Children's home run by 24/7 Support UK Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638148 1 Registered provider: 24/7 support UK limited

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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 privately owned and provides care for up to three children who experience complex social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since December 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 18 October 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: 2638148 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

One child lives at the home and is making good progress. The manager and staff provide consistent nurturing care, which gives the child stability. The child’s social worker said, ‘Good daily routines and boundaries are in place that [name of child] responds very well to.’ No other children have moved into or out of the home since the last inspection.

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The care of children

Prior to moving into the home, the child had not been in education for some time. The manager has worked proactively with other professionals to secure a suitable local school place. The child has recently started to attend and is making friends and enjoying his return to education.

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The care of children

Staff support the child to keep in regular contact with the people who are important to him. The child’s parent said:

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The care of children

‘I am very happy with the care. I really do not think my child would have made so much progress if he was not living at this home. I visit every week and the staff are very kind and welcoming. I always feel totally included in [name of child]’s life.’

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The care of children

Staff recognise the importance of working in partnership to ensure that positive relationships flourish.

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The care of children

The child’s care plan is regularly reviewed with the child. Staff spend time helping the child to understand his care plan. The child’s views and feelings are gathered through meaningful conversations. These conversations help staff to understand what works well for the child and ensure that the child is fully included in decisions about his care.

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The care of children

The staff support the child to learn valuable age-appropriate independence skills. These include helping at mealtimes, baking and keeping his bedroom tidy. Hobbies and activities are encouraged. The child enjoys Army Cadets, swimming and going to the cinema. Such activities increase the child’s social skills and confidence.

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The safety of children

There have been no incidents of the child going missing. The child’s complex needs require high levels of staff support at the home and in the community. The manager ensures that they have the correct staffing levels to meet the child’s needs. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638148 3 Risk assessments are comprehensive, detailed and updated promptly. When risk levels reduce or increase, this information is recorded with clear guidance for the staff. High-quality risk assessments enable staff to support the child to learn how to manage their emotions in more positive ways.

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The safety of children

The staff are skilful at de-escalating incidents. Following any incident requiring physical intervention, the manager ensures that the views of the child are obtained and that staff are debriefed. This enables the child to reflect and the staff to find strategies to reduce the likelihood of further incidents.

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The safety of children

Staff have a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures and the whistle- blowing policy. There have been four safeguarding incidents, and the correct procedures have been followed. However, the manager did not notify Ofsted of one of the incidents, which reduces Ofsted’s oversight the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager was previously the deputy manager of the home. She registered with Ofsted in December 2022 and is suitably qualified. She is supported by the deputy manager, who has the necessary qualifications. They both have a good understanding of the child and are keen to continue to learn to improve practice and achieve positive outcomes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There have been improvements to the internal and external monitoring of the home. The managers carry out regular audits, and the independent person provides a monthly overview of the home. All health and safety documents are now up to date.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There is a consistent staff team in the home and staff morale is high. Staff say that they enjoy coming to work and that the managers are supportive and approachable. Managers recognise talent in the team and several staff have progressed to senior roles. This provides effective contingency arrangements for when the managers are away.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

New members of staff receive a comprehensive induction to help develop their skills. All staff who have worked through their probation period are completing a level 3 qualification in residential childcare.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff receive regular good-quality supervision that enables them to reflect on their practice. However, two members of staff have not received an annual appraisal to support their continued professional development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The six requirements and one recommendation from the last inspection have been met. One new requirement and one recommendation have been made. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638148 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/10/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 30/11/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638148 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 registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there. (Regulation 40 (4)(c)) 29 May 2023

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff have their performance and fitness to carry out their role formally appraised at least once annually. This appraisal should consider, where reasonable and practical, the views of other professionals who have worked with the staff member over the year and children in the home’s care. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.5) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638148 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: 24/7 Support UK Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 81 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 4DA

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Inspector

Lynne Drage, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638148 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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