Children's home run by Care Afloat Ltd in West Lancashire

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC005751 1 SC005751

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Care Afloat Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private provider operates the home. The home is a solo placement for young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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This monitoring visit

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

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This monitoring visit

This home provides care and accommodation for one young person. Young people who live at this home present as at high risk of criminal exploitation. The registered manager emphasises the need to build mutually trusting relationships to ensure positive outcomes. The manager and his team build secure and nurturing relationships with young people.

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This monitoring visit

There have been two major safeguarding incidents in the home since April 2020. One incident led to a young person going missing from the home, resulting in a significant incident. This led to the young person being hospitalised. The manager provided a detailed chronology and updated risk management plan. Appropriate liaison with all key professionals was evident. Emergency multi-agency meetings were held and there was professional recognition that the home provided a good standard of care during the young person’s stay. This young person moved to secure accommodation.

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This monitoring visit

Another incident led to a young person going missing from the home and engaging in criminal activity. The young person was able to contact the home. Through co- ordination with the local and national police, the young person was able to safely Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC005751 2 return to the home. The placing authority is confident that despite this unfortunate incident, the young person is settled and happy. There is good communication between the home and the placing authority. The quality of care provided by the staff is good. The young person told the inspector that he was happy and enjoyed living at the home.

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This monitoring visit

Detailed key-worker sessions, in a range of subjects, help young people to understand their behaviours through discussion. Action plans to support the discussions may help to initiate change. Action plans help to evidence the effectiveness of the sessions. Staff are currently supporting the young person with independence skills.

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This monitoring visit

Risk management plans and behaviour support plans are detailed. The manager has included current research to provide clear evidence and understanding of risks. This helps staff to understand risks and behaviours in more detail.

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This monitoring visit

All health needs and health assessments are updated. The documents form the basis of a healthcare plan. The young person is registered with all primary care services. Staff support the young person to seek medical attention when required.

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This monitoring visit

Education provision is provided within the organisation. However, the young person has had sporadic attendance. Historically, the young person has missed significant periods of education. This has had an impact on his confidence and self-esteem. Attempts have been made to engage the young person in various learning opportunities. Focusing on emotional resilience and personal attainment helps the young person to feel inspired to achieve. Currently, the young person is not engaged in any education or training. Transition to independence and lack of routine may lead to boredom and subsequently criminal activity in the future. To improve practice, a recommendation has been made.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager is overseeing two homes within the organisation. Both of these homes provide solo provision. Due to the pandemic, to minimise cross- infection, the manager has not routinely visited this home. Staff report that they are fully supported, and the registered manager is in regular and daily contact with the home. The deputy manager is available on shift to support staff and the young person. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC005751 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 21/08/2019 Full Good 24/04/2018 Full Good 11/10/2017 Full Good 20/12/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC005751 4

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Recommendation

 Children should be in full-time education whilst they are of compulsory school age, unless their personal education plan contained within the care plan or other relevant plan states otherwise. (‘Guide to the children's home regulations including the standards’, page 28, paragraph 5.14)

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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: Care Afloat Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 158-160 Birkrig, Digmoor Parade, Skelmersdale WN8 9HP

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Michael Fletcher

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Inspector

Kamal Bhamra, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC005751 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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