Children's home run by Island Choices Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 1241939 1

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Island Choices Ltd

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and run by a private company. It provides care and accommodation for up to three children and young people who have emotional and/or behavioural needs.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since the home was registered with Ofsted in 2016.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring inspection was undertaken due to the fact that the independent visitor has not been inside the home or spoken to children directly since March 2020. Additionally, there had been some concerns regarding placement matching and damage to the property between April and June 2020. In accordance with Ofsted guidance on COVID-19 (coronavirus) restrictions, this inspection was undertaken remotely. Inspectors held telephone discussions with the deputy manager and staff. Children shared their views via video call. Social workers and parents also provided their views. Relevant documents were emailed to the inspectors, and these were considered. Inspectors also had a virtual tour of the building.

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This monitoring visit

This home was last inspected on 11 December 2019, when it was judged to be good in all areas. One requirement and one recommendation were made in relation to potential breach of confidentiality due to documents taken off the premises. In addition, there was a shortfall in relation to the need to ensure that children have access to an independent person to talk to when they have been missing from the home. These matters have been addressed and the requirement and recommendation made at the previous inspection are now met.

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This monitoring visit

Staff help children to make good progress, particularly with regard to their education. Some children have had extended periods out of education and staff have Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 1241939 2 supported children to overcome their barriers to learning. Joint working with the local authority and schools and colleges has led to children engaging as per their specified timetable. Parents were particularly pleased to see their children achieving success. In addition to formal education through school and college, staff support children in the home through virtual learning. They have set up a nail bar in a small room, with appointments for staff and children, for a child who is studying nail technology at college.

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This monitoring visit

Children appear happy in the home, and two engaged in video calls. One child was pleased to share their virtual schoolwork with inspectors. There have been no incidents of children going missing and it has not been necessary to call the police to the home since June 2020.

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This monitoring visit

The deputy manager is confident that the staff are skilled in meeting the needs of the children. She acknowledged that the challenges last year were brought about by a variety of factors, including poor matching with regard to the needs of the group of children living in the home. She felt that staff were at times overwhelmed by the continued challenges posed by the combination of children in the home at that time. In order to address this situation, senior leaders in the home have made difficult decisions, including ending the placements of two children because they recognised that they could not meet those children’s needs. The deputy manager has worked to repair relationships with a neighbour, and has worked with the police to help the community have a more positive view of the children who are living in the home.

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This monitoring visit

A virtual tour of the home showed it to be in good decorative order and maintained to a suitable standard. New flooring has been laid in some areas and staff commented that decoration is ongoing. The conversion of the garage into a gym has provided extra activities to occupy the children during the series of national lockdowns. New fencing means that children can no longer see into a neighbour’s garden from the back door, which was cited as an issue during the unsettled period last year.

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This monitoring visit

Despite the challenges that arose during the national lockdowns, children have continued to see their family members in person or through video calls. The staff have acted as contact supervisors when local authority staff have been shielding, recognising the need for children to continue to maintain their relationships with significant others. The staff have been thoughtful in their approach to ensuring that children adhere to restrictions, while making being at home as fun as possible. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 1241939 3

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 11/12/2019 Full Good 22/01/2019 Full Good 08/01/2018 Interim Sustained effectiveness 25/04/2017 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 1241939 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.

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: William Stanbridge

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Inspectors

Jennie Christopher, Social Care Inspector Skye Frain, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 1241939 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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