Children's Home run by Acorn Residential Care Ltd in Staffordshire

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2509731 1 Registered provider: Acorn Residential Care Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This is a privately owned children’s home. It is registered to provide care for up to two children with social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not had a registered manager since 15 September 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: 2509731 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 was one child living in the home during the inspection.

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The care of children

Since the last inspection, the registered manager and most of the original staff team have left. The child has formed positive relationships with the new staff and manager. An independent reviewing officer said, ‘Staff work hard with her. Although there has been a huge staff turnover, there has been a thread of good practice that has stayed. Consistent practice is now showing through. She is trusting staff now.’

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The care of children

The child has progressed from receiving education from a tutor to now being in school full time. The child is enjoying her new school. Staff told the inspector the child is doing well and has started to make friends. The child’s grandparent said, ‘We are pleased that she is now in school, she seems settled.’ And a school representative said, ‘She is already making good progress in all subjects, especially with regard to her reading.’

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The care of children

The child enjoys living in the home. She attends Girl Guides and goes swimming. She is aware of her diet and engages well with staff who help promote healthy eating. Effective key-working sessions with staff help the child to understand her development and emotions. As a result, the child is more able to manage her health and emotional well-being.

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The care of children

Staff listen to the child. The child has key-work sessions, house meetings and regular ad-hoc chats with staff. She can speak to staff to alert them to her wishes and feelings. As a result, the child’s needs are met.

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The safety of children

Risk is managed well. Staff understand the child’s vulnerabilities. They apply effective strategies that help to manage incidents. As a result, the use of physical intervention is reducing. The child is learning how to manage her emotions and how to respond appropriately when challenged.

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The safety of children

Staff monitor changes in the child’s behaviour. They track incidents and evaluate patterns and trends. They use incentives to reward and promote positive behaviour. This helps staff to keep the child safe.

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The safety of children

The child does not go missing from home. Staffing levels are good and ensure that the child is provided with sufficient supervision to keep her safe. When incidents occur, staff are quick to respond appropriately and update risk assessments. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2509731 3 The manager has safely recruited staff since the last inspection and undertaken safer recruitment checks prior to new staff starting employment. This keeps the child safe from unsuitable candidates having access to them.

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The safety of children

The home is a warm and welcoming environment. The manager ensures that all health and safety arrangements in the home are monitored. As a result, the child, staff and visitors are protected from the risk of harm or injury.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There is a suitably experienced and qualified manager in place. The current manager has applied to register with Ofsted and is awaiting her interview.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager actively oversees the operation of the home. She uses effective monitoring and review systems to evaluate the quality of care provided to children. Since the last inspection, the manager has developed new ways of working that help track progress and highlight weakness. For example, the workforce development plan and the home development plan are now combined as one document. This makes it easier to plan, track and assess progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

There have not been any complaints since the last inspection. The manager has proven good relationships with the child, staff, professionals and neighbours. She makes herself available to answer any questions and address issues before they become complaints. As a result, the home continues to function harmoniously.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Staff are suitably trained and knowledgeable. The manager regularly supervises and supports staff’s development. Staff either have a suitable qualification to work with children or are undertaking one.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The manager’s oversight of the home is good. Sufficient action has been taken to meet the three requirements and one recommendation made at the previous inspection. No requirements or recommendations were made as a result of this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2509731 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/10/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 22/06/2021 Full Good 11/12/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2509731 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Acorn Residential Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 13a Pitsford Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B18 6LJ

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Inspector

Michelle Spruce, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2509731 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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Inspector

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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