Children's Home run by Rite Directions Limited in Derbyshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2616704 1 Registered provider: Rite Directions Ltd

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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 owned by a private company. It provides care for up to three children with emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since September 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 11 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: 2616704 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

The home went through a period of instability prior to a new manager being appointed in September 2022. The manager registered with Ofsted on 6 February 2023. Since the last full inspection on 11 and 12 October 2022, there has been one child in placement. This child had moved out and there were no children living in the home at the time of this inspection. However, this has given the manager the opportunity to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of care to be provided and establish new systems and processes. It has also given her the opportunity to recruit a new staff team in readiness to admit children.

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The care of children

The manager has worked hard to make changes and make the home become a positive and engaging environment for children. Robust guidance and plans are in place to ensure that staff understand how best to support children and build positive relationships with them.

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The care of children

Improvements have been made to how staff will consult children to ascertain their views, wishes and feelings. Children will be encouraged to express their wishes and feelings through regular meetings and with the use of children’s questionnaires. This will support children to feel valued and be listened to. Once children move into the home, new systems will be in place to gather children’s feedback and be involved in the day-to-day running of their home.

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The safety of children

All staff have received safeguarding training. Safeguarding is now discussed in staff supervision meetings. These meetings support the team in developing a shared understanding of their roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and their own professional development. This needs to be embedded within the team going forward.

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The safety of children

Safeguarding matters are now discussed regularly in team meetings. Introducing this as a standard agenda item has provided opportunities for staff to discuss and develop. This helps staff to progress with their learning and growth. This remains work in progress.

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The safety of children

The manager recognises the importance of making sure that children’s plans are updated following any missing-from-care incidents or any potential challenging behaviour. This means that staff have guidance to manage any potential risks to children. This supports staff to reduce risks and improve children’s safety and welfare. However, a period of embedding good practice is required. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2616704 3 The recruitment of new staff is managed well and designed to safeguard children. Safe recruitment practices and protocols are followed robustly. This means that new staff are only employed subject to clear vetting processes. This reduces the risk of unsuitable adults working with children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

A number of requirements and recommendations were set at the last inspection. Following that inspection, the manager has taken action to address each of the shortfalls. Progress in addressing the shortfalls is extensive. The manager has identified the strengths in the home and the areas that need further improvement and development in an effective manner. There are plans in place to drive these improvements forward.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There is now effective monitoring of the quality of care in the home in place. The home is being run in accordance with the home’s statement of purpose. Oversight of care will be clear and evident. While improvements in how the home is run are evident, given the short timescale in which improvements have been made, a period of embedding good practice is required once children move in.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

In addition to the change of manager, there have been extensive changes to the staff team. Staff morale had been low at times. However, the manager and staff are feeling much more positive, and morale has improved.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Supervision is now taking place. Monthly team meetings are now planned. These meetings provide staff with the opportunity to share concerns and develop practice. The manager is creating a supportive environment for staff and working hard to embed the new ethos in the home to make sure that care is positive and consistent. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2616704 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/10/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 12/01/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2616704 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Rite Directions Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Tan Y Marian, Constitution Hill, Penmaenmawr, Gwynedd LL34 6BA

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Inspector

Thirza Smith, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2616704 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.

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Inspector

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