Children's Home run by Acorn Norfolk Limited in Norfolk

Inspection report children’s home: 2673264 1 Registered provider: Acorn Norfolk Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care for up to two children with learning disabilities. It is operated by a national provider. The home is in the grounds of an independent school and seven other children’s homes all operated by the same national provider.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered at the same time as the home in February 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

The inspector only inspected the social care provision at this school.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account good

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Overall experiences and progress of

How well children and young people 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 children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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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 children’s home: 2673264 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

Not previously inspected Inspection report children’s home: 2673264 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have settled at this home. They are happy and have forged strong relationships with the staff. These positive relationships have helped the children to develop a sense of security and stability.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are making considerable progress with their education. Both children attend the on-site school. For one child, there has been a marked improvement in school attendance, due to the close proximity of the home and the child’s classroom. Well- planned morning routines include time for the child to listen to music and use the outside play equipment before school. This enables the child to prepare for the school day ahead.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Daily communication between the school staff and home staff is exceptionally good. Children benefit from staff who work together to meet their needs.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are involved in choosing colour schemes and decorations for the home. The children contribute ideas for home improvements. As a response to the children’s suggestions, a hammock and garden furniture have been purchased. Children’s artwork is displayed throughout the home. This helps the children to feel that they belong and that the house is their home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s meetings are held regularly. The children are involved in planning their evening activities and the weekly menu. Children engage in discussions with staff about the issues that are important to them. Therefore, children feel listened to, and their voices are heard.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Parents are pleased with their children’s progress. Children take part in regular community trips and activities. Children’s hobbies are encouraged. One child has started singing lessons and recently took part in a public performance. This community engagement broadens the experiences and social development opportunities for the children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The electronic records are inconsistent. Several records lack detail and fail to demonstrate the follow-up investigation of how a child has sustained a bruise. Records of conversations with children are not routinely stored under the same subject heading. Therefore, records do not provide a clear account of the children’s experiences and make it difficult for information to be located quickly.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff provide children with a calm home environment. The children can find it hard to be in each other’s company. The staff plan evenings so that children do not routinely spend too much time together. Staff regularly talk to the children about their emotions and relationships with each other. Staff use incentives, rewards and Inspection report children’s home: 2673264 4 praise when the children have shown kindness and respect to each other. As a result, the children are starting to build tolerance.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff take appropriate action to keep the children safe when incidents occur. They are consistent in their expectations of children’s behaviour. Incidents are well managed and there has been a considerable reduction in the number of restraints. There is good management oversight of incidents, which helps to identify any lessons that can be learned to improve practice.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children’s plans are clearly written. Risk assessments for children are detailed and contain presenting risks. These are regularly reviewed and updated. Positive behaviour management plans provide clear guidance for the staff to follow. This ensures that a consistent approach is adopted by staff.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The staff are well trained and understand effective safeguarding practice. They are clear about their roles and responsibilities to safeguard the children. Safeguarding concerns are shared appropriately with other professionals. This allows the most relevant professional to respond to any incidents.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Discriminatory behaviours are challenged. Children’s understanding of bullying, radicalisation and other forms of intolerance has improved. Therefore, children are aware of the potential consequences of discriminatory behaviour.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is competent and enthusiastic about his role. He is qualified and experienced. The manager has an excellent understanding of the children’s needs and uses this knowledge to continually improve children’s care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has established good working relationships with family members, who are positive about their children’s care and the level of communication with staff. The manager is actively involved in the children’s daily care. Children enjoy spending time with him and feel able to approach him, knowing that he will respond to them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is aware of the staff’s strengths and the areas in which they need support. Staff receive regular supervision and performance management reviews. The staff say that they feel well supported and valued by the manager. They enjoy working at the home, which helps to provide children with a positive atmosphere.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff benefit from a comprehensive training programme which enhances their knowledge and skills. Effective training ensures that staff are well equipped to meet the children’s needs. The manager is keen to support the staff’s learning and career development. This empowers staff to improve their practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The management monitoring systems provide oversight of the quality of care and the children’s progress. However, some information and contact details have not been updated promptly. This could lead to information that is not accurate. Inspection report children’s home: 2673264 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record-keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording. In particular, ensure that documents contain sufficient information and that contact details are kept up to date. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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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: 2673264 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Acorn Norfolk Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Atria, Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4AG

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Inspector

Rachel Watkinson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: 2673264 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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