Children's Home run by Witherslack Group Limited in Wakefield

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2494551 1

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Witherslack Group Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This is a privately owned children’s home that is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven children and/or young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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This monitoring visit

The home was last inspected in May 2019.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was conducted remotely with a view to exploring the safeguarding practice at the home.

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This monitoring visit

Children benefit from being cared for by a consistent team of staff, who provide them with structured routines and boundaries. Staff help the children to develop and achieve by providing them with consistent day-to-day care and support.

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This monitoring visit

Children have developed positive relationships with the staff. This makes it easier for the children to speak with staff about their worries, and to feel comfortable about sharing their wishes and feelings. Individual sessions support children to understand matters that impact on their lives. One young person said, ‘Staff support me. I feel happy and safe.’ Another young person said, ‘Staff really care.’

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This monitoring visit

Comprehensive risk assessments and support plans provide the staff team with strategies for reducing and managing the risks to the children’s safety.

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This monitoring visit

When children go missing from the home, the staff refer to and understand the individual missing-from-care protocols. The staff attempt to locate children and work with partner agencies. Children are supported to return safely.

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This monitoring visit

If the manager has concerns about staff practice, he shares these appropriately with the local authority safeguarding team in order to obtain advice and direction. When Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2494551 2 safeguarding concerns are identified the manager takes appropriate action in line with the home’s disciplinary procedures.

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This monitoring visit

Effective assurance and monitoring systems provide the manager with oversight of the home. Areas for development are addressed with the staff in team meetings and individual supervision. This helps the staff to reflect on their practice and how to improve their responses to children.

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This monitoring visit

Regular training builds on the staff team’s existing knowledge and skills. Staff are confident in their understanding of safeguarding and medication procedures.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has effective partnerships with professionals. This ensures that a consistent approach is used by everyone who is involved in when caring for and safeguarding the children. One professional said, ‘They are on the ball and put the children first.’

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This monitoring visit

Independent visits have taken place on site during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means there is additional scrutiny of the home’s care practice. The reports also provide the regulator with an overview of how the provider is meeting children’s needs.

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This monitoring visit

There were no breaches of regulations found at this monitoring visit.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 27/11/2019 Interim Sustained effectiveness 01/05/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2494551 3

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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: Witherslack Group Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Lupton Tower, Lupton, Carnforth LA6 2PR

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Inspector

Sue Hatton, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2494551 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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