Children's Home run by Park Blue Homes Limited in Wiltshire

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482872 1 SC482872

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Park Blue Homes Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home provides care and accommodation for up to five children with learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties who may have suffered childhood traumas. The home is owned by a private organisation that operates another two children’s homes in the locality and a further two in the north of England.

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Information about this children’s home

A suitably qualified manager has been registered with Ofsted since September 2016.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken because Ofsted had not inspected this home since January 2020. In addition, the purpose was to review the action taken by the provider in response to the number of referrals made to the designated officer for allegations (DOFA). The requirements set at the previous inspection were also reviewed. At the time of this visit, five children were living in this home in two properties on the same site.

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This monitoring visit

This visit was undertaken remotely. The inspector reviewed records and interviewed staff, the manager and a director. Children were seen and spoken to through a video call. Consultation occurred with the DOFA. Feedback was sought from social care professionals; no safeguarding concerns were reported. One social worker is very positive about the care provided reporting that their child is extremely well cared for at the home and is confident that their child is very happy living here. The social worker says, ‘I am very, very pleased with the care. I can’t fault them’.

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This monitoring visit

Since April 2020, the manager has appropriately made seven referrals to the DOFA regarding concerns, or alleged concerns, about staff members’ practice. Leaders and managers took swift action to ensure the safety and protection of children. After full Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482872 2 investigation, three incidents led to the instigation of disciplinary procedures. Leaders and managers ensure that lessons are learned from these incidents, providing performance management and additional training for staff as required.

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This monitoring visit

The DOFA confirms that all allegations and concerns are referred to them in a timely manner. Leaders and managers maintain clear records of such incidents and seek professional advice from services specialising in human resources.

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This monitoring visit

A reflective report on a child who has moved away identifies where some aspects of his needs could not be met. This level of reflection and learning is used by leaders and managers to inform staff training and practice development.

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This monitoring visit

Requirements made at the previous inspection have now been addressed. Leaders and managers ensure that an effective selection and recruitment process safeguards children. Recruitment procedures have improved, additional checks are undertaken, and management oversight is more robust. The directors of the organisation have recognised the need for increased effective oversight and monitoring of care practices and records by developing the role of the operations team.

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This monitoring visit

Monthly reporting by an independent visitor lacks consultation with children, their families and social care professionals. The independent visitor rarely makes any recommendations. This raises questions around the level of scrutiny from the independent visitor and hinders the development of the home. The director reports that alternative arrangements are being sought.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 20/01/2020 Interim Declined in effectiveness 03/12/2019 Full Good 19/02/2019 Interim Sustained effectiveness 07/11/2018 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482872 3

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that an independent person visits the children’s home at least once each month.

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Requirement Due date

When the independent person is carrying out a visit, the registered person must help the independent person—

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Requirement Due date

if they consent, to interview in private such of the children, their parents, relatives and persons working at the home as the independent person requires; and

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Requirement Due date

to inspect the premises of the home and such of the home’s records (except for a child’s case records, unless the child and the child’s placing authority consent) as the independent person requires.

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Requirement Due date

A visit by the independent person to the home may be unannounced.

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Requirement Due date

The independent person must produce a report about a visit ("the independent person’s report") which sets out, in particular, the independent person’s opinion as to whether—

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Requirement Due date

children are effectively safeguarded; and

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Requirement Due date

the conduct of the home promotes children’s well-being.

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Requirement Due date

The independent person’s report may recommend actions that the registered person may take in relation to the home and timescales within which the registered person must consider whether or not to take those actions. (Regulation 44 (1) (2)(a)(b) (3) (4)(a)(b) (5)) 28 February 2021 Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482872 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: Park Blue Homes Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Fairfield Lodge, Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL14 9NH

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Inspector

Clare Davies, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC482872 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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