Children's home run by Cambian Childcare Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2544803 1 Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A national social care provider privately owns this children’s home. The home cares for up to four children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2022.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Date of last inspection: 19 October 2021

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2544803 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

19/10/2021 Full Good 28/11/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2544803 3

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outstanding

At the time of this inspection, three children were living at the home. The children benefit from long-term stability. This has provided security and consistency to children who have experienced adversity.

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outstanding

Children benefit from warm, nurturing and secure relationships with staff. Relationships are built on respect, curiosity and fun. These strong relationships help the children to feel safe and trust the staff. One child said, ‘I like living here; it’s good. The staff are nice; I trust them, and I feel safe.’

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outstanding

Children make exceptional progress and are proud of their achievements. Children are motivated by a culture of empowerment and choice. One child has significantly reduced the number of times she leaves the home without permission. Staff spent time trying to understand her motivation to leave. They organised meetings with the people she spent time with and showed that they valued her relationships. This approach has reduced the child’s vulnerabilities. These positive changes have helped the child to focus on her qualifications and career.

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outstanding

Children’s education is a priority to staff. Two children who had not been in education for two years have both gained good GCSEs and have been accepted into college. One child has high aspirations to become a lawyer; staff help him to complete additional learning in his spare time. One professional said, ‘The staff have invested so much time in him; he has never felt this before, and he is thriving.’

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outstanding

One child has struggled to engage with education. Despite the difficulties the child faces, the staff remain committed to improving his outcomes. The manager has been consistent in gaining additional support tailored to his specific needs. A dynamic approach has helped the child build independence skills. This helps to prepare children for their futures and understand responsibility.

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outstanding

Children experience a wide range of new activities. They keep fit, have fun and socialise. Staff take children away for mini-breaks around the country. One child went on an overseas holiday for the first time. He went jet-skiing, tried new foods and experienced a different culture. One child was supported to attend football training with a local club, where she won awards for her football skills. Another child is a keen chef, and the staff help him to cook and create new dishes. The staff capture and record these significant achievements to serve as a valuable reminder of children’s impressive accomplishments.

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outstanding

The home is tastefully decorated and provides children with a comfortable living space. Bedrooms are spacious and personalised. However, the garden has some stinging nettles in the flower beds and the hallway carpets are stained. Inspection report for children’s home: 2544803 4

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

Children’s vulnerabilities have significantly reduced. Risk assessments and behaviour support plans are clear, concise and comprehensive. Strategies are individualised and based on detailed knowledge of the child’s needs. One child has distanced himself from gang affiliation and knife crime because of the staff’s successful approach.

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

Staff use key-work sessions effectively, combined with a range of resources. A word game was adapted to help one child understand the risks of substance misuse. This helped convey an important message in a relaxed way. Children engage well with staff and discuss issues that have previously been difficult to address.

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

The manager has worked closely with the police to consider risks in the local community. Risks of exploitation and gang crime in the area are thoroughly considered. The location assessment is detailed and shared with staff. This helps staff plan activities in safe areas of the community. One child said, ‘They help me to keep myself safe. There are places I don’t go to now because I know they are not safe or good for me.’

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

On the occasions when children have made unsafe choices, the staff have met with them to talk about their decisions. For example, when children have refused to leave the building during fire drills, the staff have explained the risks and what would happen in the event of a real fire. The manager has contacted the relevant emergency services to make certain that children are informed of risks at the home.

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

Partnership working is a strength. Staff receive regular training to raise their knowledge and awareness of how to safeguard children. They implement this learning in their day-to-day practice. Staff respond quickly and effectively to any concerns. They work closely with social workers to share information to safeguard children.

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

Since the last inspection, there have been no physical restraints. Positive behaviour strategies are extremely effective. Staff use praise and rewards to help children learn, and the children thrive on this approach. This also helps children respond differently when they feel anxious.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is qualified, experienced and highly established. He has a clear vision and a dynamic approach. This consistency has benefited the staff and children. The responsible individual plays an active role. She has good oversight of the home, which provides an additional layer of support and guidance.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff feel valued and morale is high. The manager motivates the staff and is focused on staff support and development. The manager believes that positive relationships are the key to success and ensures that staff are child-focused and nurturing. One member of staff said, ‘I love my job; it’s just such a great place to work.’ The Inspection report for children’s home: 2544803 5 manager’s approach means that staff retention is good, and this provides consistency for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff benefit from monthly supervision that is reflective and empowers them to improve their practice. Team meetings are held regularly. The child-focused therapist helps the staff to gain further insight into children’s emotional and mental health needs. Consequently, the staff are confident and equipped to meet children’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff have access to a wide range of training opportunities. The manager encourages staff to pursue their own learning and interests. One member of staff completed a substance awareness course and has shared her knowledge with other staff. Staff are either qualified or working towards the relevant residential childcare qualification within the agreed timescales.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Internal monitoring is focused on what is important to children. The manager has excellent oversight of children’s progress. The manager uses rigorous analysis of records and staff practice to evidence the significant impact that the care has on children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

All professionals spoke highly of the manager and staff. One social worker said, ‘I work with a lot of provisions who don’t engage but the level of involvement from the staff is the best in my opinion.’ One child said, ‘The staff have helped me so much.’ The relationships that staff have with children and their professionals positively influence the success and stability of children living at this home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2544803 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the home provides a nurturing, homely environment. In particular, ensure that the stinging nettles are removed and the carpets are free from stains. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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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: 2544803 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 5th Floor, Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG

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Inspector

Mandy Start, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2544803 8 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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