Children's home run by Oaktree Childcare Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1253975 1 Assurance inspection

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The children’s home is owned by a private organisation.

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Information about this children’s home

The home can provide care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties and learning difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There is no registered manager in place. A new manager has recently been appointed; the manager is in the process of submitting her application to register with Ofsted.

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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 these inspections, the inspectors 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: 1253975 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 is one child living in the home. They were happy and settled and talked fondly about the staff team and the support they now receive. The child talked excitedly about the wide range of new activities they have had the opportunity to take part in, including a new role looking after the dogs in the animal shelter.

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The care of children

Managers and staff know the child well. They make sure that the child is now fully supported to take part in their education. As a result of the additional support systems, the child has made noticeable progress in their education. The new manager and staff work effectively with the child’s teachers to identify any potential barriers to learning. The improved communication systems have ensured that a consistent approach is used for learning.

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The care of children

The new manager has introduced new communication aids to support the child to make choices about their life in the home. The child is encouraged to talk openly about their wishes and feelings, and this new approach is enabling them to have a voice in the home. The new manager has also ensured that an independent advocate is available to the child. This means that the child feels valued and listened to.

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The care of children

The child is in good health and is registered with relevant health services. Staff help the child to attend appointments and access specialist services to meet their specific health needs.

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The safety of children

Managers and staff help and protect the child currently living in the home. Staff understand how to support the child and keep them safe. Staff spoken to have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and the child’s individual risks.

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The safety of children

There are now detailed risk management plans that the manager regularly reviews and updates. Plans include actions for staff to follow in practice to reduce the risk of harm. Updates and strategies are effectively shared with staff.

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The safety of children

There have been no missing-from-care incidents in the home. However, there is a clear protocol in place should this be required. The procedure identifies the child’s vulnerabilities and how the incident should be managed.

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The safety of children

The child is helped to manage their behaviour safely. The new manager has implemented clear structures and routines for the child. This is ensuring that all staff Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1253975 3 use a consistent approach. The child has responded well to this new regime. Physical interventions are rare and used as a last resort to protect the child from harm. However, debriefs are not always completed with the staff or child following a hold.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The home is currently led by a new manager. The manager has created a home that is nurturing and warm with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Staff say that the new manager is supportive and child-centred, and they value her experience.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Leaders and managers use effective monitoring and review systems. The manager has devised an action plan to ensure that previous requirements have been met. The manager has implemented plans that are comprehensive, up to date and continue to meet the child’s needs. One staff said, ‘Now we know what the aims are, we can work effectively with our child’.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager reviews and evaluates incidents appropriately. She identifies areas for improvement and shares this learning with the staff team. However, not all serious incidents that occurred when the previous manager was in post have been notified to the regulator within relevant timescales.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The child is cared for by a consistent and skilled staff team. Staff receive training that is relevant to the needs of the child in their care. The manager has supported staff to understand their roles and responsibilities through regular supervision and inclusive team meetings. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1253975 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/10/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 09/06/2021 Full Good 04/07/2019 Full Outstanding 17/07/2018 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1253975 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

within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person who is authorised by the registered person to do so (“the authorised person”) —

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Requirement Due date

has spoken to the user about the measure; and

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Requirement Due date

has signed the record to confirm it is accurate; and

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Requirement Due date

within 5 days of the use of the measure, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement has been restated. 4 May 2023

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Recommendation

 The registered person should have a system in place so that all serious events are notified within 24 hours to the appropriate people. The system should cover the action that should be followed if the event arises at the weekend or on a public holiday. Notification must include details of the action taken by the home’s staff in response to the event. (Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 63, paragraph 14.13). Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1253975 6

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Inspectors

Nichola Croft, Social Care Inspector Michelle Edge, Senior His Majesty’s Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1253975 7 inspects 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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