring visit

Some incidents of bullying between children have occurred. The staff carefully monitor these incidents and the learning from this to inform their strategies to help the children manage their relationships with one another. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC067757 2 Vigilant staff have provided key information to safeguarding partners, which has supported the safe return of children who have been missing. The children have been provided with specialist help where required. A range of professionals within, and external to, the organisation have been commissioned to support the children with their particular needs. As a result, the children receive specialist help to target problematic behaviours.

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This monitoring visit

When allegations have been made, the organisation has consulted with the designated officer. Internal investigations are clear and fully consider the child’s views. Outcomes are balanced and proportionate. Learning from incidents is used to inform practice development.

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This monitoring visit

The independent visitor has raised concerns regarding the nutrition for children living at the home. There has been progress, with the staff providing nutritious, home-cooked meals. The children are encouraged to be involved in weekly menu planning. Furthermore, ‘Come dine with me’ nights have encouraged the children to try new meals and have helped to keep them occupied during the current lockdown.

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This monitoring visit

Children continue to keep in touch with important people. The staff facilitate a mixture of video calls and in some cases direct contact, in a safe and planned way. As a result, the children continue to maintain important relationships with key figures in their lives.

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This monitoring visit

The children are supported to develop a sense of community. Some have been involved in fundraising for charity, holding a cake sale. Others have participated in donating food, which they purchased with their own money, to local charities. These are good examples of the children learning to participate positively in the local community.

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This monitoring visit

The organisation’s response to COVID-19 has been thorough. Clear risk assessments are adapted in line with government advice. Staff have sought advice from Public Health England; they have personal protective equipment available, regularly clean the home and have COVID-19 tests available. These precautions help to keep the staff and children safe.

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This monitoring visit

Some changes in the staff team have occurred. The registered manager has recruited new staff and is using the opportunity to develop the staff team. Other development plans include using scenarios as part of a training exercise to ensure that the staff provide comprehensive information when sending notifications to Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

The previous requirements have been met. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC067757 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 04/03/2020 Interim Sustained effectiveness 12/08/2019 Full Good 22/10/2018 Interim Sustained effectiveness 10/04/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC067757 4

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Church Farm House, Station Road, Aldbury, Tring HP23 5RS

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Claudette Rudman

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Inspector

Sarah Olliver, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC067757 5 to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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