Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Devon

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2592242 1 Registered provider: Aspris Children’s Services 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 registered to provide care for up to three children.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in September 2020.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, two children were living in the home.

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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: 2592242 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

Both children have lived in this home for over two years. They have formed positive and trusting relationships with the caring staff who look after them. Many of the staff have worked in the home since the children moved in.

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The care of children

Children know what their care plan is until they reach adulthood, which helps them to feel secure about their future. Their education is prioritised, and careful thought is given to helping them to succeed. Children are given the best opportunity to reach their potential. Activities and positive experiences are encouraged. Children are supported to see their family and friends in and out of the home. Parents speak positively about communication with staff and the care given.

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The safety of children

When children go missing from the home, staff take appropriate action to help them return home as soon as possible. Strategies to keep children safe are continually assessed in consultation with the local authority and other agencies. While the current protocol is regularly reviewed, due to changing circumstances, greater clarity is needed to guide staff in all scenarios where children might go missing, to ensure that they have a consistent response.

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The safety of children

Some children receive regular individual therapy. This makes a positive difference in helping them to address their feelings and increase their emotional well-being. Physical intervention has not been used. Due to staff’s knowledge of the children and the positive relationships they have, they have managed and diffused challenging situations well.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Since the full inspection, managers have addressed the requirements made. Management oversight and monitoring of the quality of care and recording have improved. More robust systems are in place, and records reflect children’s day-to- day experiences well. When incidents happen, these are detailed carefully with clear management review and always include an in-depth and helpful conversation with the child. However, the absence of an analysis of these conversations makes it difficult to grasp the key issues and use the information to plan effective next steps.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The home is well maintained. Children have plenty of space to socialise, have fun and take quiet time. The removal of the staff office adds to the homely and Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2592242 3 welcoming environment. Staff are well supported and receive training that equips them to meet children’s needs. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2592242 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/10/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 11/08/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2592242 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 prepare and implement a policy (“the missing child policy”) setting out—

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Requirement Due date

the procedures to be followed, and the roles and responsibilities of persons working at the home, in relation to a child who is, or has been, so absent. (Regulation 34 (4)(b))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that the current missing-from-home protocol contains clear guidance for staff to follow should children go missing from the home at night. 1 April 2023

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff record information about individual children in a non-stigmatising way that distinguishes between fact, opinion and third-party information. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2592242 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Aspris Children’s Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Forge, Church Street West, Woking, Surrey GU21 6HT

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Inspector

Sarah Canto, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2592242 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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