Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

Inspection report for children's home: 2625942 1 Registered provider: My Choice Children’s Homes Ltd Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is privately owned. It opened in May 2021. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children with social, emotional and/or mental health difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since May 2021.

p.1

Inspection date: 16 March 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 16 March 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: 2625942 2

p.1

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 in effectiveness.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection, on 17 August 2021, five requirements were made. These have all now been addressed and children are seen to be more settled and are making significant progress.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The decor and tidiness of the home are of a very good standard. The home is well maintained and comfortable. No hazards related to damage or poor maintenance were identified. Each child’s room is decorated to their own preferences, and is welcoming and reflects each child’s interests. ‘I love my room,’ one child said.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection, a requirement was raised in relation to staff providing evidence that children understood why decisions were being made on their behalf. A number of key-work sessions and debriefs after incidents were examined. Children also met with the inspector and spoke about how they feel involved in the running of the home. There is now clear evidence that children are consulted when decisions are made and they have an opportunity to voice their views about how they feel they are being treated.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two requirements, in relation to the recording of incidents of restraint and the monitoring of staff practice, have been met. Records examined showed that the use of restraint is proportionate and appropriate, and that managers review and assess these in line with regulations. Children’s views are clearly recorded and the rationale and debriefs show that strategies are reviewed after the event to see if there is a need to change practice and adjust support for the children.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Records including incident reports, restraint records, records of team meetings and the assessment of the service were looked at. These show that the registered manager is actively involved in their review to ensure that children are progressing and receiving the support and nurture that they need.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Feedback from professionals and relatives about the care and support provided are unanimously positive. One social worker commented, ‘He’s a different child now, he’s thriving. The staff have been brilliant.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One child said, ‘I’m completely different now. I go to school full time and I am much better at controlling my temper.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Interactions observed between the children and staff were warm and caring. Spontaneous acts of affection were seen, with children hugging staff and seeking their company. Children and staff show a genuine fondness towards each other. Inspection report for children's home: 2625942 3 Children continue to benefit from opportunities to take part in enriching activities in the community and some have been able to join clubs, such as Cubs. The value of education is promoted and attendance is an embedded expectation in the routine of the home. Staff are well aware that, at times, some children may struggle at school and so offer direct support if needed. This helps the children’s stability and enables them to know that members of staff will make efforts to help them succeed.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been managed well. Managers and staff have worked together to ensure that the continuity of care and support to the children has not been compromised. Children speak about how they felt safe and cared for during this time and this reflects the efforts and resilience shown by the staff team.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No requirements or recommendations have been made during this visit to the home. Inspection report for children's home: 2625942 4

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/08/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good

p.4

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.

p.4

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: 2625942 5

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider: My Choice Children’s Homes ltd

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: My Choice Children’s Homes Ltd, Unit 3a, Mill Green Business Estate, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1XQ

p.5

Inspector

Paul Taylor, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2625942 6 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.

p.5

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspector

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

p.6