Norwich Road (15)

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC034480 1 SC034480

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Norfolk County Council Children’s Services

Monitoring visit Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A local authority owns and operates this home. The home provided emergency and short-term placements for up to four children for whom, at the time of admission, family, foster care or other community-based placements were not possible. Following this visit, the conditions have been varied to enable six children to stay at the home. The registered manager left in April 2021.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was undertaken following a request from the provider to vary the conditions of registration. The home has been closed since February 2021. Since this time, no children have lived at the home. The provider has requested that the three-month condition, which requires them to give Ofsted three months’ notice before placing a child, is lifted. The provider has also requested that the number of children that can be accommodated is increased to six.

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This monitoring visit

During the last three months, extensive renovations have taken place. The building works have resulted in a significant improvement to the accommodation, the garden and the exterior of the home. All areas of the home have been repainted and new windows, a new roof and additional offices have been added. The adjoining barn, which will support therapy work and children’s independence skills, has been redecorated. The heating system has been replaced and a there is a new kitchen and additional bathrooms. The entire house has been redecorated and refurbished in a contemporary and fresh style. The children’s bedrooms have been redecorated and have new furniture and fittings. The home is spacious and well appointed, with ample communal living space for the number of children. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC034480 2 The gardens, car-parking area and gates have been updated. The garden is

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This monitoring visit

landscaped to provide a contained outdoor area with all-weather surfacing to the front and a rear grass garden with outdoor play equipment.

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This monitoring visit

The statement of purpose reflects the new model of approach and the new staff team. There are some existing staff and a new manager. To support the specific model of care, there will be a multi-disciplinary outreach team working from the home. Office space has been divided to provide a base for the growing team.

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This monitoring visit

The provider intends to offer a range of flexible services that include outreach work to lessen the immediate need for residential accommodation and support children in their families and communities whenever possible.

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This monitoring visit

A new manager has been appointed. She has a wide range of experience. The new manager has applied to Ofsted to be registered.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 07/01/2020 Interim Improved effectiveness 24/06/2019 Full Good 16/10/2018 Interim Sustained effectiveness 29/08/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC034480 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to review the suitability of the home to recommence operating and to review the provider’s request to vary the home’s conditions.

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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: Norfolk County Council Children’s Services

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1 2DH

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Inspector

Deirdra Keating, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC034480 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

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

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