Children's home run by Pathway Care Solutions Ltd in Nottingham

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC406063 1 SC406063

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Registered provider: Pathway Care Solutions Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a large private provider and is registered to care for up to five children aged between five and 19 years. The home provides care for children with physical and/or learning disabilities, such as global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and Asperger syndrome. It also specialises in care for children with complex healthcare needs.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 11 October 2021

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: Outstanding

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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 inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors did not identify any serious or widespread concerns at this inspection. 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: SC406063 2

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The care of children

This assurance inspection was carried out following a notification of a serious incident. This incident concerned the sad death of a child who was receiving end-of- life care. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind, actions taken by the setting in response to this child’s sad, but expected, death were considered alongside other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform the inspectors’ judgements.

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The care of children

The child passed away at another setting and had not resided in the home for several weeks prior to their death.

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The care of children

The child’s health needs were very well considered and met by the staff. Staff continued to provide care and support to the child while they were in the hospital, and later in the hospice, every day and night. Staff’s care and commitment to this child was exceptional.

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The care of children

The evidence gathered at the assurance inspection showed that the children are at the heart of this home, and sensitive work with each child has helped them to understand and come to terms with the loss of their peer.

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The care of children

Children communicate their wishes and feelings in a variety of ways. Staff have a detailed understanding of each child’s method of communication. They involve children in all aspects of the home and always act on what the children say, where possible. Children are supported to express themselves.

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The care of children

Children are able to express their individuality and take pride in their achievements. Staff are hugely confident and competent in meeting very complex needs. Because of this, children grow in confidence and self-esteem.

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The safety of children

Staff have detailed knowledge and insight regarding the children’s vulnerabilities. Staff place a strong focus on providing bespoke care. This enhances the quality and effectiveness of their care.

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The safety of children

Staff have excellent relationships with each child. Together, they create a family feel in the home. Staff provide children with a dependable and consistent daily routine. Children enjoy trusting relationships with staff. This enables children to flourish in all areas of their development.

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The safety of children

Staff undertake regular mandatory training. They also receive tailored training based on the specific health needs of the children. This enables staff to provide effective, individualised care. Staff act quickly in helping children when there are health concerns. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC406063 3

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Leaders and managers are highly effective. The registered manager is aspirational and ambitious for children and staff. She leads by example, and has created a very positive, supportive culture in the home. A key strength in the home is the way that managers have supported each member of staff, particularly during this difficult time. One-to-one meetings with staff have enabled managers to develop individual strategies to help to support them through this. At the same time, despite their grief, staff continue to maintain outstanding care for the other children living in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Managers and staff created the child’s environment in the hospital and hospice to replicate how it was in the home. Managers and staff provided bespoke daily activities for the child and worked very creatively to make sure that the child had happy, positive experiences as part of the child’s end-of-life plan.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Managers and staff provided the child with warmth and nurturing care throughout the child’s frequent visits to hospital and in the last few months of their life. The managers and staff spoke about the child with unwavering enthusiasm and compassion.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Managers are passionate about improving the lives of children. A culture of high aspiration for children is embedded in staff practice. As a result, children thrive in this nurturing environment.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/10/2021 Full Outstanding 02/12/2019 Full Good 23/08/2018 Full Good 05/09/2017 Full Outstanding Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC406063 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pathway Care Solutions Ltd

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Children’s home details

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

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Charlotte Van Niekerk

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Inspectors

Thirza Smith, Social Care Inspector Rachel Griffiths, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC406063 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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