Children's Home run by North Lincolnshire Council in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC472449 1 SC472449

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North Lincolnshire Council

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 run by the local authority and can provide care and accommodation for up to six children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. There are currently four children living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager was registered in September 2013.

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This monitoring visit

This home was last inspected under the social care common inspection framework in November 2019. This visit was undertaken due to the length of time that had passed since the last inspection. It was also undertaken to address specific concerns in relation to the matching of children, management of risk, safeguarding practice and staffing levels. Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the visit was undertaken remotely with systems in place to gather the information required.

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This monitoring visit

All the children have lived at this home for significant periods of time. They are settled and have formed positive relationships with staff. The majority of staff have worked at the home for a number of years. This means the children have grown up in the care of the same staff and this gives them a sense of belonging.

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This monitoring visit

Staff support the children to have positive relationships with each other. When serious incidents occur in the home, the staff and the manager take action to reduce the risk. They undertake focused work on a one-to-one basis and this has helped to re-stabilise and settle the children.

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This monitoring visit

The manager and staff understand the complex needs and individual risks associated with each child living at the home. Staff have completed online training in how to respond to and manage sexually harmful behaviour, child criminal exploitation and mental health. This gives the staff the skills to help the children make more positive Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC472449 2 choices. In addition, specialist intervention and guidance is on hand to support staff in their day-to-day care. Children also engage in therapy to help them better understand their emotions.

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This monitoring visit

There are concerns that some children have been at risk of being criminally exploited and in possession of drugs and weapons. Close working relationships with the police and the youth offending service have ensured a co-ordinated and well- managed approach that has significantly reduced these risks.

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This monitoring visit

Children’s presenting behaviour and complex needs are documented in their individualised risk assessments and are well known by staff. However, it is unclear whether identified risks are current or historic. This may impact on the type of care and support children require.

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This monitoring visit

Professional feedback provides a reassuring picture of a well-managed home with dedicated staff who really care about the children. Comments such as, ‘staff really invest in the children and want to make a difference’ and ‘the home is nurturing and like a family unit,’ are just a few examples.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been times when staff have needed to self-isolate and/or take time off due to testing positive for COVID-19. Staff and management have rallied together and, with the use of bank staff, provided cover. This means there has been very little impact on the children, and appropriate staffing ratios have been maintained.

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This monitoring visit

The requirements and recommendations raised at the last inspection were not addressed and will carry over and be assessed at the next visit. No new recommendations or requirements have been raised at this visit.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 27/11/2019 Full Good 05/02/2019 Full Good 07/02/2018 Full Good 14/12/2016 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC472449 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: North Lincolnshire Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: North Lincolnshire Council, Pittwood House, Ashby Road, SCUNTHORPE, South Humberside DN16 1AB

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Inspector

Cath Sikakana, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC472449 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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