Children's Home run by Island Choices Ltd in Isle of Wight

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC399866 1 SC399866

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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

The home is one of two operated by a private company. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager was registered with Ofsted in August 2009.

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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. 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 calls. Social workers 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 13 November 2019, where it was judged to be good overall and outstanding in leadership and management. One requirement was made in relation to seeking children’s views, and one recommendation was made for the home to have a suitable policy for the use of closed-circuit television. These were deemed to be met at this monitoring inspection.

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This monitoring visit

Staff foster good working relationships with placing authorities and partner agencies. The staff are child focused and advocate well to ensure that children’s needs are met by the services involved in their care. Strong partnership-working with the police has supported children who have been at risk of being harmed by others in the community. Joint working with safeguarding professionals in the local authority is effective and they promptly carry out any agreed actions in response to safeguarding concerns. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC399866 2 Two children have been staying with their families for an extended period during the lockdowns periods. The staff have remained in contact with these children. There has been a delay in confirming the future placement plans for these children, and staff do not have the formal minutes from the planning meetings that have taken place in recent months.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders make contact with the placing authority when they have concerns or require more information about children’s needs or placements. When professionals do not respond within an acceptable timescale, leaders follow up and escalate their concerns to senior staff in the placing authority.

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This monitoring visit

Children’s wishes and feelings are actively considered by staff. Children have a wide range of opportunities to express their views. Children feel comfortable about sharing their views in individual sessions with staff. However, there is no clear record of how their views are responded to. This means that children have no clear way of knowing whether they are being heard and listened to by staff.

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This monitoring visit

Children are protected from avoidable risks through regular maintenance of the home. The property has suffered from a significant damp issue, which has been remedied. The child whose bedroom was affected was positive about the new decor in her room, and confirmed that there were not any residual smells or issues as a result of the damp. The general appearance of the home is bright, with any damage being repaired swiftly.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 13/11/2019 Full Good 31/10/2018 Full Good 05/10/2017 Full Good 02/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: SC399866 3

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Recommendations

 The registered person must ensure that children are consulted regularly on their views about their care. They must also ensure that children are able to see the results of their views being listened to and acted upon. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 22 paragraph 4.11)

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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: SC399866 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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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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