Children's home run by Semi-independent House Limited

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2599659 1 Registered provider: Semi-Independent House Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for up to four children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager’s post has been vacant since January 2022.

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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 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: 2599659 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

At the time of this inspection, two children were living at the home. Since the last inspection, no children have moved in or out of the home.

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The care of children

Both children have educational places. One child said that he is enjoying his new school. Another child has a bespoke education timetable. Staff were observed encouraging children to get ready for school. Children are making progress with education.

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The care of children

Staff encourage and support children to spend time with their families and friends. Staff arrange for children to have overnight stays with friends. Children spend time with people who are important to them.

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The care of children

Children attend routine health appointments. Staff are supporting a child to attend the gym and encourage the child to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Children’s health needs are met.

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The care of children

Children are supported by staff to make complaints if they are unhappy. Complaints from children are taken seriously and responded to promptly, and the outcome is shared with children. One child said that they have an independent advocate to help them if they need. Taking complaints seriously and responding to them effectively helps children to feel heard.

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The safety of children

Since the last inspection, there have been no incidents of children going missing from the home, no physical intervention and no calls to the police to help manage children’s behaviour. Staff are confident in managing children’s behaviour and have good guidance through detailed behaviour support plans. Children are helped to manage behaviours in safe ways.

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The safety of children

Children’s risk assessments are detailed and clear. The assessments provide staff with good guidance on how to manage and reduce risks to the children.

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The safety of children

On one occasion, the previous manager and senior managers did not follow appropriate safeguarding procedures. An allegation towards staff was not reported to the local authority designated officer or Ofsted. The previous manager addressed the concern with staff. However, although the child was not harmed, not all learning points were addressed. Lack of effective action does not help to develop staff’s understanding of good, safe practice. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2599659 3 The home provides a safe and homely environment for children. Children’s bedrooms are personalised. The home is well decorated throughout. The garden is well maintained. However, at the time of this inspection, a child’s bedroom fire door closer had been broken for three weeks. The door closer was replaced while the inspector was at the home. Children benefit from a positive environment. Repairs need to be addressed promptly to ensure a safe environment is maintained.

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The safety of children

The previous manager has not updated the home’s location risk assessment since the last inspection. The report does not include consultation from relevant people, and this means opportunities for information could be missed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The registered manager left in January 2022. A new manager was appointed and was in the process of applying to register with Ofsted. That manager resigned and withdrew her application to register in December 2022. A new manager was appointed in December 2022 and is in the process of applying to register with Ofsted. The previous and new manager have had support from different managers in the organisation. There has been a thorough handover between managers. However, shortfalls remain in the leadership and management of the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

On one occasion, the previous manager and senior managers did not manage staff practice concerns well. The records in respect of this and associated actions are confusing. There is minimal evidence of how the staff member has been helped to develop their practice. The plan to manage practice does not sufficiently address the concerns.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Managers follow safer recruitment practices. However, on one occasion, there was a lack of professional curiosity when following up a reference for a staff member. Consequently, important information could be missed in the recruitment process.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff either have a relevant level 3 diploma or are working towards the qualification. One staff member is due to achieve the qualification imminently. Managers actively encourage staff to achieve the qualification.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff say that the managers are approachable and supportive. Staff said that the current manager is taking time to get to know the children. Staff feel motivated, and children are starting to build relationships with the new manager.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

At this inspection, three of the four requirements raised at the last inspection were met. One requirement, in relation to incident monitoring, has not been reviewed at this inspection and is therefore restated. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2599659 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/08/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 05/01/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2599659 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(b))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, follow the home’s safeguarding procedures, including informing the local authority designated officer and Ofsted when appropriate. 10 January 2023

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(c))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that practice concerns are managed effectively and that there is clearly defined support and recorded actions. Ensure that staff practice is monitored and reviewed effectively and that records are clear. 10 February 2023

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that— 10 February 2023 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2599659 6 helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(h))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that incidents are effectively monitored and reviewed and that incident reports contain clear information.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was raised at the last inspection and is restated.

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the home is a nurturing environment that meets the needs of the children. In particular, ensure that any maintenance or repairs needed at the home are promptly addressed. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)  The registered person should be responsible for maintaining good recruitment practices. In particular, ensure that all reasonable attempts are made to obtain information when verifying references. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1)  The registered person should review the appropriateness and suitability of the location and premises of the home at least once a year and include feedback from relevant professionals. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 64, paragraph 15.1) Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2599659 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Semi-Independent House Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 51 Ploverly, Peterborough PE4 6HZ

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Inspector

Amy Miles, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2599659 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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