Children's Home run by Barnardo’s in Redbridge

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2593095 1

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Barnardo’s

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a national charity. It is registered to provide care for up to three children who have learning disabilities. The model of care is based on the principles of social pedagogy and child and adolescent developmental psychology.

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Information about this children’s home

This home registered with Ofsted in May 2020. The manager registered at the same time.

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This monitoring visit

The inspector visited the home and spoke with children and staff members. The inspector also examined documents and received feedback from the social workers of children living at the home.

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This monitoring visit

The visit was prompted by a safeguarding notification relating to a medication error and the independent visitor’s comments regarding a lack of staff supervision. The visit was also to check on the progress of the children since moving from the organisation’s other home. Their former home had been closed temporarily for refurbishment.

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This monitoring visit

Staff are making decisions in the best interests of children. They have worked hard and effectively to provide good continuity of care to the children who transferred from the organisation’s other home. Staff also moved with the children, which gave the children a sense of familiarity. The children will now remain at this home.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers reflect on their practice and demonstrate a willingness to learn from incidents. The medication error was identified and managed in a prompt and effective manner. No harm was caused to the child, and investigative action centres on supportively improving practice.

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This monitoring visit

Although there have been some improvements, medication records do not always help staff to understand children’s needs. One child’s medication profile did not Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2593095 2 outline why their medication was prescribed. On one occasion, staff had not recorded why ‘as required’ medication was given.

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This monitoring visit

The two most recent monthly reports from the independent visitor highlighted issues with staff supervision. There is a clear system for supervision, and dates have been scheduled to ensure that staff benefit from regular support. However, the date of the signature on one supervision record did not correspond with the supervision date. The registered manager confirmed that this was inaccurate.

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This monitoring visit

Children are happy and comfortable in their home. They expressed their satisfaction with their care, both verbally and non-verbally. Staff have a thoughtful and nurturing understanding of each child’s needs. A social worker stated, ‘I can only really commend the team for their commitment during the very real challenges of lockdown.’

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This monitoring visit

In summary, children are well cared for and there are no current safeguarding concerns. There is a need to further improve medication arrangements and supervision records. Social workers praised the care given during the ongoing pandemic, especially helping children to keep in touch with their families.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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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 make arrangements for the handling, recording and safe administration of medicines received into the children’s home.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that— medicine which is prescribed for a child is administered as prescribed. (Regulation 23 (1) (2)(b)) 1 March 2021 Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2593095 3 This specifically relates to ensuring medication records include the reason why the medication is prescribed and the reason for administering PRN ‘as required’ medication is written down.

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that supervision is being delivered in line with regulation 33(4)(b). In particular, the supervisor’s signature should be accurately dated. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.3)

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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 following its registration in 2020.

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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: Barnardo’s, Tanners Lane, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG6 1QG

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Inspector

Sharon Payne, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2593095 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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