Children's home run by Guidance Care Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2685998 1 Registered provider: Guidance Care 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 operated by a private company. It provides care for up to two children. The home specialises in caring for children with social and emotional difficulties and special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in July 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 14 September 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. 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: 2685998 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, one child has moved into the home and one child has moved out. The two children currently living at the home said that they have developed good relationships with staff and that they feel cared for by staff and can identify staff members who they can speak to when they need to.

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The care of children

Children are supported by staff to access relevant health services and are quickly registered when moving in. As a result, children’s health needs are addressed in a timely manner.

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The care of children

Children are supported to access education, and, when they do not attend, staff give additional support to help them re-engage with education. Children’s levels of attendance have increased from their starting points, and one child has received an award for their attendance at school.

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The safety of children

The manager carefully considers children’s risks and vulnerabilities before they move into the home. Risk assessments detail any known risks and how the staff will be able to meet children’s needs. As a result, risks between children have reduced.

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The safety of children

When children go missing from home, there are clear strategies in place for staff to follow before children are reported missing to the police, such as contacting known family members and searching the local area. This ensures that children receive a response from staff in order to locate them and return them home safely. However, on one occasion, staff did not make all the appropriate checks as to where a child was going.

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The safety of children

There is now a more consistent approach from staff when children are involved in serious incidents. This has helped reduce the number of serious incidents in the home. In addition, staff follow up with key-work sessions and reflect on events with children. In relation to this, one child said, ‘Nobody causes trouble any more; it’s quiet now.’

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The safety of children

Children told the inspector that they feel safe and secure living in the home. One child said, ‘Yes, I do feel safe here. I think they do care about us both.’ Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2685998 3

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The home is managed by a suitably experienced manager. The manager, supported by the responsible individual, has started to address concerns raised at the last inspection.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager has a good understanding of each child and their circumstances, risks and care plans. The manager has developed a positive relationship with both children living at the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager understands the strengths and weaknesses of the home. Since the last inspection, the manager has recruited more experienced staff. Children are involved in the staff recruitment process and are able to ask questions. This means that children have a voice regarding which adults will be caring for them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There is a coordinated approach to management oversight of staff practice. The manager undertakes a monthly quality-assurance audit of practice. In addition, the manager reflects on events and makes recommendations as to what steps staff should take. This means that children receive a more consistent level of care from staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff are positive about the support they receive from the manager. Staff reported that the manager is available when they need her. One staff member said that the manager is ‘contactable at any time’. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2685998 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/09/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2685998 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, the 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

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(v))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, staff should ensure that appropriate checks are made when children attend social events outside the home. 6 March 2023 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2685998 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Guidance Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 8, Sovereign Court, Wyrefields, Poulton-le- Fylde FY6 8JX

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Inspector

Rob Neild, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2685998 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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