Children's home run by HMO NE Ltd

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2595974 1 Registered provider: HMO NE 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 is owned and managed by a private provider. It is registered to provide care for up to two children who may have emotional and/or social difficulties, learning disabilities and sensory impairment.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in August 2022 and is suitably qualified.

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Information about this children’s home

The inspector spoke to the one child who was living in the home at the time of the inspection.

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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. The inspector has 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: 2595974 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

One child has moved into the home since the last inspection. The child’s move to the home was well planned. The staff help the child to feel welcome and supported. This helps the child to settle quickly. The child said, ‘I absolutely love the home, this is my home.’

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The care of children

The child is supported by a stable and consistent team of staff who know the child well. The child can identify staff who they can trust and say that they feel comfortable talking to the staff if they have any worries or concerns. The child knows how to make a complaint and feels comfortable doing so if required.

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The care of children

The child’s physical and mental health needs are closely monitored by staff. The child is supported by staff to attend routine health appointments and to access additional help with more-complex health needs. Staff use guidance from health professionals to help them to understand how to supplement the specialist support that the child receives. The child leads a healthy lifestyle and enjoys nutritious meals and exercise challenges with staff. As a result, the child’s overall health has improved.

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The care of children

Interesting opportunities are provided to the child so that they have a positive experience and can make happy memories. Staff support the child to explore their identity and form positive relationships with their peers. The child feels listened to, which encourages them to share their thoughts and ideas with the staff. Consequently, the child feels appreciated and develops a sense of belonging.

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The care of children

The staff understand the importance of education and support the child well with their schoolwork. The child has had a negative experience of education previously. However, the manager and the staff have worked collectively with a range of partner agencies to ensure that the correct support is in place to enable the child to return to school. This has also helped the child to develop their confidence and to have aspirations for their future.

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The safety of children

Staff manage known risks to the child well and put the correct measures in place when they identify potential vulnerabilities. Risk assessments are detailed, clear and updated promptly with new information so that they remain current. As the child settles in, the staff review the risk-reduction strategies to ensure that they remain proportionate and do not impede on the child’s independence. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2595974 3 Staff have a good understanding of the risks that children may be exposed to and how best to manage these. Staff respond well and in line with the child’s care plan when the child is distressed. The staff’s response to the child helps the child to calm quickly, which prevents any incidents becoming more serious. As a result, there have been no incidents of physical intervention since the last inspection.

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The safety of children

Key-work sessions take place regularly and are centred around the child’s needs. Staff ensure that the child can discuss their feelings following an incident. The staff are sensitive to the child’s experiences and demonstrate an empathic, nurturing approach. This helps the child to feel supported and understood.

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The safety of children

Staff share information with the child about additional services that are available to them, including independent services, such as advocacy and local support groups. This offers the child an alternative outlet, should they need it, to share any concerns that may arise.

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The safety of children

A recent recruitment drive has been successful, and safer recruitment guidance has been followed. This reduces the risk of the child being cared for by unsuitable adults.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager understands the importance of training for the staff. All staff are up to date with the provider’s mandatory training. The rota is arranged to ensure that suitably trained staff are available to meet the needs of the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Feedback from professionals is positive. They comment on the effective communication between them, the manager and staff. Effective partnership working has ensured that the child quickly receives the support and services that they need. This has enabled children to make progress and enjoy the time that they have spent in this home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Improvements have been made to the environment, including updating paintwork and new furniture. The child has been supported by the staff to personalise their bedroom. This helps the child to develop a sense of belonging and feel comfortable in their surroundings.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There have been no complaints. Professionals have provided positive feedback for the care provided to the child by the manager and the staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

All the requirements and recommendations identified at the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2595974 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

15/08/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 19/07/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2595974 5

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Inspector

Cherie Chen, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2595974 6 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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