Children's Home run by Helm Care Services Ltd in Lancashire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2677619 1 Registered provider: Helm Care Services 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 is privately owned. It provides care for up to three children who cannot live at home due to social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 12 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: 2677619 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

At the time of this inspection, two children were living in the home. Children are settled and developing a sense of permanence. They develop good relationships with the staff. As a result, children’s confidence is improving.

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The care of children

Children’s needs are well understood by the manager and staff team. Monthly internal core group meetings are held to share information and update the children’s plans. This means that staff have up-to-date information about the children’s complex needs.

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The care of children

Children have made progress in education. One child had not attended education for over 12 months before coming living at the home. He is now attending most days. Another child has not been in any form of secondary education. The manager has been proactive with educational professionals and the child is now having an updated educational psychologist assessment.

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The care of children

Children are suitably matched. Impact risk assessments are carried out carefully to inform placement decisions around the suitability of new admissions. This ensures that children’s needs are met safely.

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The care of children

Children’s views are captured well in their daily records, key-work records and their weekly meetings. Records show that children speak openly about their wishes and feelings. Children talk about a range of topics, such as what meals they want and what activities they would like to do. This means that children feel valued.

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The safety of children

The manager and staff develop detailed risk assessments and management plans for each child. These are monitored and updated so that they remain relevant and effective. Staff supervise children in line with their risk management plans to ensure their safety in the home and the community.

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The safety of children

When concerns are raised regarding staff’s conduct in the home, these are dealt with swiftly and appropriately to safeguard children. Managers take appropriate action and children are informed of the outcome.

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The safety of children

Staff de-escalate incidents well and positive behaviour is encouraged through rewards. Sometimes, staff use physical restraint to help keep children safe. These incidents are infrequent, and the staff and children are encouraged to debrief after such an incident with the manager. When the manager is involved in these incidents, Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2677619 3 the children should be given the opportunity to discuss the incident with an independent person. A recommendation has been made to address this.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager has addressed all the requirements and recommendations from the previous inspection.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager’s monitoring systems have greatly improved. Their oversight is evaluative and identifies shortfalls in practice. This means that children’s progress can be monitored and plans for development can be made.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff receive training that is specific to children’s needs before they come to live at the home. This means that staff are well equipped to manage children’s complex needs and risks.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager ensures that staff receive good-quality supervision, and team meetings take place. These opportunities enable staff to discuss important issues, reflect on practice and share information. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2677619 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/10/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2677619 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that any child who has been restrained is given the opportunity to express their feelings about the incident, ideally within 24 hours of the restraint. It would be good practice for this to take place with someone who was not involved in the incident. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 50, paragraph 9.60) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2677619 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Helm Care Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 4 Woodside Avenue, Shipley BD18 4EQ

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Rachel Greenwood

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Inspector

Rachael Crook, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2677619 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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