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

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2526004 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. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six children or young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager of this home registered in April 2019. Five young people were living at the home at the time of this visit.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to establish whether there has been any serious and/or widespread safeguarding concerns following recent notifications to Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

This visit was completed off site through face-to-face virtual meetings. The inspector was able to speak with the registered manager, staff and young people via video link. All requested documents were sent promptly via email.

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This monitoring visit

The manager recognises that the presenting pandemic has been a challenging time. Some young people have struggled with their emotional well-being and there has been an increase in challenging behaviour. Rewards for good behaviour, and enjoyable activities, have been difficult to implement due to the restriction of lockdown. That said, staff have continued to raise morale and support young people as much as possible.

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This monitoring visit

Young people say that staff really care about them and are approachable. Young people reported that they have clean and tidy living spaces. Young people feel a sense of pride and know that their aspirations to do well are genuinely supported. Young people build supportive and trusting relationships with staff. One young person scored her experience of living at the home as ‘10 out of 10’. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2526004 2 All young people attend education provision. Due to the pandemic, education has been disrupted. Some young people have found online teaching quite difficult as their motivation and interest have wavered. However, for continuity, staff support young people with educational worksheets to maintain enthusiasm for learning. Young people have clear educational goals for when they leave school. One young person aspires to join the army, another is hoping for an apprenticeship. Work

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This monitoring visit

experience has been halted due to the pandemic.

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This monitoring visit

Risk assessments are detailed and clear. Missing-from-care incidents have significantly decreased for some young people as they invest in positive experiences at the home. All missing-from-care incidents are clearly documented. Senior managers attend multi-agency strategy and/or care planning meetings that set out clear action plans and/or objectives that help minimise risk. The wishes and feelings of young people are clearly factored into risk management plans. The manager is prepared to take risks and trusts young people to make responsible, age-appropriate decisions.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager continues to grow in confidence in his role. His enthusiasm, passion and commitment to improve outcomes for young people are clearly demonstrated in his practice. The manager is persistent and hands-on. He is focused on building positive relationships with young people. The manager vigorously challenges the placing authority for decisions that are in the best interest of young people.

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This monitoring visit

Social workers report very good communication and receive regular updates. Staff refer young people to key agencies for additional support. Staff have positive relationships with professional agencies and the local area police.

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This monitoring visit

The strength of this home is good leadership and management exercised by the manager and his deputy. The core foundations of the home are rooted in child- centred practice.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 20/11/2019 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2526004 3

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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: 2526004 4 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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