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

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2592242 1 Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home was registered on 18 September 2020 and has not been inspected yet. The manager was registered at the same time as the home was registered.

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Information about this children’s home

This home is part of a large national organisation. It is registered to care for up to three children with emotional and/or behavioural needs.

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This monitoring visit

A monitoring visit was carried out as this is a newly registered home that has not been inspected yet. The inspector visited the home to talk to children and staff, and to view the property and gardens. Off site, documentation was examined and conversations took place with a parent, managers and external professionals.

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This monitoring visit

All three children currently living in the home have made very good progress as a result of the care and support given by the manager and staff. Children have trusting relationships with the staff and benefit from the positive routines and clear expectations that the team has introduced.

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This monitoring visit

Particular attention was given to introducing the children to their new home before they moved in. The team involved families during this process and children made visits to the home and the local area and met with staff at their own pace. This careful planning made for a very positive start for all the children, which was emphasised by professionals spoken to. While the compatibility of the children living together is not a concern, it is recommended that the manager has more discussions with all the children’s social workers prior to children moving in.

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This monitoring visit

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has had an impact on the children as they cannot access all the usual activities available. However, the team has worked hard to overcome this by taking the children out as much as possible. Furthermore, the Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2592242 2 home is a cosy but spacious environment, with much outdoor space that the children use. The manager has set up a games room in the home’s adjacent building, which includes a table-tennis table and other games. Some children have guinea pigs and a hamster to look after.

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This monitoring visit

Recently, the home has seen a slight increase in incidents, as the children get used to living together as a group of three. A particular strength of the home is the management oversight and review of incidents, which are recorded well and with a focus on getting things right for children. Staff are debriefed effectively and the manager and staff have meaningful conversations with the children.

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This monitoring visit

Staff are positive and enthusiastic and enjoy caring for the children. They are skilled in looking after children with complex needs and they have received the necessary training. A recommendation is made that managers view the full employment record and reference checks held by an employment agency for the one agency worker who works in the home.

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This monitoring visit

Feedback from social workers and a parent was excellent without exception; they are delighted about the care children are receiving and how staff are skilled in helping children to experience less anxiety and to show positive behaviours. Multi- agency working has been very effective and all the children attend school full time. This is a significant achievement for two children, who had previously stopped attending school.

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This monitoring visit

The manager’s written report, which reviews the quality of care given, does not include children’s and stakeholders’ views, and therefore does not demonstrate how these views shape the development of the home. Therefore, a requirement is made to address this gap.

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Recent inspection history

Not yet inspected Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2592242 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

In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating—

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Requirement Due date

the feedback and opinions of children about the children’s home, its facilities and the quality of care they receive in it.

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Requirement Due date

The system referred to in paragraph (2) must provide for ascertaining and considering the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff. (Regulation 45 (2)(b) (5)) 25 June 2021

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Recommendations

 The registered person’s use of external agency staff can be a positive choice to complement the skills and experiences of the permanent workforce. Any external agency staff should meet the requirements in regulation 32(4) regarding mandatory qualifications and the registered person should consider their skills, qualifications and any induction necessary before they commence work in the home. In particular, the manager should satisfy himself that the agency has the full employment history and reference checks of agency staff by viewing this information. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 54, paragraph 10.16)  The registered person should fully consider the impact that the placement will have on the existing group of children. In particular, ensure that conversations are had with all the social workers involved. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 56, paragraph 11.4)

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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. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2592242 4

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Inspector

Sarah Canto, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2592242 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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