Children's Home run by Acorn Homes (UK) Ltd in Kent

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2691074 1 Registered provider: Acorn Homes (UK) Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home’s statement of purpose states that this home can care for up to three children who have emotional and behavioural needs. There were no children living at the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The home was registered on 21 February 2023. The manager has been registered with Ofsted since the home was registered.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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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 inspectors 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: 2691074 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

One child has moved into the home since the home was registered. This was in April 2023 and was for one night. There were no records available in the home to sample. The provider is undertaking their own investigation regarding the circumstances around the decisions made in relation to this placement.

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The safety of children

Several improvements have been made to the premises since the registration visit. However, some of the windows on the first floor did not have window restrictors and could be opened wide. A requirement is made to address this.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The registered manager is currently working as a deputy manager in another home run by the same organisation. She has recruited two staff who are working with her in her current team. A deputy manager is being recruited. Recruitment checks are underway, and the plan is for them to work with the registered manager and other team members to develop as a team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers

The registered manager is realistic about the need to recruit a full team before the home is ready to admit a child. She is preparing plans that include team and cultural development. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2691074 3

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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, The 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 protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(d))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that windows have restrictors and are secured and maintained to ensure the safety of children who live in the home. 9 July 2023 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2691074 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Acorn Homes (UK) Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 73 and 74, Maple Leaf Business Park, Manston, Ramsgate CT12 5GD

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Inspectors

Sarah Olliver, Social Care Inspector Jules Harrild, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2691074 5 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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