Children's home run by Benecare Limited in Sevenoaks

Inspection report for children’s home: 1225887 1 Registered provider: Benecare 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 two children aged eight to 18 years, who have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There has been no registered manager since 30 June 2019.

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Inspection date: 28 March 2022

Date of last inspection: 16 November 2021

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Inspection date: 28 March 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 28 March 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1225887 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 judges that it has improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The one child living at the home is experiencing well-planned care from staff who are attentive and familiar with the child’s needs. As a result, the child is making good progress. The child’s social worker is very complimentary about how the child is learning to manage their emotions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The planning for the child moving in was careful and thorough. The staff were involved in this process. This has resulted in the child settling quickly. Plans are current, clear and fit with the plans of the placing authority. The child’s current areas of vulnerability have been identified and strategies to guide the staff to address these are clear.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has completed a thorough and clear matching assessment of the child moving into the home. This process identified staff training needs which have been completed by most of the staff. However, there are some shortfalls in recording of the process that led to staff training and matching against the location of the premises.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Regular team meetings, supervision and a monthly reflective space provide staff space to discuss the child’s needs and risk management. Staff spoke confidently about the training and support they receive. One staff member said, ‘it is so much better and done differently than before’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is receiving regular support and supervision. There is a clear induction process that has been completed and demonstrates the guidance from the responsible individual. The manager also has the support of peers as well as the employment of an area manager to provide additional senior management oversight.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Recruitment records have been updated. The new and improved recording system supports a clear evidence trail of the manager’s oversight of safer recruitment. There is a new template to record reference verification. Safeguarding knowledge is integrated into interview questions capturing new staff’s understanding of safeguarding.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The decor and tidiness of the home are of a good standard. The home is well maintained and comfortable. No hazards related to poor maintenance or inappropriate storage were identified. The child’s room is decorated to their own preference and is welcoming and reflects the child’s interests Inspection report for children’s home: 1225887 3 Feedback from professionals about the care and support provided was positive. The child’s social worker also commented that ‘the move [into the home] has been brilliant and the growth and progress has been amazing through the support of the staff, who understand her needs’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection, three requirements and two recommendations were made. The requirements and recommendations have effectively been addressed and met. As a result, the children are safer, are making progress and are being looked after by staff who better understand their needs. The manager has also applied to register with Ofsted. Inspection report for children’s home: 1225887 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/11/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 07/01/2020 Interim Not judged 10/09/2019 Full Inadequate 21/05/2019 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children’s home: 1225887 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure there are records and procedures in place for welcoming and introducing each child to the home safely, and sufficient staff trained and skilled in care of the children. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 57, paragraph 11.7)

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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: 1225887 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Thatch Vine Farm, Stockers Hill, Boughton- under-Blean, Faversham, Kent ME13 9AB

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Inspector

Rebecca Fisher, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1225887 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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