Children's Home run by Acorn Norfolk Limited in Norfolk

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2688701 1 Registered provider: Acorn Norfolk 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 provides care for up to six children with learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered at the same time as the home, in June 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

The home is in the grounds of a special school and other children’s homes that are all operated by the same national provider. The school is independently registered. The inspector only inspected the social care provision.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 20 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: 2688701 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

There are currently four children living at the home. Since the last inspection, one child has moved out.

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The care of children

The staff have established positive relationships with the children. Interactions between the staff and the children are warm and supportive. This enables the children to have a sense of belonging and develop healthy attachments with others.

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The care of children

Except for one child, all children attend the on-site school. Children have good attendance at school. Daily communication between the home and school staff ensures that the children benefit from a coordinated approach to their learning.

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The care of children

Children’s meetings are held regularly. During these meetings, children are included in conversations about the planned building work to the home. Children engage in discussions with staff about the issues that are important to them. Children feel listened to and that their voices are heard.

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The care of children

The home has undergone several changes since the last inspection. A well- considered development plan has led to changes to the use of the communal area and to children moving bedrooms. As a result, confrontational situations between children have reduced.

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The safety of children

The inspector was aware during this inspection that allegations against staff made by a child who no longer lives at the home are being investigated. Actions taken by the provider in response to these allegations were considered alongside other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform the inspector’s judgement.

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The safety of children

On occasions, children have used racist and discriminatory language towards others. Following these incidents, records fail to show if staff have had conversations with children to challenge these discriminatory behaviours and improve the children’s understanding of respect and how to treat other people.

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The safety of children

Physical intervention is used appropriately to keep children safe. Debriefs are held with staff and children. Managers’ oversight of the records ensures that the restraints are reasonable and proportionate.

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The safety of children

Children’s plans are clearly written. Risk assessments for children are detailed and include appropriate strategies to support staff in managing risks. These assessments Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2688701 3 are regularly reviewed and updated following any incidents. This helps staff to feel confident and respond consistently to the children.

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The safety of children

Children have not gone missing from the home. When children have walked off from the home, they have been followed by staff and encouraged to return.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

At the time of this inspection, the manager had not been at the home for four weeks. During this time, the deputy manager and head of care have covered his absence. However, the scrutiny and managerial monitoring have reduced. Several incidents have not had a manager’s oversight. Lack of managerial oversight reduces the opportunity for the leadership team to review incidents and take necessary action to keep children safe.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff said that they feel well supported by leaders and managers. However, records fail to show if staff are receiving supervision in line with the home’s policy. Staff meetings are not held regularly. Therefore, staff are not provided with regular, supportive forums in which to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff benefit from a comprehensive training programme that enhances their knowledge and skills. The staff are well trained and understand effective safeguarding practice. They are clear about their roles and responsibilities to safeguard the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager has met four of the six requirements from the last inspection. Two requirements have not been met and have been restated.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

20/09/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2688701 4

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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

are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(vii))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that staff follow the home’s child protection policy.

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Requirement Due date

This was raised at the last inspection and is restated. 22 March 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

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 staff receive supervision in line with the home’s policy and incident reports are monitored promptly and effectively.

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Requirement Due date

This was raised at the last inspection and is restated. 22 March 2023 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2688701 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff are consistent in their response to unwanted behaviours, and that they challenge discriminatory language and use restorative practices. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 39, paragraph 8.11) Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2688701 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Acorn Norfolk Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Atria, Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4AG

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Inspector

Rachel Watkinson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2688701 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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Inspector

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