Children's Home run by Acorn Norfolk Limited in Norfolk

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2642113 1 Registered provider: Acorn Norfolk Limited

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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.

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Information about this children’s home

The home is in the grounds of a special school and other children’s homes that are all operated by the same national provider. The school is independently registered.

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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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This monitoring visit

This visit was undertaken to assess the action that leaders and managers have taken in response to the compliance notices served in July 2022. The compliance notices were in relation to the leadership and management of the home and the protection of children. Ofsted also placed a restriction of accommodation on the home.

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This monitoring visit

The restriction of accommodation notice has been complied with. No children have lived at the home during this time. Therefore, the grounds for it to be in place are no longer met and the restriction of accommodation notice has been lifted.

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This monitoring visit

Managers and leaders have taken clear action in relation to the shortfalls identified at the monitoring visit in July 2022. The two compliance notices relating to the leadership and management of the home and child protection have been met.

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This monitoring visit

Managers and leaders have undertaken a thorough review of the home’s admission process. The review identified actions that have led to changes in the admission policy and process. This will reduce the likelihood of admission issues occurring again. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2642113 2 The home has undergone a complete refurbishment. It is designed and furnished to a very high standard and presents as homely.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have undertaken a review of how they respond to concerns raised by staff about the children. Leaders have increased their presence at the home to ensure that they are more accessible to staff. Staff have revisited safeguarding policies to refresh their understanding of how to escalate concerns. A review has been conducted relating to the system for reporting whistle-blowing concerns. Consequently, several recommendations have been made and actioned to improve the effectiveness of whistle-blowing systems. This will ensure that concerns are escalated and addressed promptly.

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This monitoring visit

Increased training, support and reviews have identified actions to ensure that staff and managers have the skills to provide safe and effective care for children.

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This monitoring visit

The manager has been provided with targeted supervision to discuss previous shortfalls and strategies to improve practice. The manager intends to cancel her registration but will continue to manage another home in the organisation. Leaders have appointed another manager to lead the home.

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This monitoring visit

Internal monitoring has improved. Leaders and managers have created several auditing tools to monitor staff practice and adherence to operational procedures. This allows leaders and managers to identify themes and patterns more readily. Consequently, targeted support and help will be available for staff when required. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2642113 3

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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: 2642113 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Acorn Norfolk Limited

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Children’s home details

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

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Inspector

Lianne Bradford, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2642113 5 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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