Children's Home run by West Sussex County Council in West Sussex

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC067753 1 SC067753

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West Sussex County Council

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This local authority children’s home provides care and support for a maximum of 10 children with complex needs. The home can accommodate children with both physical and learning disabilities, some of whom may display challenging behaviour. The home provides permanent placements and short breaks.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager post has been vacant since March 2021.

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This monitoring visit

This home was temporarily shut by the organisation operating it in October 2018. The closure was in relation to a review of residential services and the ability of the home’s staff to provide a consistent service in line with the home’s statement of purpose.

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This monitoring visit

This visit was carried out in order to assess whether refurbishment has improved the standard of accommodation and whether it is safe and appropriate for the children who will live at this home.

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This monitoring visit

During this visit, the inspector met with the responsible individual, the acting manager and the project manager. A tour of the premises was undertaken and a number of documents were examined.

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This monitoring visit

The refurbishment of this home has been completed to an excellent standard. The premises have been upgraded and modernised with considerable care and attention. Managers have used the skills and knowledge of various professionals, such as occupational therapists and staff from other homes, to inform the décor and refurbishment. Importantly, children who use a similar home were also invited to visit the refurbished home and to give their opinions on the quality of the accommodation. These views have been overwhelmingly positive. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC067753 2 The communal areas have been designed with the children’s needs in mind. Hoist equipment has been relocated and rooms designed so that children who are non- ambulant can access all areas of their home. For example, the refurbished kitchens have hobs and cooking equipment which can be raised or lowered. Specialist play

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This monitoring visit

equipment and baths have also been installed and commissioned. The external play area has been completely redesigned and renewed to a high standard. It now has a variety of different activities designed to provide stimulus and fun for the children.

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This monitoring visit

There are clear fire procedures in place and the fire detection equipment has been serviced and checked. The responsible individual and acting manager have a training plan in place for new staff. This will take place over a three-week period, before children are admitted to the home on an incremental basis. There is drive and determination from the managers to ensure that the staff team establishes a shared positive and caring culture, so that children will benefit from their time at this home.

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This monitoring visit

No requirements or recommendations have been made as a result of this visit.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 25/09/2017 Full Good 27/02/2017 Full Good 26/09/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 09/02/2016 Full Good Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC067753 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: West Sussex County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: West Sussex County Council, County Hall, West Street, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1RQ

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Inspector

Paul Taylor, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: SC067753 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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