Children's Home run by Witherslack Group Limited in Wakefield

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2494551 1 Registered provider: Witherslack Group Limited

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by a private company. It provides care for up to seven children with social and emotional difficulties and/or learning disabilities. There were five children living at the home at the time of this inspection.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The registered manager left in December 2022. The home has been overseen by the manager from another provision, with support from the deputy manager and senior managers. A new manager has been appointed.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 30 November 2022

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

p.1

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: 2494551 2

p.1

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.

p.2

The care of children

A more consistent staff team has enabled children to build positive relationships. There is a relaxed atmosphere in the house. The staff know the children’s likes and routines and provide support that reflects each child’s preferences.

p.2

The care of children

Children are supported to achieve educationally. Staff ensure there is daily communication with schools. Before children return to the home, staff know how the school day has gone. This helps children to receive consistent care from the adults around them, and staff tailor the support accordingly.

p.2

The care of children

Each child has achievable targets, and positive behaviour is rewarded. Children spend time with the people that are important to them. When arrangements for children to spend time with family have not progressed, the staff are proactive in overcoming obstacles to family time.

p.2

The safety of children

Staff know what might cause children to become unsettled and support them to manage their emotions. There has been a reduction in the need to hold children. Staff use their skills to de-escalate situations. When restraint has been used, children have an opportunity to talk about what has happened afterwards. Incidents are evaluated so that the manager and staff are able to develop de- escalation techniques further.

p.2

The safety of children

Children’s risks are clearly identified in their individualised risk assessments. Staff know how to help children to manage risks, and the systems in place to ensure that this knowledge is current are effective. The children are involved in writing their plans, and this helps them to understand rules and boundaries and also how staff will support them.

p.2

The safety of children

There has been a reduction in children going missing. The steps that staff take if this happens are tailored to each child’s needs and vulnerabilities. Following an isolated incident when a staff member did not follow a child’s plan, the process has been evaluated and strengthened to ensure that it is not repeated.

p.2

The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There is currently no registered manager, and there have been some changes in the senior management team. The interim management arrangements have minimised the impact of these changes on the children. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2494551 3 The provider has taken steps to address the shortfalls identified in the previous inspection. More effective systems for monitoring staff’s training needs and ensuring that staff are aware of any updates to children’s plans have been developed.

p.2

The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff receive regular, reflective supervision and report that this is beneficial. The performance of new staff is monitored, and if required, additional support provided to improve the quality of their practice. Team meetings are used as a further opportunity for staff to refresh their understanding of how to respond to children if they are struggling to manage their emotions.

p.3

The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Allegations against staff are reported to relevant agencies, including the inspectorate. The lessons learned from incidents are used to improve practice. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2494551 4

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/11/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 17/01/2022 Full Good 27/11/2019 Interim Sustained effectiveness 01/05/2019 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2494551 5

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Witherslack Group Limited

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Lupton Tower, Lupton, Carnforth LA6 2PR

p.5

Inspector

Laura Grundy, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2494551 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.

p.5

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6