Children's Home run by Unity Residential Care Services Limited in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 1 Registered provider: Unity Residential Care Services Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home provides care for up to three children with social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home does not have a registered manager. A manager is in post and is in the process of applying to be registered with Ofsted.

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Inspection date: 29 March 2022

Date of last inspection: 19 October 2021

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Inspection date: 29 March 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 29 March 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 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

At the last inspection in December 2021, nine requirements were raised. At this inspection, all nine requirements have been met.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is warm and welcoming. Photos of the children, which are found all around the house, create a homely feel. The children’s bedrooms are decorated to reflect children’s individual personalities. For example, one of the children’s rooms is decorated with characters from his favourite book. The lock on the door to the small lounge is no longer in use. As a result, the children now have full access to their home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children enjoy participating in a variety of social activities. All three children play football together and one child has joined a local football team. Another child has recently joined the scouts. Children love going on trips away, listening to music and taking part in other activities in the house. The manager understands the importance of children being helped to remember positive experiences and because of this, the staff are compiling memory books for the children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All three children attend school and are making positive progress. One child, who was not accessing or attending any form of education, has now secured a place at college. The children’s education plans are updated following school reviews, which ensures that children’s educational needs are met.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children move into the home following a carefully considered matching process. The manager and staff review the needs of the child moving in alongside those of the children living in the home. The manager considers the location of the home and the staff’s skills in this process. Plans for introducing new children to the home are well thought out and are proving to be successful.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Most children are supported to move on from the home in a planned way. The manager and staff place considerable emphasis on moves for children being well thought out, to provide the best chance for success. For one child, the manager appropriately challenged the local authority to ensure that he left the home at a pace that was right for him. Such practice demonstrates the manager’s commitment and care for making children’s moves out of the home as smooth as possible.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Risk assessments for children are detailed and provide guidance for staff on managing risk. These assessments are regularly reviewed and updated following any changes. Staff enable children to take age-appropriate risks and gain trust, which helps them to develop their independence. Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 3 Staff help the children to lead healthy lifestyles, including eating healthily and taking regular exercise. For example, with support from staff one child has devised their own exercise plan. Children’s self-care and independence skills have improved with guidance and support from staff. The manager has addressed a previous shortfall and ensured that children’s medicines are managed and recorded accurately.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children benefit from regular and individualised key-work sessions that are in line with their targets. They are encouraged to share their views and engage in decisions about their lives. For example, one child told the inspector that staff are great and there when he needed them. Another child said: ‘I can talk to staff about anything.’ Consequently, the children feel listened to.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Positive behaviour is promoted, and as a result, the use of physical restraint has reduced. Physical restraint is only used when safe and necessary to do so. Following a restraint, the registered manager evaluates the incident and restraint record. Children’s views about the incident are discussed and recorded.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff enjoy working at the home. They are motivated to provide good-quality care so that children enjoy their lives and make progress. There is a strong sense of teamwork and mutual support among staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager ensures that new members of staff are recruited safely and have access to a range of training. As a result, staff feel supported and kept up to date with their learning. Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

19/10/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 05/12/2019 Full Good 11/03/2019 Interim Sustained effectiveness 02/10/2018 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 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 for children’s home: 1259114 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Unity Residential Care Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2 Lymevale Court, Lyme Drive, Parklands, Stoke- on-Trent ST4 6NW

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Inspector

Lydia Isaac, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1259114 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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