Children's Home run by Homes for Support in Cheshire East

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2540073 1

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Homes for Support Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private company owns this home, which is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children or young people who may be experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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This monitoring visit

This home was registered in October 2019 and has not been inspected. This visit took place to ensure that the home had maintained the standard set at registration. The number of notifications received is low, and the visit took place to ensure that incidents were being notified in accordance with regulation. There have been no serious safeguarding concerns or failures in the protection of children. There are no requirements or recommendations from this monitoring visit.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the current national lockdown restrictions in place as a result of the COVID- 19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the visit was conducted as a virtual visit. The provider shared information electronically with the inspector, who had a video-tour of the home to see the living conditions in the home. Young people spoke to the inspector via a video link.

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This monitoring visit

The home’s presentation and furnishings are of a good standard. The manager reported that to minimise the risk of any young person or staff becoming infected with COVID-19, the home is cleaned three times a day, one of which is a deep clean. Young people are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms.

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This monitoring visit

Transitions into and out of the home are generally planned. One young person has successfully transitioned back to the care of his family. Before moving to the home, one young person had several visits over a period of a few weeks to help build Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2540073 2 relationships with staff. The manager reluctantly served notice on one placement due to extreme displays of challenging behaviour that were thought to have occurred as a result of significant trauma.

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This monitoring visit

Young people reported that they were feeling happy and supported. One young person told the inspector, ‘Staff are active and amazing. They get things done. Staff are really helpful.’ Young people said they could talk to staff if they were worried or concerned about something. For one young person, missing episodes have decreased as she has strengthened her relationships with staff and now feels part of the home.

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This monitoring visit

A social worker reported that communication between the home and the placing authority is excellent. She expressed confidence in the quality of care and support provided by staff. The social worker said that she has seen a noticeable and positive change in one young person since they have lived at the home.

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This monitoring visit

Risk management plans are detailed and clearly outline how risk is managed, and behaviour management plans are clear. Key-work sessions are detailed and include action plans. Staff cover a wide range of subject areas to help young people understand their own actions and take responsibility for their behaviours.

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This monitoring visit

Physical restraints and incidents are recorded in detail. Staff use a range of de- escalation techniques to prevent behaviours from spiralling. Physical interventions are used as a last resort, and only in extreme situations, to prevent injury to young people and staff. Incidents were appropriately notified to Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

All young people have access to education. There has been disruption to learning due to COVID-19. Some young people have struggled with online teaching resources. Staff support and encourage all young people with worksheets provided by school. One young person has a college placement in September to start their A levels.

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This monitoring visit

Young people are supported with all health appointments. When necessary, staff refer young people to specialist services that can provide additional advice and support for young people. One example is the local substance-misuse service. Young people are supported to attend therapeutic services to help with their mental health and emotional well-being.

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This monitoring visit

The manager receives regular supervision. The manager is insightful and has had the opportunity to reflect on his own practice and that of the staff team. After a turbulent start, the home is now in a settled phase. The manager feels that this is largely down to the increase in confidence, skills and experience of his team. If required, additional training is offered to staff to increase their understanding of any issues that directly affect the young people they care for. For example, advanced mental health training has been provided to support a young person who has Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2540073 3 presented with suicidal thoughts. Staff have an opportunity to be debriefed after difficult incidents.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

The home has not been inspected. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2540073 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: Homes for Support Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 1st Floor, Cloister House Riverside, New Bailey Street, Manchester M3 5FS

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Inspector

Kamal Bhamra, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2540073 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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