Children's Home run by Elevated Futures Limited in Wirral

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650950 1 Registered provider: Alternative Approach Care Limited

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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 small private company. The home’s statement of purpose states that it provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in October 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: 2650950 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

Currently, one child lives in the home. Since the last inspection, one child has moved out. This was a positive move into their own accommodation. Staff ensured that the child had all the belongings that they needed to be comfortable in their new home. The child maintains contact with staff and has recently visited the home.

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The care of children

The home is spacious and well maintained. The child’s bedroom is very clean and tidy. Since the last inspection, additional items have been purchased which reflect the child’s personal taste.

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The care of children

The staff work hard to help the child living at the home to develop her relationships with her family. The child can see people who were important to her on a regular basis. This is good progress from the child’s starting point and helps her to have a sense of identity.

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The care of children

The child has recently enjoyed a caravan holiday with staff. Staff ensure that they offer various activities for the child to take part in. Additionally, staff promote independence, and the child has recently started going out to buy weekly shopping items. Consequently, the child is learning about shopping and budgeting as she gets older.

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The care of children

The manager and staff have worked closely with the child’s health practitioner. A workshop has been arranged to provide the child with support and guidance in relation to her health needs. Furthermore, staff say that they benefit from the information the nurse has shared.

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The safety of children

The child’s risk assessments and missing-from-care plan are regularly updated. Risks are well understood by staff, which helps to mitigate them. As a result, episodes of missing from care have reduced.

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The safety of children

Staff use key-work sessions to discuss a range of topics. These sessions support the child to learn about positive relationships, pregnancy, and risks when out in the community.

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The safety of children

Staff work collaboratively with a range of agencies. Staff and managers attend regular meetings to discuss their concerns and intelligence to keep the child safe. One professional said, ‘The team are absolutely doing their best to keep the child safe.’ Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650950 3

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There is a consistent and stable staff team. The inspector observed positive relationships between the child and staff. The child also has a good relationship with the manager. This creates a warm and relaxed environment where the child can talk openly to staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff say that the manager is helpful, approachable and communication is good. Staff get on well together. The manager ensures that staff receive regular supervision, and regular team meetings take place. These opportunities enable staff to discuss important issues and share information effectively.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Since the last inspection, staff have completed a wide range of training. Training is now specific to the needs of the child they care for, for example child exploitation, missing-from-care and online safety training. This means that staff have all relevant knowledge and skills to meet the child’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Internal monitoring is good. The manager has made improvements to the home’s documentation since the last inspection. She has developed some systems in the home to help show progress. The manager has implemented a recording system that improves recording if a complaint is made. She has also improved her monitoring systems in respect of any incidents that occur.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

27/07/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650950 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Alternative Approaches Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 228 Rice Lane, Liverpool L9 1DJ

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Inspector

Judith Birchall, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650950 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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