Children's Home run by Steps 4 Life Care Limited in Walsall

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2503605 1 Registered provider: Steps 4 Life 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 home provides care for up to five children who may experience emotional and mental health difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is appropriately experienced and qualified and registered with Ofsted in April 2020.

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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: 2503605 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

Children are making good progress in most areas of their lives. For example, most are benefiting from leading healthy lifestyles, enjoying age-appropriate activities, developing independence skills, having good school attendance and achieving academic success.

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The care of children

When the children struggle in an area of their life or require additional support due to their personal circumstances, staff are sensitive but decisive. Staff work closely with partnership agencies and take the actions needed for the safety and well-being of the children.

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The care of children

Children’s records capture key and daily life occurrences. Staff clearly document important conversations and work that they carry out with children. They also record important conversations and the children’s views on decisions and important documents such as care plans and assessments of risk.

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The safety of children

Children feel secure living at this home. Staff build trusting relationships with the children. Staff help children communicate their needs. This helps to stabilise the children’s emotions and behaviours.

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The safety of children

Staff are skilled and respond appropriately when the children place themselves at serious risk of harm. Risk assessments are in place and provide clear guidance and strategies to staff. These are regularly reviewed and updated by managers.

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The safety of children

Managers have a good understanding of the patterns and trends of incidents, physical interventions and consequences, and they effectively use this to develop relationships and inform responses. This reduces risk.

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The safety of children

Staff effectively follow clear procedures for the safe storage, administration and recording of medicines.

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The safety of children

The recruitment and vetting process helps to ensure that all staff working in the home are suitable to work with the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

Managers have a good overview of the service. This includes the quality of records, frequency of supervision and training completed by staff. Internal and external Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2503605 3 audits, as well as consultation with the children and professionals, ensure that there are good standards of practice and positive outcomes for the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

On top of reflective supervision and mandatory training, staff attend bespoke training led by a psychologist. This training runs every month and covers a range of topics that are tailored to the children’s current needs. New staff join these sessions alongside their colleagues as soon as they start in post. This ensures all staff experience ongoing professional development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

All requirements and recommendations made at the last full inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2503605 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

08/08/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 28/04/2021 Full Good 18/12/2019 Interim Sustained effectiveness 19/06/2019 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2503605 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Steps 4 Life Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Arbor House, Broadway North, Walsall, West Midlands WS1 2AN

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Inspector

Dawn Bennett, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2503605 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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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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