Children's home run by Nottingham City Council in Nottingham

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470928 1 SC470928

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Nottingham City Council

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This local authority run home provides care and accommodation for up to four children with learning disabilities and associated communication difficulties.

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This monitoring visit

The monitoring visit was carried out because the independent visitor’s monthly monitoring reports have noted issues in relation to staffing levels, an increase in incidents in the home and a COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. In addition, the views of children, staff and other professionals are often not set out in the independent visitor’s reports.

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This monitoring visit

This visit found that the organisation was aware of the above issues. Clear plans are already in place to address the concerns.

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This monitoring visit

Children’s care has consistently been of a high quality throughout the pandemic. The children all reported that they are happy at the home. One child told the inspector that the best things about the home are the staff and the activities.

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This monitoring visit

Staff and managers went to great lengths to provide consistent care when there was an outbreak of COVID-19 in the home. The assistant manager and two staff members moved into the home for three weeks to ensure stable care arrangements. Staff did this at a time when they knew it would pose a risk to their own health. They continued to reassure the children, despite being worried themselves. One senior manager described the staff involved as ‘heroes’. The staff are quick to point out the positive opportunities that arose from this situation. For example, getting to know the children better.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have put in a tremendous amount of effort during the pandemic. Staff who have been ill themselves continue to work at the home, despite coping with the Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470928 2 longer-term effects of the illness. They remain totally committed to the children. Staff comments include: ‘It’s amazing, I am proud to be a member of this team,’ and, ‘I have never felt such support.’

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This monitoring visit

The children, particularly those who are happier when they have a stable and predictable routine, have been impacted by the pandemic. At times, some children have become very anxious and upset because they have been unable to attend school or do the activities that they are familiar with. However, staff have minimised risks and supported children very well.

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This monitoring visit

The manager and staff are reflective and have quickly adapted their approaches when children have found it difficult to cope. The open and honest culture within the staff group has meant that staff have discussed and reflected on behaviour management techniques. As a result, behaviour management strategies are now better suited to individual children. The use of social stories and sensory prompts helps children to better understand what is happening and has reduced their anxiety.

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This monitoring visit

Social workers are pleased with the quality of care and are very complimentary about the home’s staff and managers. School staff commented positively on the very good communication between school and home. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in supporting the children and keeping them safe. Parents and carers are also complimentary about the staff’s work during this difficult period.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 20/11/2019 Full Good 19/12/2018 Full Outstanding 12/12/2017 Full Outstanding 27/03/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470928 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

Ofsted is aware of the challenges that COVID-19 (coronavirus) is currently posing to those we regulate. During this monitoring visit, the inspector took into consideration the impact of any measures being taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 by the home. Monitoring of this home was carried out remotely. There were 3 young people living in the home at the time of the monitoring visit.

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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: Nottingham City Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Nottingham City Council, Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG

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Inspector

Caroline Brailsford, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC470928 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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