Children's home run by Pathways Care Group Limited in Runnymede

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC461846 1 SC461846 Registered provider: Pathways Care Group

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a private organisation. It provides care for up to six children who have experienced trauma that has left them vulnerable.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager left in March 2022. There is an acting manager in post.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of the visit was to assess the provider’s response to the steps set out in the two compliance notices that Ofsted served following the full inspection in February 2022. The compliance notices were in respect of the help and protection of children and the leadership and management of the home. At that inspection, a restriction of accommodation was also served.

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This monitoring visit

The restriction of accommodation has been lifted. The provider has also addressed all the steps that were set out in the two compliance notices. The two requirements relating to the safe recruitment of staff and making statutory notifications to Ofsted are met. A third requirement in regard to the management of behaviour has also been met. The remaining four requirements, raised at the full inspection in February 2022, have not been assessed as part of this visit and will be reviewed at the next inspection.

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This monitoring visit

At the time of this visit, there were two children living at the home. The provider has not admitted any children to the home since the last inspection. One child has moved on from the home.

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This monitoring visit

The acting manager has implemented a new approach to ensure safeguarding incidents and risks to children are managed in line with the home’s policies. Staff are familiar with the home’s safeguarding procedures. The staff are gaining confidence Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC461846 2 and knowledge in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns. Any concerns raised are recorded in detail and reviewed by the manager without delay, so that action can be taken when required.

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This monitoring visit

Incidents such as children going missing from the home, causing damage to property or requiring physical intervention are thoroughly reviewed. Following any such incidents, the manager makes sure that children are asked for their views. This information is used to review the staff support provided. Staff regularly discuss incidents at handovers, supervisions and team meetings. This helps the staff to gain a better understanding of safe support and how to identify concerns quickly.

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This monitoring visit

Some improvements have been made to monitor children’s health and well-being. Key-working sessions have started to take place regularly and managers are working closely with the home’s clinical psychologist. Staff recognise the invaluable input of the clinical therapist in helping them understand children’s previous traumatic experiences. This helps the staff to consider their approach to supporting the children, particularly during or after conflict or distress.

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This monitoring visit

Staff are now receiving consistent support. The manager and deputy manager regularly work alongside the staff and children to model a therapeutic approach. Discussion takes place after incidents to capture learning and provide staff with analysis of what went well and what could improve. This helps the staff learn and grow in confidence.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have completed all outstanding training, including in anti-bullying and therapeutic models of supporting children. To embed this training, the manager has provided staff with information resources on best practice and led discussion workshops. The manager is working closely with staff to increase their professional curiosity and help them to respond instinctively when things do not feel right. This increased level of managerial support has given the staff confidence to speak out and ask questions.

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This monitoring visit

The manager is proactive in seeking services from multiple agencies to help children stop smoking. Children are clear on the expectations and rules in regard to smoking. Staff have received clear training and guidance in their responsibility to act as healthy role models to children.

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This monitoring visit

Rewards and sanctions to encourage positive behaviour are applied more consistently and fairly. Children are clear on the expectations set, they are included in discussions and can make suggestions on what works or does not work. The manager is working closely with staff, so they understand the importance of the consistent boundaries.

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This monitoring visit

Staff said that changes to the rota ensure they have regular days off and they do not work excessive hours. The manager and deputy manager cover shifts and use Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC461846 3 these as an opportunities to spend time with the children and the staff. Overall, staff morale has significantly improved, which in turn has a positive effect on children. Improvements to the environment have created a welcoming, homely feel, which helps children to feel valued. Parts of the home previously in poor repair or posing a risk to children have been replaced or repaired. The manager has a plan in place to complete significant works to the house and garden. Quotes to carry out this work have been obtained. Staff have involved children in sharing their ideas for the garden improvements. This helps children to feel included in decisions about their home.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has oversight of complaints, safeguarding concerns and ensuring children are supported to make progress in their independence and education. Although improvements are new, staff report improved managerial oversight as having a positive effect on children and the staff. Recruitment processes have improved and this ensures that only suitable staff are employed. Notifications to Ofsted are made as required.

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This monitoring visit

Overall, the manager has developed an effective system to plan, monitor and review the shortfalls and improve the quality of care provided. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC461846 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

15/02/2022 Full Inadequate 28/01/2020 Full Good 23/01/2019 Full Outstanding 06/11/2017 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC461846 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

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Requirement Due date

understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children;

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Requirement Due date

use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to—

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Requirement Due date

meet the needs of each child. (Regulation 6 (1)(a)(b) (2)(c)(i))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that all areas of the house and garden are maintained to a good standard and that the home is decorated and furnished to provide a positive environment that fully supports the aims of the service. 30 April 2022

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Requirement Due date

The education standard is that children make measurable progress towards achieving their educational potential and are helped to do so.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to use reasonable endeavours to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

help each child to achieve the child’s education and training targets, as recorded in the child’s relevant plans;

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Requirement Due date

promote opportunities for each child to learn informally. (Regulation 8 (1) (2)(i)(v)) 30 April 2022 Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC461846 6 The health and well-being standard is that—

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Requirement Due date

the health and well-being needs of children are met;

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Requirement Due date

children receive advice, services and support in relation to their health and well-being; and

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Requirement Due date

children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles. (Regulation 10 (1)(a)(b)(c))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that children are provided with support and guidance on smoking cessation and sleep hygiene. 31 March 2022

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Requirement Due date

supply to HMCI a copy of the quality of care review report within 28 days of the date on which the quality of care review is completed. (Regulation (45) (4)(a)) 31 March 2022

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording. In particular, ensure that children’s records are written clearly and sensitively. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC461846 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pathways Care Group

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Minton Place, Victoria Street, Windsor SL4 1EG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Olubunmi Fabusuyi

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Inspector

Jamie Cousins, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC461846 8 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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