Children's home run by Stepping Stones Care (Midlands) Limited

Inspection report children’s home: 2620992 1 Registered provider: Stepping Stones Care (Midlands) Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by an independent company. It provides care for up to three children with social and emotional needs, often related to their life experiences.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in February 2022.

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Inspection date: 23 March 2022

Date of last inspection: 7 December 2021

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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: 2620992 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

The new manager has made a positive impression on the home. She has gained the confidence of the staff team and receives good support and guidance from senior leaders. Previous shortfalls identified at the last inspection in December 2021 have been addressed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home creates an environment where children are nurtured and valued. Children feel safe in the home and say that they can confide in the staff and that they feel ‘well cared for’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is clean and well maintained. Some aspects could be improved as they detract from the homely feel, such as noticeboards displaying individual incentives charts for children; these could be kept more privately.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Door alarms on children’s bedroom doors are used. This restrictive practice is reviewed every month so that leaders and managers are assured that the practice continues to be necessary.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children who move in are well matched with the existing group. Children get along with each other and are making progress. Expectations of children are realistically high. Records of young people’s achievements and their time in the home are very good.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children are provided with a good range of activities. They are supported to develop new interests and milestones are celebrated. Children are supported to keep in touch with friends and families even when this involves travelling to another area.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work creatively with children to address issues such as safe internet use, drug and alcohol misuse and staying healthy.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Feedback from professionals outside of the home is positive. Inspection report children’s home: 2620992 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

07/12/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report children’s home: 2620992 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the home provides a nurturing and supportive environment that meets the needs of the children. In most cases, the environment will be homely and domestic in style. In particular, the registered person should avoid the use of unnecessary information displays that would not usually be found in a home. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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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: 2620992 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Stepping Stones Care (Midlands) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Apex House, Calthorpe Road, Birmingham B15 1TR

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Inspector

Janice Hawtin, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: 2620992 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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