Children's home run by Phoenix Children’s Homes Limited in North Devon

Inspection report for children's home: SC368137 1 SC368137 Registered provider: Phoenix Childcare Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is operated by a private organisation. It provides care for one child. At the time of the inspection, one child was living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since June 2021 and registered with Ofsted on 19 July 2022.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of last inspection: 14 September 2021

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: SC368137 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/09/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 22/06/2021 Full Inadequate 25/07/2019 Full Good 13/05/2019 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children's home: SC368137 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The progress that the children who have lived in the home since the previous inspection have made is variable. However, the one child currently living in the home has settled extremely well and is engaging in a choice of good learning opportunities. She is supported by a staff team that knows her well. Together they enjoy fun activities, for example, playing at a football club, swimming at the local beach and planning their summer holiday. Staff help the child to spend time with her family and friends. As a result, since moving into the home, the child has increased the time she spends with her family, enjoyed learning new skills and is growing in confidence.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has made progress from her starting point. For example, from previously not attending school, her attendance is now almost 100%. Staff recognise that sometimes she may feel worried or overwhelmed at school, so they make sure they are there to talk and listen and support her in a kind and sensitive manner.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is doing well because she has developed a good sense of belonging and trust with the adults who care for her. The inspector observed warm and caring interactions between the child and the staff. The placing social worker told the inspector that the child has said that they like living in the home, and how good the staff are at looking after her. They also remarked on the progress the child has made.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Records are of extremely good quality. They capture in detail the conversations the staff have with the child and the support staff give her when she is upset or worried.

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

Since the previous inspection in September 2021, two children have moved out of the home. Despite the hardened efforts of the staff to support both children, they were unable to reduce children’s risky behaviours. The inspector found evidence across the children’s records of the extensive lengths the staff went to help each of these children. Leaders and managers recognised the home was unable to meet the needs of each of the children, so took decisive action and moved the children on to new homes.

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

The registered manager and staff have a good understanding of the needs of the child currently living in the home. This means they can identify potential risks and triggers. Plans for reducing these risks are detailed and effective and aid the staff and the child. The inspector was particularly impressed with the child-friendly language used in the risk assessments and therapeutic support plan.

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

Since the child moved into the home, she is no longer going missing. Structured and personalised responses by the staff mean that the child’s behaviours are managed Inspection report for children's home: SC368137 4 well and there is no use of physical intervention. Staff are making creative use of a messaging app, and this is enabling the child to share her feelings in the moment. She is gradually learning how to manage her anxieties and worries.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Following the inspection of the home in June 2021, a new manager started in post and his application to register with Ofsted has been successful. The registered manager, with the support of an extremely competent senior member of staff and a stable and experienced staff team, has improved the outcomes for the child living in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

All staff spoke extremely positively about the registered manager. Staff highlighted the positive effect he has had on the day-to-day running of the home, his visibility and presence within the home and his ability to remain calm when faced with challenges.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager and staff were sometimes challenged by the behaviours of two children who have since moved on. Regular supervision, advanced training and team meetings led by the provider’s clinical lead have provided the staff with opportunities to reflect and learn. Throughout, the staff team has remained consistent and this has resulted in a strong staff team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager maintains good-quality relationships with all professionals involved with the child. He produces reports and updates of excellent quality that reflect a knowledge of the child’s progress and plans. The inspector found good evidence of appropriate escalation and challenge by the registered manager.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Monitoring of the quality of care in the home is good and it informs the development of the home. No requirements or recommendations are made following the inspection of this home. Inspection report for children's home: SC368137 5

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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 for children's home: SC368137 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Phoenix Childcare Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Support Hub, Unit 5, Chinon Court, Lower Moor Way, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6SS

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Stephen Nicholson

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Inspector

Linda Bond, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: SC368137 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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