The Orchards Hounslow

Inspection report for residential family centre: The Orchards Hounslow 1 The Orchards Hounslow Smith and Massen Limited 22 Moulton Avenue, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 4LR Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this residential family centre

This residential family centre is privately owned. The organisation has two residential family centres in West London. This residential family centre is registered to provide care and accommodation for five families. Families benefit from having their own rooms with en suite bathrooms. At the time of the inspection, four families were living at the centre.

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Information about this residential family centre

This residential family centre registered with Ofsted in June 2021. The registered manager registered with Ofsted at the same time.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and parents, taking into account good

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Overall experiences and progress of

How well children and parents are helped and protected good

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Overall experiences and progress of

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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Overall experiences and progress of

The residential family centre provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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Overall experiences and progress of

Date of previous inspection: not applicable

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Overall experiences and progress of

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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Overall experiences and progress of

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for residential family centre: The Orchards Hounslow 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

Families have the opportunity to thrive within a warm and nurturing atmosphere. Families receive an extensive level of support, which enables them to grow in confidence. Parents and social workers describe the support as ‘excellent’.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

Assessments are analytical and comprehensive. They clearly detail the work undertaken, parental capacity and the areas of concern. Assessments conclude with clear recommendations, and a n outreach service is also available when parents leave. The assessment plan follows the letter of instruction and illustrates how parenting skills will be assessed.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

The empowering assessment process encourages self-responsibility through focused and structured individual and group learning sessions. Parents are taught an internationally renowned parenting programme, which helps them build positive and responsive relationships with their children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

Staff work in an open, transparent and child-focused manner. Parents routinely receive copies of their weekly feedback, which they discuss with staff. This enables parents to have a clear idea of their progress and the areas of concern.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

Staff help parents to develop as parents and as individuals. Staff practically assist with teaching, cooking and budgeting skills, alongside offering benefits, housing, immigration and relationship advice. Families positively engage in house meetings, which enables them to have some influence over their daily lives.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

Staff effectively promote all aspects of each family’s well-being. Parents receive specialist support, which is based on research, to help with their mental health and their alcohol and substance misuse.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

Staff help families explore community resources, which include soft play groups, visiting local parks and shops. Staff organise fun activities with families, which have included a trip to the London Aquarium. Staff also state that they help parents to create memory books, which put the child’s journey at the centre. The memory books could be further enhanced with photographs of the children and families attending these events.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

The centre occasionally undertakes assessments involving fathers. Fathers enjoy the opportunity to bond with their children and learn the necessary parenting skills. However, they are not provided with dedicated time to discuss their particular needs as fathers with male role models. Inspection report for residential family centre: The Orchards Hounslow 3

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

The centre demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Parents receive extensive education in keeping themselves and their children safe. A health visitor said, ‘The centre endeavours to make every resident feel safe and secure.’

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

Staff have a good understanding of the trauma parents have encountered and the negative impact that this may have on parenting. A social work manager stated, ‘Whilst being supportive, the staff did not lose sight of the young child and were able to remain child focused in their decision-making.’

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

Parents are able to participate in a recognised domestic violence programme. Parents learn to make sense of what has happened to them and the effect on their children. This helps them prepare safety plans for when they leave the centre.

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

Parents are supported to develop insight, boundaries and resilience. They also learn the importance of healthy personal relationships. Parents receive help with understanding the various forms of abuse. This helps them to recognise when they are in an unhealthy relationship.

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

Parents benefit from a specialist a nger management support programme, which helps them develop strategies to manage their anger, anxiety and stress. Staff teach a range of relaxation techniques, which include chair yoga, deep breathing, playing music and other forms of exercise.

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

The centre has good health and safety arrangements. C ertificates verify the safety of the gas, electrical and fire safety equipment. There is an efficient risk management system in place. Complaints are well managed.

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

The centre does not employ new staff until all the necessary checks have been obtained. Recruitment files, however, did not detail the staff members’ reasons for leaving jobs when they have worked with children or vulnerable adults. In addition, all gaps in employment histories were not clearly explained in the records. This does not follow safer recruitment best practice guidance.

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

The centre uses surveillance cameras and monitoring devices during its assessments. Families consent to this practice and do not highlight it as an issue. Staff receive training on surveillance and a range of safeguarding matters.

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

One staff member did not know they could contact Ofsted if they had any concerns. This could potentially cause a delay in notifying the regulator of all serious incidents as required.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The centre is led by leaders and managers who provide a child-focused service, which meaningfully enriches families’ lives. The registered manager is a highly Inspection report for residential family centre: The Orchards Hounslow 4 experienced social work professional and a dedicated staff team supports her. Parents describe staff as ‘amazing’ and ‘very supportive’. A social work manager said, ‘I found their staff to be knowledgeable and creative.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers demonstrate a passionate dedication to their roles and their desire to make a positive difference to children and families. The centre has a good relationship with a local university and provides placements for student social workers, who often gain employment at the centre. As a result, the majority of the centre’s staff are social work qualified.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff demonstrate a commitment to helping parents maximise their potential. A staff member said, ‘I enjoy seeing the families’ positive development.’ Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to equality and diversity, promoting dignity and respecting parents’ rights.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Several professionals praised the centre for going ‘over and above’ in supporting families. A commissioner stated, ‘We have a strong working relationship with the centre due to its flexibility in our placement requests.’ Leaders and managers are commended for the generous provision of baby equipment, household items, seasonal gifts and clothes for both children and parents.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Families benefit from a comprehensive quality assurance system, which focuses on providing a high standard of care. The centre has a dedicated quality assurance manager and a highly experienced person undertaking the quality-of-care review. The quality-of-care review reports provide a clear overview of the impact of the service and the plans for further improvement.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff feel well supported through a structured induction, regular supervision, reflective team meetings and ongoing training. Staff appreciate the attention given to their professional development and personal circumstances. A staff member, however, highlighted the wish for further mental health training. Inspection report for residential family centre: The Orchards Hounslow 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure parents’ and children’s physical, emotional and social development needs are promoted throughout their placement. In particular, provide pictorial evidence of the activities and creative work undertaken. (‘Residential Family Centres: National Minimum Standards’, 6.1)  The registered person should demonstrate that they consistently follow good recruitment practices. In particular, that staff recruitment records detail the reasons for leaving any job that involved working with children or vulnerable adults. In addition, record the reasons for gaps in employment histories. (‘Residential Family Centres: National Minimum Standards’, 14.2)  The registered person should ensure staff are aware of the procedures which promote parents’ and children’s safety and welfare. In particular, all staff should know that they can contact Ofsted if they have safeguarding concerns.

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Recommendations

(‘Residential Family Centres: National Minimum Standards’, 5.1)  The registered person should ensure that the overall number, competence and deployment of staff, both as a staff group and on individual shifts, can fulfil the centre’s statement of purpose and meet the individual needs of all parents. In particular, consider the specific needs of fathers. (‘Residential Family Centres: National Minimum Standards’, 15.1)  The registered person should ensure that staff are equipped with the skills required to meet the needs of the parents and the purpose of the centre. In particular, ensure that all staff have further mental health training. (‘Residential Family Centres: National Minimum Standards’, 16.1)

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and parents 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 Residential Family Centre Regulations 2002 and the national minimum standards. Inspection report for residential family centre: The Orchards Hounslow 6

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Residential family centre details

Registered provider: Smith and Massen Limited

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Residential family centre details

Registered provider address: 22 Moulton Avenue, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 4LR

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Inspectors

Sharon Payne, Social Care Inspector Leanne Grant, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for residential family centre: The Orchards Hounslow 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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