Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Bradford

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC424141 1 SC424141

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Cambian Childcare Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and operated by a private company. The children’s home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home does not have a registered manager. The previous manager’s registration was cancelled by Ofsted and it took effect on 15 January 2021.

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Information about this children’s home

A new manager has been in post since 7 December 2020. She is currently applying to register with Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the steps taken by the provider in relation to the notice restricting accommodation at this home. The notice was issued following the monitoring visit on 13 November 2020.

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This monitoring visit

A further whistle-blowing complaint has been made to Ofsted during this monitoring period. An internal provider-led investigation found no evidence to substantiate the concerns raised. However, the complaint indicated that fractions in the staff team remain. The responsible individual has spoken openly to the staff team about the concerns and the steps that will be taken to overcome them.

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This monitoring visit

The new manager is suitably experienced. She is familiar with the home, having been employed there as the deputy manager previously. The manager is supported by a newly appointed and experienced deputy manager. The leaders and managers are providing stable and consistent leadership to the staff team. Managers have high expectations of the staff and they are role modelling good practice to the staff team during shifts. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC424141 2 The managers have built positive relationships with the staff team and the children. The staff said that they find the managers to be approachable and supportive. The staff welcome the structure and new practices. The staff spoken to understand the expectations of their role to care for and safeguard the children. The staff feel that they are starting to work towards the same ethos and said that they feel confident and more involved in the children’s plans. Most of the staff have received emotional

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This monitoring visit

support to talk about any issues that may impact on their care of the children. Staff are no longer reporting a bullying culture in the home, but they do refer to personality clashes. Mediation is offered to the staff involved.

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This monitoring visit

One child has returned home to their family. The two remaining children living at the home are very settled. Social workers have said that the children want to remain at the home and raise no concerns about the children’s welfare. Recent key-work training has supported the staff in their communication with the children. Improvements in the content of the key-work records provide a clearer insight of the discussions and show the positive relationships between the staff and children.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders, managers and staff acknowledge that there is still work to do to develop the staff team and they have a clear plan to address the issues. The provider has indicated that they have no intention of rushing any future placements. They are clear that any new admissions to this home will be gradual and matched with the current children appropriately.

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This monitoring visit

The provider has not yet addressed the recommendation that was made at the last monitoring visit. This remains in place and it will be checked at the next visit.

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This monitoring visit

The provider has complied with the conditions of the notice restricting accommodation. Ofsted has now lifted the restriction of accommodation notice.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 04/02/2020 Full Good 04/09/2018 Full Good 09/01/2018 Full Good 22/03/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC424141 3

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Recommendations

 As part of the policies for protection of children, the registered person should include information about whistle-blowing, with clear procedures for how a staff member should report to an appropriate authority any concern they have about a child within the home being either at risk of, or already experiencing significant harm. The policy should reflect the principles set out in the Francis review ‘Freedom to speak up’. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 43, paragraph 9.15)

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Recommendations

In particular, the provider needs to make it explicitly clear to the staff team that the failure on the part of any staff member to report an incident of abuse, or suspected abuse, whether past or present, in relation to a child to the appropriate person is a ground on which disciplinary proceedings may be instituted.

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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: Cambian Childcare Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Susan Fitzsimmons

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Inspector

Jacqueline Malcolm, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC424141 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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