Children's home run by Hull City Council

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2569527 1

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Kingston upon Hull City Council

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is a local authority-run children’s home. It provides care and accommodation for one child who may suffer from emotional, behavioural and/or mild learning difficulties. This home registered in December 2019 and is yet to have a full inspection. There is currently one child living at the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been in post since registration and is dual registered. He shares his time equally between two homes.

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This monitoring visit

Due to the restrictions in place relating to COVID-19 (coronavirus), this visit was carried out off-site. The visit included a review of documents, a virtual tour of the building and discussions with children, staff and relevant professionals. The visit was to investigate a potential risk of harm to children arising from a possible breach of regulations identified in notifications shared with Ofsted. In addition, the home had not been inspected since registration.

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This monitoring visit

Careful planning and consultation with professionals help children to settle quickly when they first arrive at the home. In addition, children’s views, their likes and dislikes are important in this process. Children feel that they have a say in where they want to live. This goes a long way in helping children to invest in their home and feel a sense of security.

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This monitoring visit

Children have clear guidance and support from staff to help them understand what acceptable behaviour is. Children are spoken to, listened to and assisted to make more informed choices. Well-documented care plans and pathway plans focus on the children’s current needs and vulnerabilities. This means that staff are more adept at responding to presenting behaviours.

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This monitoring visit

Staff work hard to promote learning and to encourage engagement in education. Opportunities for one child to work and train at a riding school have been successful. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2569527 2 However, the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the lockdown restrictions, has since curtailed this. Staff have been creative and used this time to work on developing independence skills.

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This monitoring visit

An untimely and unpredicted end to one child’s stay at the home has caused some sadness amongst the staff team. The manager has used this opportunity well to reflect on lessons learned and to debrief staff on recent incidents. This reassured staff that their actions continued to support the child. Daily contact is maintained with the child that reinforces the positive relationships they made.

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This monitoring visit

Professional feedback is positive and supports a well-managed home where children make progress relative to their starting points. Comments such as ‘the right support was in place from the beginning’ and ‘well done, the staff have done a fantastic job’ are reassuring to hear. Equally, the monitoring visit did not find any breaches in regulations.

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This monitoring visit

The virtual tour of the home gave the impression of a clean and well-presented environment. It was lovely seeing the child take part in the virtual tour and showcase her bedroom that she had recently personalised to her taste. This demonstrated that, despite it being early days for this child, children are made to feel welcome and comfortable in their surroundings.

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This monitoring visit

As a result of staff shortages, staff from other homes cover some shifts while the recruitment and induction of new staff is taking place. The manager is mindful of this potential disruption for children and is ensuring consistency in the staff who provide cover.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

Not previously inspected Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2569527 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.

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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: Kingston upon Hull City Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Guildhall, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull HU1 2AA

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Inspector

Cath Sikakana, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2569527 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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