Children's Home run by Plus One South West Ltd in Somerset

Inspection report for children's home: SC467115 1 SC467115 Registered provider: Plus One South West Ltd Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private company which is based in the south west of England. It provides care and accommodation for up to two children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The registered manager resigned in December 2021. A manager was appointed in January 2022 and is in the process of submitting an application for registration with Ofsted.

p.1

Inspection date: 24 March 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 24 March 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: SC467115 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 effectiveness.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The newly appointed manager is providing effective leadership and management oversight in the home. A decision to move a child in July 2021 was made as the staff were unable to keep him safe and ensure that both children were making progress. The remaining child is now building trusting relationships with the stable and consistent staff team. Routines in the home run smoothly, and the staff are clear about their roles and responsibilities.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The child reports that he feels safe living in the home and could name an adult he could speak to if he feels worried or upset. Incidents are reduced; he does not go missing from home and there are no safeguarding incidents recorded.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The child is benefiting from a bespoke programme of education. He is now motivated to attend school. His hours in education have been increased, and he is making progress. This educational progress is helping the child to build his self- esteem and confidence. The staff report that he can now discuss any concerns or worries in a more mature and considered way, rather than cause damage to the home to express his feelings.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The child enjoys living in a home that is warm, comfortable and generally homely. However, the office has an institutional appearance and there is excessive fire signage displayed around the home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Memory books and memorabilia are being created for the child. For example, the staff have created a bound book of photos taken by the child when he recently visited London with the staff. However, there is no written narrative in the memory books. This means that, in the future, the child will not be able to refer to the names of the staff who cared for him, pictured in the photos.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Placement plans and risk assessments are regularly reviewed and contain clear guidance and strategies for the staff about how best to meet the child’s care needs. For example, family time is clearly outlined in the child’s placement plan. The strategies promote positive relationships and co-operation with the child’s family to ensure the child remains in contact with them and family relationships remain positive. Inspection report for children's home: SC467115 3

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

05/05/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 06/08/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/10/2018 Interim Sustained effectiveness 19/06/2018 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: SC467115 4

p.3

Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the importance of understanding who we are and where we come from is recognised in good social work practice, for example through undertaking life story work or other direct work. Staff in children’s homes should play a full role in work of this kind. In particular, ensure photographs and memorabilia for each child are captured and stored in a way that will help each child remember their experience when living in the home and that pictures are accompanied by a written narrative. (Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards page 16, paragraph 3.14)  The registered person should ensure that the home is a nurturing and supportive environment that meet the needs of their children, they will, in most cases, be homely, domestic environments. Children’s homes must comply with relevant health and safety legislations. However, in doing so, homes should seek, as far as

p.4

Recommendations

possible, to maintain a domestic rather than ‘institutional’ impression. This particularly refers to ensuring that the office does not present an institutional appearance and that fire signage is kept to a minimum. (Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards page 15, paragraph 3.9).

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: SC467115 5

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Plus One South West Ltd

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Mount, 21 High Street, Wellington, Somerset TA21 8QT

p.5

Inspector

Tina Maddison, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: SC467115 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