Children's home run by Searchlight Care Services Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1249034 1

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Searchlight Care Services Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is operated by a private company. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for one child who has had adverse childhood experiences.

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Information about this children’s home

The current manager has been registered with Ofsted since December 2018 and holds a level 5 qualification in leadership and management.

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This monitoring visit

The home was last inspected in July 2019. This visit was carried out to enable the regulator to obtain an up-to-date assessment of children’s lived experience at the home. Since the previous visit, two children have left the home. At the time of this visit, there was one child living at the home.

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This monitoring visit

This visit did not take place on site. Instead, the inspector gathered evidence in several different ways, including talking to the manager, one child and a member of staff. The manager also provided electronic documents for the inspector to review.

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This monitoring visit

The child has settled in quickly and has developed good relationships with the staff.

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This monitoring visit

Staff support children to maintain safe relationships with their families. This support has continued during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, using telephone calls and computer technology. This ensures that children continue to build relationships and attachments with those significant to them.

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This monitoring visit

Children are encouraged to take part in positive activities both in and out of the home. These have been a focus for staff during the period of social restriction due to COVID-19. These help staff to develop the children’s interests.

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This monitoring visit

Staff help children to understand the complaints procedure and encourage them to voice any concerns that arise. When children do complain, staff take Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1249034 2 their complaints seriously and act promptly to consider and address any issues raised. This helps children to feel confident that they can rely on the staff caring for them to act in their best interests.

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This monitoring visit

Staff understand the risks associated with children’s behaviours and act appropriately when concerns increase. Risk assessments are reviewed and provide guidance and strategies to help staff understand how to keep children safe.

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This monitoring visit

The need for physical intervention has been minimal, and only used in circumstances to protect against any harm coming to children and to others. The manager uses evaluation and debrief to support staff and uses this learning to inform future practice.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager is clear about the strengths and weaknesses of the home. She is committed to ensuring that the staff team delivers good-quality care to children.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have all completed mandatory training which is kept up to date. Staff have also completed specialised training to support children with their presenting needs. This helps to ensure that staff are developing their practice and are equipped to meet the needs of the child in their care.

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This monitoring visit

The manager and staff have formed positive relationships with a range of agencies, including the police, teachers and health professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that the diverse needs of children are fully met.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 17/07/2019 Full Good 19/03/2019 Interim Sustained effectiveness 09/01/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good 29/01/2018 Interim Not judged Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1249034 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: Searchlight Care Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Marcus House, Parkhall Road, Longton, Stoke on Trent ST3 5XA

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Inspector

Dave Carrigan, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 1249034 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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