Children's Home run by Southern Adolescent Care Services Ltd in West Sussex

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC061795 1 SC061795

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Southern Adolescent Care Services Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is one of three children’s homes operated by the same private company. The staff look after children who have experienced loss and trauma.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since June 2016.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken to assess the strength of management arrangements and the capacity of staffing. A review was also conducted of how staff have supported the children during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and how children have been protected from identified risks. This visit also considered the standard of practice around new children moving into the home and the recommendation made at the last full inspection, on 8 October 2019.

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This monitoring visit

In accordance with Ofsted guidance on COVID-19 restrictions, this visit was undertaken remotely. The inspector held telephone and video discussions with leaders and managers, children and members of staff. A range of requested documents were considered, and a virtual tour of the home was conducted.

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This monitoring visit

The staff have remained firmly focused on the progress and well-being of the children as restrictions have changed and normal routines and activities have been disrupted during the pandemic. With the original plans for a house holiday abroad having to be cancelled, determined and committed staff made alternative arrangements for a holiday in Wales. For some children, this was their first experience of a holiday. Plans have continued successfully, with children returning to their families, and one to increased independence.

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This monitoring visit

Staff work hard to help the children to accept and understand what they experience as inconsistent and contradictory rules about having contact with their families. Most have struggled with the requirement that they attend school while not being allowed Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC061795 2 to see their families. Dealing with this lack of clarity and consistency has been particularly difficult for those children with autism.

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This monitoring visit

As children have moved on, new children have moved in. The practice around considering the needs and risks associated with these new children before they move in has remained strong. Staff are alert and responsive to risk-taking behaviours by the children and the plans to guide them in this regard are detailed and effective.

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This monitoring visit

The children have enjoyed and expressed their appreciation for the efforts by staff to provide them with fun and stimulation during the periods of lockdown and, in particular, at Christmas. Despite the hardships and challenges during this period, the children have continued to build positive memories. One child, fairly new to the home, has expressed feelings of being in a family and has written to the staff and expressed her appreciation to each for their individual support and care for her.

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This monitoring visit

A strong and experienced leadership team is sensitive to the needs of children and staff, and the staff spoken to express appreciation for the ongoing support that they receive, including through regular supervision. High levels of cohesion and team working are evident among all staff.

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This monitoring visit

The recommendation made at the last inspection, with regard to learning from significant incidents and continuous improvement, has been met. Following this monitoring visit, no requirements or recommendations are made.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 08/10/2019 Full Outstanding 01/08/2018 Full Outstanding 13/09/2017 Full Outstanding 28/03/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC061795 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: Southern Adolescent Care Services Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Room 8, Worth Corner, Turners Hill Road, Pound Hill, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 7SL

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Inspector

John Pledger, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC061795 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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