Children's Home run by Keys Child Care Limited in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2596476 1 Registered provider: Keys Child Care Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for up to four children aged between 10 and 18. The home specialises in providing therapeutic care for children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in February 2021.

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Inspection date: 9 February 2022

Date of last inspection: 6 September 2021

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Inspection date: 9 February 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 9 February 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2596476 2

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement to be good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judged that it has improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has met the seven requirements and two recommendations set at the last inspection. Improvements have been made in care planning and managing risks for children. The staff understand the model of care and how to help children make emotional progress from past trauma.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are three children living at the home. Since the last inspection, two children have moved in. As part of the planning, the manager assessed the children’s needs. The assessments are detailed and balance risks, and the interests that the children share. One child had lived at the home by himself for a significant time before the other two children moved in. The manager spent time with him and listened to any concerns that he had about the changes. Moving-in plans included children getting to know each other. This has resulted in a settled group of children living together who share similar interests.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has made improvements to the children’s care plans and risk assessments. Children’s plans are updated after incidents. Staff work with the home’s therapy team to discuss incidents and how to help children. Plans are reviewed to detail the responses that staff should use. Children receive help from staff who provide a consistent therapeutic approach.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has provided staff with training in the home’s model of care. Staff understand how to support children who have experienced complex trauma. One child said, ‘The staff help me, and that makes me feel good.’ Well-detailed plans guide staff on how to respond to stages of crisis. When children are worried, they are helped by staff who know them and what they need.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has been effective in challenging other professionals to ensure that children access suitable education. One child attends full-time education, and his attendance is good. Two children are tutored at the home and follow part-time learning plans. The manager has been consistent in communicating with the virtual school headteacher and children’s social workers to find more suitable educational provision. Because of this, full-time education placements have been identified for both children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has effective monitoring systems to improve care for children. Incident records are reviewed promptly. The manager evaluates her findings and adapts practice as needed. The manager focuses her audits on specific topics each month. This ensures that she oversees a broad range of activity, which enables her to address any practice issues. Inspection report for children’s home: 2596476 3 There has been one restraint, which was proportionate and justified, since the last inspection. Staff have a good understanding of the triggers for children’s behaviour. This helps them to manage risks effectively and keep children safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children enjoy a range of different activities at the home and in the community. Staff help children to follow their hobbies and interests by taking them to clubs. One child goes to football matches every weekend. Another child attends mixed martial arts clubs. The other child goes to dance classes. Staff encourage children to engage in activities that develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff help children to maintain relationships with their families and friends. Children are encouraged to bring their friends home. Staff take children to their friends’ birthday parties. This helps the children to build attachments and to feel valued and part of their community.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children benefit from regular discussions with staff. Children use this time to talk about their feelings and plan for their care. Staff use the sessions to implement therapeutic approaches which help children to understand their past experiences.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff consult children about their care. Staff organise weekly meetings for children to attend. A wide range of topics are discussed, and the staff take time to explore children’s wishes and feelings. One child organised her own meeting to talk with staff and children about an important event in her life. The staff make written records of these meetings. However, the records are not in a child-friendly format and are difficult to read.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and staff have continued to provide stability and routine for children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspection report for children’s home: 2596476 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

06/09/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home: 2596476 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record-keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording. In particular, ensure that legible records of children’s meetings are accessible to staff and children. (‘Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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Information about this inspection

This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. Inspection report for children’s home: 2596476 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Keys Child Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Maybrook House, Second Floor Queensway, Halesowen B63 4AH

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Inspector

Mandy Start, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2596476 7 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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