Children's Home run by Blackford Education (schools) Ltd in Somerset

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC485427 1 SC485427

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Blackford Education (Schools) Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private company. The statement of purpose advises that the home can accommodate a maximum of two children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The care packages usually include the provision of education at the company’s school.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been registered with Ofsted since August 2020.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was carried out because Ofsted has not visited this home since May 2019. Since the last inspection, the registered manager and the children moved into this home from a different home within the organisation. At the time of this visit, there were two children living here.

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This monitoring visit

In response to the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) lockdown restrictions, this monitoring inspection was conducted virtually. The inspector reviewed a range of records and spoke via video link with both children, professionals and families.

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This monitoring visit

Both children took part in this monitoring visit. They were exceptionally positive about the adults who care for them. Individually, the children could each identify an adult that they enjoy spending time with and why. Similarly, two social workers and a grandparent were, without exception, extremely positive about the quality of care the children receive and the positive relationships the children have developed with the team.

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This monitoring visit

The team has been successful in supporting the children to understand the COVID- 19 pandemic and what the lockdown restrictions mean for them as individuals. One child explained to the inspector about the hands, face and space rules and the second child proudly displayed the poster he had drawn in support of the NHS. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC485427 2 Children are cared for by a team of adults who are experienced and have the skills to form nurturing and respectful relationships with them. All staff have had both basic mandatory and specialist training. This training provides them with information that helps them to understand the impact of the children’s experiences and how they are to meet the children’s changing needs.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last full inspection, there have been two incidents that have required adults to hold a child to safeguard them and others from harm. Records relating to these interventions are well maintained, providing a comprehensive overview of the actions taken and why. Despite this good practice, one report details that the registered manager, who was involved in the incident, monitored and evaluated her own practice. This does not allow for independent oversight.

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This monitoring visit

Children’s educational needs are promoted and met. During the COVID-19 pandemic the care staff have creatively and successfully engaged the children in home learning. Education reports confirm that both children are consistently achieving their education targets.

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This monitoring visit

Weekly reports sent to the social workers provide information about the children’s progress. All reports are accompanied by a photograph of the child engaging in an activity that they have enjoyed during the week.

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This monitoring visit

The plan in place for one child to move from the home has been carefully thought through and managed well. As a result, time spent with his grandparents has enabled positive relationships to develop.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 14/05/2019 Full Outstanding 16/08/2018 Full Good 14/11/2017 Full Good 25/10/2016 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC485427 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

within 48 hours of the use of the measure [of control, discipline or restraint], the registered person, or a person who is authorised by the registered person to do so ("the authorised person")—

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Requirement Due date

has spoken to the user about the measure; and

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Requirement Due date

has signed the record to confirm it is accurate.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that all incidents of restraint are independently reviewed for effectiveness. 19 March 2021

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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. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC485427 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Blackford Education (Schools) Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Blackford House, Blackford, Minehead TA24 8SY

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Inspector

Sharron Escott, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC485427 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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