Children's Home run by Green Harvest Capital Consulting Ltd in Thurrock

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2637805 1 Registered provider: Green Harvest Capital Consulting Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for up to four children who may experience social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2021.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection : none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance 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’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2637805 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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The care of children

This inspection was brought forward due to a concern raised with Ofsted. The concern has been explored and concluded as unsubstantiated.

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The care of children

One child was living at the home at the time of this inspection. The manager has given notice to end the child’s placement. Although the initial assessment was that staff would be able to meet the child’s needs, these needs have changed. Managers have identified that staff lack the skills and experience to meet these changing needs.

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The care of children

One child moved into the home for three days. The manager explored the child’s needs before they moved in. However, the placing authority failed to share critical medical information about the child with the manager. Consequently, it was quickly evident that the placement would not be safe for this child.

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The care of children

Staff spend time with the child currently living at the home doing activities he enjoys. He has been go-karting, to theme parks and on holiday. Staff have helped the child to create an allotment in the garden and he has successfully grown vegetables which are used in meals. This helps him to feel valued and gain a sense of pride in his achievements.

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The care of children

Staff help the child to learn. Tailored learning plans are based on the child’s individual learning style. This helps him to engage. He has made progress in mathematics and budgeting. The manager has successfully challenged the local authority to ensure that an appropriate education placement is funded. As a result, a bespoke college course has been offered to the child.

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The care of children

The child spends times with family and friends. Family visit the child at the home. Staff help the child to spend time with extended family. Staff have helped the child to understand social etiquette and appropriate boundaries. This has improved his relationships with children in the local community and he is learning how to form appropriate friendships.

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The safety of children

The child has, on occasion, left the home without permission, as did the child whose placement ended after three days. Detailed plans help staff understand where children may go. Staff work with other professionals to ensure that they are aware of each child’s risks. When children return to the home, staff welcome them home. Staff seek to understand why the child left and make relevant changes to their plans. The child currently living at the home has more time in the community. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2637805 3 All staff are trained in the safe and ethical use of restraint. De-escalation strategies are clearly evidenced in the child’s plans. Interventions are approved for use on an individual basis. When the child has been restrained, it has been proportionate and as a last resort. The manager consistently meets with staff and the child after an incident to talk about the experience. This approach helps the child to understand

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The safety of children

when behaviour has been unsafe and helps staff to consider different approaches.

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The safety of children

All staff are trained to an advanced level in safeguarding children. However, safeguarding procedures were not followed when a child made an allegation about the manager. This shortfall was identified by the responsible individual and addressed through supervision and support.

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The safety of children

Risk assessments outline individual risks and summarise actions staff should take to keep children safe. However, there are inconsistencies in the information. The support ratio that the child requires is unclear. The child currently living at the home has made recent allegations, but the risk assessment has not been reviewed to reflect this or give additional guidance to staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The registered manager is suitably qualified and experienced. She is supported by another manager and an experienced responsible individual.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The staff team is small and longstanding. Staff said that they felt supported by the management team. The manager does not use agency staff. The child builds safe and trusting relationships with staff who are consistent and familiar in his life.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager uses effective monitoring tools to improve experiences and map the progress that the child makes. The manager uses regular feedback from the child, staff and external reviews to make improvements. The manager has good awareness of the home’s strengths and areas for development. A detailed action plan helps the manager to make continued improvements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Complaints are managed effectively. Concerns relating to practice are investigated by the manager. One parent made a complaint because she did not receive weekly reports. The manager addressed the concerns with the key worker and the complaint was resolved within timescales. An anonymous complaint was referred to Ofsted. The manager completed an investigation into the concerns and worked with external professionals to evidence safe practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff either hold or are working towards the relevant level 3 diploma within the agreed timescales.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There were no requirements or recommendations set at the last inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2637805 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/04/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 14/12/2021 Full Inadequate Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2637805 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 protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that risk assessments specify the level of support that children need from staff and state staffing ratios. In addition, review and update risk assessments to include current risks. 16 September Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2637805 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Green Harvest Capital Consulting Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 30 Yoden Way, Peterlee SR8 1AL

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Inspector

Mandy Start, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2637805 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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