Children's home run by Action for Children Services Ltd

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1271380 1 Registered provider: Action for Children

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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 short-break service for children that is run by a national charity. All children have a learning disability and additional complex social and emotional needs. There were no children visiting the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children's home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since 26 November 2020.

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This monitoring visit

A full inspection was carried out on 15 March 2023. The home was judged inadequate. Following the full inspection, the provider was issued with a notice suspending the registration of this home. A monitoring visit was carried out on 19 April 2023 where some improvements had been made.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this monitoring visit was to consider the provider’s progress following the previous inspection. Sufficient progress has been made that demonstrates that children are no longer at risk of harm. Therefore, the suspension notice was lifted following this inspection.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers demonstrate an open approach to improving the service through their detailed action plan. A wider review of safeguarding has commenced to remedy concerns following the conclusion of an investigation. A subsequent investigation regarding leadership and management has been concluded, following the previous monitoring visit.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have worked with the local authority designated officer to ensure that staff have a better understanding of safeguarding. Staff have the opportunity to reflect on their learning through workshops and have completed pre- Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1271380 2 and post-questionnaires. These demonstrate that staff have gained further skills and knowledge in relation to safeguarding. This has been reinforced through written safeguarding scenarios and quizzes.

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This monitoring visit

There continues to be damage to an area outside of the home, and the health and safety risks of this area remain. However, steps have now been taken to rectify this, and work is due to commence in the coming weeks.

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This monitoring visit

Staff continue to feel involved in the daily running of the home due to the support given by the interim manager. Plans are in place to support children sensitively on their return to the home. Communication with families and professionals has ensured that they have been kept updated following the full inspection and the subsequent monitoring visit.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have responded effectively to the previous requirements, and they have taken action to address the shortfalls. New audit tools have enabled leaders and managers to identify areas for development, although some of these are not yet embedded.

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This monitoring visit

Children can access activities safely within the home, and individual risk management plans reflect areas that need to be restricted for some children. Consideration has been given to other areas of the home. Consequently, children will have access to a large garden equipped with sensory boards, mud kitchens, a sunken trampoline and a swing. These will provide enriching experiences for children.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have implemented new recording tools to help get a clearer picture of things that may cause individual children to be upset and will also identify the most effective ways to support them. Other tools have been implemented to gain children's views and to record how they are feeling. However, these changes are yet to be tested due to the temporary closure of the home.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have received training to understand children's different communication methods, such as Makaton, talking mats and short stories that describe social situations. Choice boards have been implemented, which will give children opportunities to have their needs met.

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This monitoring visit

Staff recruitment files, including gaps in employment, have been audited, and there is a system in place to ensure that required details are obtained to assess staff suitability. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1271380 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/03/2023 Full Inadequate 08/02/2022 Full Good 16/01/2020 Interim Declined in effectiveness 26/06/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1271380 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that children must be consulted regularly on their views about the home and to inform and support continued improvement in the quality of care provided. Children should be able to see the results of their views being listened to and acted on. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 22, paragraph 4.11)  The registered person should ensure that the children's home is a nurturing and homely environment. In particular, ensure that maintenance is completed in a timely manner. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children's home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1271380 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Action for Children

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: 3 The Boulevard, Ascot Road, Watford WD18 8AG

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Inspector

Hannah Cox, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 1271380 6 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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