Children's home run by Acorn Homes (UK) Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2588753 1

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Acorn Homes (UK) Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to six children, aged between seven and 16 years old, who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is run by a private organisation that operates a number of registered children’s homes.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since 6 July 2020.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit took place to review safeguarding notifications received in recent months. There is a current internal investigation into an allegation against a member of staff. Safeguarding notifications also identified the need to explore risk and behaviour management practice by staff in the home. The visit took place off site due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions. The home has not had any Ofsted visits since registration in July 2020.

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This monitoring visit

A child made a serious allegation against a member of staff. In response, the registered manager did not follow the provider organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedure. As a result of this failing, oversight from relevant external agencies was significantly delayed. No notification of a serious event was made to Ofsted. This hinders the regulator’s ability to oversee safeguarding practice and evaluate actions taken to protect children.

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This monitoring visit

In addition to reviewing safeguarding practice, the inspection looked at areas of practice including risk management, behaviour management, staff training and progress of children. This is a new home with a relatively inexperienced team. Staff spoke about the challenges they faced in December 2020, with two children who were acting in a disruptive and challenging manner. Staff demonstrated a committed Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2588753 2 and diligent approach to managing the behaviour of children. Behaviour management plans and risk assessments are clear and coherent.

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This monitoring visit

Staff say that the challenges of last year have been highly developmental for the team. They feel more confident and this is reflected in a settled period for the home.

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This monitoring visit

Children are complimentary about the staff support they receive. Children are making good progress in education. Staff also evidenced a reduction in negative behaviours. They highlighted how good it was to hear the children pick each other up on the use of inappropriate language and demonstrating respectful relationships with staff.

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This monitoring visit

There are some major changes in leadership under way with the current registered manager leaving and a new manager coming to the home. However, staff show signs of optimism and confidence in the new leadership plans.

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Recent inspection history

Not previously inspected. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2588753 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

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

that staff have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

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Requirement Due date

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

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Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare;

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Requirement Due date

are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii))

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Requirement Due date

This relates to taking effective and prompt action when an allegation of abuse towards a child is reported, following both internal policy and regulatory guidance at all times. 31 March 2021

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there.

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to reporting allegations of abuse to all relevant external agencies, including HCMI, as soon as an allegation is made about a member of staff. 31 March 2021 Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2588753 4

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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: Acorn Homes (UK) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 424 Margate Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT12 6SJ

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Jacqueline Walker-Smith

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Inspector

Peter Jackson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2588753 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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