Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in North Yorkshire

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care for up to six children who may have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is owned and operated by a private provider.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2020.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted has paused assurance visits at this time because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. This monitoring visit was carried out in response to concerns raised through safeguarding notifications. These were regarding how staff manage children’s behaviours. Ofsted also considered the effectiveness of the registered manager’s oversight of the children’s risk assessments. The home was last inspected in October 2019.

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This monitoring visit

The monitoring visit comprised of on- and off-site inspection activities. These included face-to-face discussions with children, staff and managers and the remote review of children’s case records and other relevant documents. Ofsted did not identify any regulatory breaches or concerns as a result of this visit.

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This monitoring visit

Children are making good progress. All children currently attend school and they have continued to engage in education throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. One child said, ‘My independence skills are improving as I know how to cook now.’ Children said that they like living at the home and that they feel safe. One child said, ‘It’s like a little family here.’ As a result, children grow in confidence.

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This monitoring visit

When the actions or behaviours of some children impact negatively on other children, the staff are quick to respond. They ensure that they follow the strategies detailed in children’s support plans and use their positive relationships with children to defuse potential incidents.

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This monitoring visit

The children’s risk assessments are effective. This is because the registered manager regularly reviews and updates these documents following all significant incidents. Consequently, these reflect children’s individual needs and circumstances. The children respond positively to the strategies in place to keep them safe. As a result, risks to children’s safety continue to reduce.

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This monitoring visit

There have been occasions when some children have gone missing from the home. The staff respond by searching local areas and visiting places where children are known to go to. The registered manager works in partnership with the local police to ensure that children are quickly and safely located. As a result, incidents of children going missing from the home are reducing.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager has a good understanding of children’s individual needs. She works in partnership with external agencies, including children’s social workers, to ensure that they access the help and support that they need. Consequently, children make progress in all areas of their development.

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This monitoring visit

Staff benefit from regular supervision. This encourages them to reflect on their practice. The registered manager makes sure that staff training is up to date and that this training meets children’s needs. As a result, children work with staff that are supported in their role.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 15/10/2019 Full Outstanding 26/02/2019 Full Good 08/08/2017 Full Good 08/12/2016 Full Good

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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: Priory Education Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Fifth Floor, 80 Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UD

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Inspectors

Gemma McDonnell, Social Care Inspector Jamie Richardson, Social Care Inspector 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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