Children's home run by Pathways Care Group Limited in Runnymede

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC429369 1 SC429369

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Registered provider: Pathways Care Group

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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 run by a private company. It provides care for up to four children aged between eight and 18 who have a range of needs and learning disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, social communication issues and associated behavioural and medical needs.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in October 2019.

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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: SC429369 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

Since the last inspection, two children have moved into the home and two children have moved on from the home.

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The care of children

Children have good relationships with staff. Staff were observed to be kind, patient and understanding of children’s complex communication needs. Children are building trusting relationships with staff.

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The care of children

One child has an education place at a college. The child’s attendance is good. Another child, who has recently moved into the home, does not yet have an education place. He is being supported by staff in creative ways to continue his education. The manager is working with other professionals to identify a suitable school place to meet the child’s educational needs. Education for children is held in high regard.

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The care of children

Children have bedrooms that meet their individual needs and personal tastes. There are pictures and artwork displayed around the home. There are a variety of communal rooms for children to relax in. Children benefit from a clean and welcoming environment.

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The safety of children

Staff have training in safeguarding disabled children. The staff understand safeguarding procedures. The manager regularly discusses safeguarding with staff during staff meetings and supervision sessions. This approach and training help to keep children safe.

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The safety of children

There has been no missing-from-home incidents. There is a high staffing ratio, and staff understand how to keep the children safe in the community and at the home.

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The safety of children

There has been one isolated incident regarding concerns about staff practice during a restraint. The manager informed the local authority designated officer, and an internal investigation was carried out. However, senior managers did not ensure that the investigation was timely or effective, and the outcome does not clearly indicate if the practice concern is substantiated. Although the child was not harmed, failure to investigate thoroughly and promptly does not provide assurance that incidents will not be repeated.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC429369 3 The manager is experienced and qualified. She is supported by a deputy manager. The manager has had increased support from the responsible individual and regional director. Staff say that the managers are approachable and supportive. Staff are motivated to deliver good care to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff receive good-quality training that is relevant to the children’s needs. Staff say that their training helps them to understand the children’s individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The managers have worked hard to recruit staff. There have been several staff recruited to the home, which has reduced the use of agency staff. When agency staff are required, the manager uses the same staff and ensures that they have an induction and receive supervision and ongoing training. The children benefit from consistent care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager advocated for one child with complex needs who needed a six-month transition from the home. The child also needed specific healthcare to limit his distress when he moved. The manager still visits the child at his new home. Advocating for the child ensured that his experience of moving on was managed with care and sensitivity. Spending time with the child following the move means that he still has a relationship that is important to him.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager’s report on their six-monthly care review of the home does not include children’s views about the care provided to them. Opportunities to get important feedback from children to inform improvements could be missed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager has met five of the six requirements raised at the last inspection. One requirement has not been met, which is in relation to the review of the quality of care. One new requirement in relation to safeguarding has been raised at this inspection.

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Recent inspection history

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC429369 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/04/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 11/03/2022 Interim Declined in effectiveness 07/07/2021 Full Good 29/08/2019 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC429369 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

the duration of all physical interventions is recorded and that the records are reviewed within 48 hours and staff who were involved are debriefed;

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Requirement Due date

investigations into practice include all potential evidence and are carried out promptly. Ensure that the record of the outcome of the investigation clearly indicates if any concerns with staff practice have been substantiated and that a lessons learned exercise takes place when appropriate. 2 March 2023

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Requirement Due date

In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating—

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Requirement Due date

the feedback and opinions of children about the children’s home, its facilities and the quality of care that they receive in it. (Regulation 45 (2)(b)

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was raised at the last inspection and is restated. 3 March 2023 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC429369 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pathways Care Group

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Minton Place, Victoria Street, Windsor SL4 1EG

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Inspector

Amy Miles, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC429369 7 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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