Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Dorset

Inspection report for children's home: 1159868 1 Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited Full inspection 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 three children who may experience social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection, there were two children living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2023.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: 1159868 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/08/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 27/04/2022 Full Inadequate 06/07/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 20/04/2021 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children's home: 1159868 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children make progress from their starting points. The two children living in the home are supported by a staff team that has remained relatively stable. Staff know the children very well. Consequently, the children have developed a good sense of belonging and have formed trusting and positive relationships.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One of the children now living in the home has returned after living there previously. For this child in particular, the home has remained a stable and consistent influence in their life.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Both children go to school and their attendance and attainment have gradually improved. The staff have high aspirations for the children, and they support and encourage them to achieve. For example, one child is now in the process of planning their college applications.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The inspector observed warm and loving interactions between the children and the staff. Both the children contributed to the inspection, and they spoke well of their experiences of living in the home, the activities they take part in and what is fun about living in the home. The staff understand the importance of creating a record of a child’s experiences. Each child has a well-designed memory book that will help them understand their time living in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

A particular strength of the staff is how they support the children to attend health appointments. Records capture the lengths the staff go to to support a child who is nervous of medical interventions and health appointments. Records are written to and with the child and are an excellent example of how and why staff support the children. They are lovely to read and will help the child in later life make sense of the events and how the adults cared for them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff team has the necessary skills and experience to use a child-centred approach. External professionals who contributed to this inspection spoke positively about the quality of care and how it has contributed to the progress of the children.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The registered manager and staff identify potential risks and triggers. Plans for reducing these risks are detailed and effective and provide the staff with guidance on how to support the children when they are upset. There is good use of child- friendly language and terminology in the risk assessments and behaviour management plans.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Since the previous inspection, allegations have been made against staff and an investigation into one remains ongoing. Allegations are and shared with the local authority designated officer and investigated accordingly. Action taken in response to Inspection report for children's home: 1159868 4 allegations is detailed in comprehensive and well-written records which capture the level of scrutiny and rigour applied by the investigating officer.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Structured and personalised responses by staff mean that children’s behaviours are managed well and there is no use of physical intervention. Children are gradually learning how to manage their anxieties and worries.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Since the previous inspection, in August 2022, there has been one serious safeguarding allegation between two children. The investigation into this allegation remains ongoing. However, due to the risks following this incident, one child has moved out. Despite this, the child has continued to be supported in another of the provider’s homes by staff they know.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

No children have been reported missing to the police since the last inspection. There were two occasions when children did leave the home without permission. Staff were aware and a proportionate response followed. Both children remained nearby and returned safely shortly afterwards.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Since the previous inspection, the manager has been registered with Ofsted.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager has worked hard to improve the quality and consistency of care provided in the home. The home is in a much stronger position than at the previous inspection and all requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Monitoring takes place, is well documented and evidences the oversight the registered manager has of the home. He recognises the need for the team to continue to develop and provides frequent and reflective supervision. There is a focus on children and how to meet their needs, as well as on the training and support needs of staff. Action to address underperformance and concerning practice by staff is prompt and in line with the provider’s policies. Records are comprehensive and provide a clear audit trail of the actions of the registered manager.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

No requirements or recommendations were made following this inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection Inspection report for children's home: 1159868 5 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’. Inspection report for children's home: 1159868 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Nicola McClements

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Inspector

Linda Bond, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 1159868 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 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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