Children's home run by Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited in Thanet

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC023736 1 SC023736

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Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited

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 run by a private organisation. According to the statement of purpose, the home provides care and accommodation for up to three children who have experienced some form of loss, neglect, trauma or rejection.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has been without a registered manager since 16 March 2020.

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This monitoring visit

The home was judged as good at the full inspection on 9 October 2019. This monitoring visit took place virtually due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions. The visit was conducted because of the length of time since the last inspection, and because of repeat recommendations made in the independent visitor’s monthly review reports. The concerns relate to shortfalls in the manager’s record-keeping and completion of management tasks that the provider requires.

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This monitoring visit

This visit focused on how the provider has addressed the recommendations made at the previous inspection.

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This monitoring visit

This home has a manager in post who is in the process of applying to be registered with Ofsted. Staff said the changes that have been brought in by the new manager are having a positive impact on the home. Staff reported feeling well led and having clarity about what they are aspiring to achieve as a team. Due to COVID-19, the manager has spent more time working directly with the children than would be usual. However, the area manager is confident that the manager has retained strong management oversight of the running of the home and has ensured a focus on providing high-quality care to the children.

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This monitoring visit

The manager is developing a reflective culture where learning is encouraged. Staff said that they feel well supported by the manager and receive regular formal and informal supervision. Record-keeping in the home has improved and this helps the Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC023736 2 staff to draw on agreed strategies to provide a consistent approach with the children.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, the home has continued to improve the quality of décor in the home. The children’s bedrooms have all been redecorated, reflecting their individual interests and tastes. The extra touches that have been provided, such as sensory items, have helped the children to feel more comfortable.

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This monitoring visit

Maintenance of the home is ongoing but some plans, such as the refurbishment of the games room, have been delayed because of current COVID-19 restrictions. Nevertheless, any significant damage to the home, or issues relating to health and safety, are rectified without delay.

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This monitoring visit

Team meeting minutes are reflective of a collaborative and open staff group that is focused on the needs of the children. However, the staff do not routinely consider different safeguarding scenarios, and the desired responses to these, during staff team meetings. This means that the staff may not always be encouraged, or tested, to further develop their skills and knowledge.

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This monitoring visit

There have been some incidents of racist language directed at the staff. This has been tackled by the manager and there has been a strong focus on teaching the children about the negative impact of racism. The manager and the staff promote an inclusive culture in the home, and children are cared for by a diverse staff team. This helps the children to explore their identity and to maintain a sense of their own cultures and family origins.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has instigated practical strategies to help the staff to promote diversity, for example, by seeking extra training, and by ensuring visual representation of black and minority children in books and other media in the home. The manager and the team recognise that this will help to shape the children’s experiences and build on their knowledge of the world around them.

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This monitoring visit

Considerable endeavours are made by the leaders and the staff to help the children to progress. However, the staff have struggled to meet one child’s mental health needs. Leaders and the manager have taken steps, in partnership with the child’s placing authority, to prevent further delay in the child accessing the help that is needed.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 08/10/2019 Full Good 21/08/2018 Full Good 31/01/2017 Interim Declined in effectiveness 26/07/2016 Full Good Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC023736 3

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the staff hold the knowledge and skills to recognise and be alert for any signs that might indicate a child is in any way at risk of harm. In particular, ensure that all opportunities are used to explore and develop the staff’s knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and the expected responses to concerns. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 43, paragraph 9.12)

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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: Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited, 17 Leigh Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT12 5EU

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Leslie Davenport

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Inspectors

Anne-Marie Davies, Social Care Inspector Skye Frain, Social Care Inspector (shadow) Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC023736 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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