Children's Home run by Benecare Limited in Kent

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC357981 1 SC357981

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Benecare Limited

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private company owns the home. It is one of several homes run by the same organisation. The statement of purpose specifies that it will provide care and accommodation for up to four children, aged between eight and 18, who have experienced multiple rejections and can display challenging behaviours.

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This monitoring visit

This home was last inspected on 9 July 2019 and was judged to be good. A monitoring visit was carried out on 22 July 2020 and no requirements or recommendations were made at that time.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken to assess how the home is being managed after a change in manager.

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This monitoring visit

In accordance with Ofsted guidance on COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions, this inspection was undertaken remotely. The inspector held telephone and video discussions with the responsible individual, acting manager, deputy manager and staff. Social workers and external professionals provided their views via email and telephone calls. Children also had telephone conversations with the inspector to share their experiences of living at this home. Relevant documents were emailed to the inspector and these were also considered.

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This monitoring visit

The established registered manager left the home in November 2020. The acting manager is in the process of applying to Ofsted to become the registered manager.

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This monitoring visit

The process of transition for the current acting manager was carefully thought through and planned and took place over several months. The previous registered manager ensured that there was a succession plan, which has ensured continuity of care and consistent support for both children and staff. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC357981 2 Children are unanimously positive about their experience of living in this home. ‘It’s like a normal house, happy vibes,’ and, ‘It’s fun living here,’ are two comments made by children. The children have developed trusting relationships with members of staff and, as a result, feel safe, valued and listened to. The stability and care provided by staff have meant that the children have made significant progress from their starting points.

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This monitoring visit

Feedback from social workers is also very positive. A social worker for a child living at this home reported, ‘He is blossoming and thriving. He has gone beyond our expectations.’

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This monitoring visit

The acting manager knows who to inform and what to do if he has any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare. Safeguarding concerns are shared promptly with relevant professionals and plans put in place to ensure that the children are safe.

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This monitoring visit

On one occasion, the acting manager did not inform Ofsted of a serious concern, although he had reported it to other agencies. While this is a deficit in meeting the regulations, it has not had an impact on the safety of the child. However, this shortfall meant that Ofsted could not review or assess in a timely manner the effectiveness of any actions taken. A requirement is made for this to be addressed.

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This monitoring visit

The staff and manager have ensured that children have been able to remain in contact their families during COVID-19 restrictions. They have also supported the children to keep busy and take part in activities such as walks, exercise and group games. Continuity of education has been successfully supported and promoted. The staff team has worked well together and shown commitment to make sure that restrictions on the children have not had a demoralising or negative impact.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 09/07/2019 Full Good 11/12/2018 Full Good 20/10/2016 Full Good 12/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC357981 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 registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

there is any incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(a)(b)(c)(d)(i)(ii)(e))

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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 address: The Thatch Vine Farm, Stockers Hill, Boughton- under-Blean, Faversham, Kent ME13 9AB

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Inspector

Paul Taylor, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC357981 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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