Children's Home run by Keys Educational Services Limited in Somerset

Inspection report children’s home: 2507631 1 Registered provider: Keys Educational Services Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private provider. It provides care for up to four children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Inspection date: 23 March 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 23 March 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: 2507631 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 the interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, two children have left the home and one child has arrived. The manager and staff helped the young people to move on and they keep in touch with them. One children has moved successfully to semi-independent living as part of his young adulthood plan. The other young person now lives with his family.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are two children currently living in the home. The manager worked with other agencies to make sure that it was a positive move for the new child. This approach has been commended by the child’s social worker. The children share some common interests. They recently put up a photo tree in the living room, which creates a sense of home and belonging. One child speaks fondly of the staff pictured on the photo tree and the manager’s dog, who is a good companion to the children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Both children are making progress. They are happy. Staff support one child to attend school regularly. They have a good relationship with the school to quickly address any issues that arise. For example, staff have introduced flash cards for one child to help him to express how he feels about going to school. This has helped staff to understand his emotions and how to look after him more effectively.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and staff encourage healthy routines for the children. They arrange outdoor activities, including trampolining. They are building raised vegetable beds in the garden. Staff support one child to achieve his sports qualifications and to volunteer at a local sports club.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Both children keep in touch with their families. Staff encourage the children to invite their friends home for a meal. They can meet children from other homes. This helps them to widen their circle of friends and shared activities.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has used the outcome of the last inspection as an opportunity for learning. He has considered his management of past incidents and use of restraints. This has led to the in-house clinical team providing specialist support in team meetings and training sessions, particularly around the use of therapeutic approaches and the use of incentives. For example, one child responds positively to a small gift to recognise his good progress.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children’s placement plans are up to date. Staff have established effective routines and boundaries which everyone respects. The manager has arranged bespoke training to meet the children’s needs. This includes social media exploitation training to keep the children safe. Inspection report children’s home: 2507631 3 Since January 2022, incidents have significantly reduced. Children enjoy living at the home and can identify staff who they trust and do activities with.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are nurturing and cheerful. The manager has created a permanent staff team and no agency staff are required.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Leaders and the manager have met the requirements set at the last inspection. Inspection report children’s home: 2507631 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

27/07/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 04/02/2020 Interim Declined in effectiveness 16/08/2019 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: 2507631 5

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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 children’s home: 2507631 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Keys Educational Services Limited

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Justine Hosking, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: 2507631 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

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

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