Children's home run by Calcot Services for Children Limited in Wokingham

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC417250 1 SC417250

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Calcot Services for Children Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children who have complex difficulties. It is owned by a private organisation.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since January 2020.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit took place to review a rise in safeguarding notifications that were received by Ofsted towards the end of 2020. Due to the length of time since the last Ofsted visit, this visit was also an opportunity to review progress against the requirements and recommendations from the last inspection. The visit took place off site due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The home was last visited by Ofsted for a full inspection in May 2019.

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This monitoring visit

The children are at high risk of criminal and sexual exploitation. Safety measures and protocols are well developed and effective. Children’s risk-taking behaviours reduce and they make good progress in understanding the risks that they face. Children are involved in regular risk management reviews and their individual risk assessments are discussed with them openly in key-work sessions. Staff always seek input from children about their feelings about effective risk management measures.

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This monitoring visit

In 2020, the staff found it difficult to manage a child with very complex behaviours. They demonstrate high levels of reflection about the end of this child’s placement. Staff say that they learned a lot, developing a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on children’s lives. Staff also reflect on the positive impact of this experience on the strength of relationships among the team. The staff are supported effectively by the organisation to develop the skills they need to manage behaviour and to deal with the emotional impact on them of some very challenging incidents. A police officer who worked closely with the home throughout this period was highly Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC417250 2 complimentary about the quality of partnership working throughout. He said: ‘The dedication I have witnessed goes far beyond their pay grades and this is demonstrated in some very challenging children being made to feel like they have a

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This monitoring visit

Staff manage allegations effectively, making appropriate referrals to the designated officer from the local authority and Ofsted in all cases. Staff record incidents clearly. There is a good focus on identifying children’s triggers for different types of behaviour. The registered manager ensures that relevant updates to children’s risk assessments and behaviour support plans are completed in a timely way.

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This monitoring visit

All staff who are involved in incidents receive supportive debriefs which are clearly recorded. The use of restrictive practice by the staff is appropriate and reasonable in all cases.

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This monitoring visit

Placement planning is clear and comprehensive, with ambitious goal setting which ties closely into pre-referral and admissions information.

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This monitoring visit

Children have detailed missing-from-care protocols packed with relevant information for staff at the home and for external professionals, such as police and social workers. Staff maintain excellent chronologies during episodes of going missing. They demonstrate a high level of commitment to remaining in contact with missing children and ensure that children are returned to the home as safely and as quickly as possible. Staff do not rest until children are returned safely to the house. The manager records all internal return home interviews and successfully facilitates local authority return home interviews in all cases.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have worked closely within the boundaries of children’s Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards when required. They also work hard to update and amend these measures wherever possible to allow for the development of children’s independence.

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This monitoring visit

Staff speak highly of the support and training that is available to them through the organisation. The registered manager has ensured high levels of compliance with mandatory training for the whole team. There is also a strong focus on staff development through an effective appraisal system and regular upskilling activities.

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This monitoring visit

The home has made good progress against all requirements and recommendations from the previous Ofsted inspection. This has led to improvements in updating risk assessments after incidents, clear evacuation plans for children in the event of a fire, good procedures following any allegations against staff, and excellent partnership working with drug and alcohol support services. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC417250 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 09/05/2019 Full Good 22/08/2018 Full Good 29/11/2017 Full Good 08/02/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness

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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: Calcot Services for Children Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 8 Brewery Court, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 5AJ

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Aleksandra Komorowska

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Inspector

Peter Jackson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC417250 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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