Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Southampton

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC407790 1 SC407790

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Priory Education Services Limited

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. Its statement of purpose specifies that it will provide care and accommodation for up to five children, aged nine to 18, who have complex needs, which may include autism spectrum disorders and associated difficulties, such as learning disabilities, attachment disorder, mental health problems and troubled family relationships.

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Information about this children’s home

This home has not had a registered manager in place since June 2020.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken to follow up on the requirement set at the previous inspection and to assess how the home is being managed following a change in manager since the last inspection.

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This monitoring visit

In accordance with Ofsted guidance on COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions, this inspection was undertaken remotely. Discussions were held virtually with the responsible individual, manager, staff and children. The inspector consulted with social workers, designated officers and parents. Relevant documents were emailed to inspectors and these were considered as part of the visit.

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This monitoring visit

The previous requirement regarding the location risk assessment is met. It is updated as necessary, and staff are kept informed of any changes. Staff understand the potential risk factors for children in the local area.

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This monitoring visit

Safeguarding in the home is managed well. Children benefit from a multi-agency approach to concerns. Safeguarding practice is regularly discussed in team meetings and is a standing agenda item in supervisions. Children are educated in relation to keeping safe. This is evidenced by children’s meetings and keyworking sessions. Children make good use of these opportunities to share worries and concerns with staff Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC407790 2 A review of staff qualifications and skills has recently been completed by the manager. This evidences that staff have either gained their required level 3 qualification or are in the process of doing so.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have worked hard to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on children. The welfare of children both on site and those shielding at home is a priority. There are strong contingency plans and risk assessments in place to reduce the risks of catching and spreading COVID-19. These plans are well understood by the staff and children. Some children are living away from the home and are shielding with their families. Staff make daily telephone calls to these children and visit them regularly to ensure that they are keeping well.

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This monitoring visit

Staff and external professionals talked positively about the impact that the new manager has had on the home. Staff reported that the manager has a positive open- door culture and that they feel confident to suggest changes to the home. Staff stated that this means they feel listened to and valued.

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This monitoring visit

A child spoke positively about his experience of being cared for in the home. He said that staff were very helpful. He likes his bedroom and the food and he reported that he is very happy in the home.

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This monitoring visit

Staff communicate to children using supportive child-focused language, and this occurs both through dialogue and written letters. The manager uses praise and rewards to help the children to celebrate their successes.

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This monitoring visit

No recommendations or requirements were set at this visit.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 14/01/2020 Full Outstanding 25/07/2018 Full Good 08/01/2018 Full Good 07/03/2017 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC407790 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

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Priory Education Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Priory Group, 80 Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UD

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Inspectors

Mark Newington, Social Care Inspector Liz Driver, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC407790 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: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted

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