Children's home run by Pike View Care Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2711793 1 Registered provider: Pike View Care Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is operated by a private company. The home provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since the home was registered in March 2023. This is the home’s first inspection.

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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

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2711793 2

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Recent inspection history

Not previously inspected Inspection report for children’s home: 2711793 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child has lived in the home since it was registered and has made considerable progress. They have formed trusting relationships with staff and say that they feel safe and happy in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is helped to understand their emotions by a dedicated and caring staff team. The focus on building positive, respectful and trusting relationships has enabled the child to express their feelings about their past and begin to focus on creating a positive future.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Education is promoted. Managers and staff are persistent in their approach to ensuring that the child receives suitable education. When delays occur, the manager is quick to escalate his concerns to secure a suitable resolution. Furthermore, the child is supported by additional online learning opportunities. This aids the child’s future life chances.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Healthcare assessments provide clear targets for positive emotional and physical health. The child is registered with local healthcare practitioners and receives additional support from external sources when required. This means that individual health needs are suitably managed.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Family time is consistently promoted and supported by staff. Staff collaborate closely with the placing authority and the children’s families to ensure that appropriate boundaries are in place. This work helps children and their families to rebuild positive and safe relationships. However, a plan is not in place to support the child should they request to visit a family member who has been absent from their lives. This increases the chance for inconsistencies.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is supported emotionally with therapy dogs frequently coming to visit the home. They regularly take the dogs for walks with staff and have learned how to care for them. The child said, ‘I love the dogs, and they love me. I love taking them for a walk and playing with them.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s ethnic and cultural background is promoted. Staff have discussions with the child to explore the child’s country of birth and religious beliefs. Furthermore, the growing diverse team provides the child with a positive message of acceptance. However, work exploring the impact of equality and diversity is not routinely undertaken.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Cycling, long walks, visits to places of interest and go-karting are examples of some of the recreational activities that the child enjoys during their free time. Furthermore, family members are invited to attend some activities. A staff member said, ‘We do all we can to support the child to try new things. It is lovely to see them do activities as a family.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2711793 4

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

Since coming to live at this home, previous known risks to the child have significantly decreased. There have been no incidents of the child being missing from the home or of behaviours that challenge, including aggression or damage. Assessments that identify risks are thorough and provide staff with simple and effective steps to reduce and manage risks.

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

Risks are closely monitored. A monthly trend analysis provides a clear overview of any increasing or decreasing risks and the steps to be taken as required. This information is shared with the child, who said, ‘This is like a normal family home. They respect me and I respect them. I don’t do the things I used to do in other homes because I like it here.’

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

When a concern arises, such as substance misuse, staff take effective action to address this. For example, staff supported the child to attend drug misuse services, had in-depth discussions and supported the child to complete online certificated training. This prompt wraparound response has resulted in no further issues regarding substance misuse.

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

The staff are trained in the use of safe physical intervention and de-escalation techniques. There has been one incident requiring a minor guide since the home opened. The record of the intervention is supported by debriefs for the child and staff member, follow-up discussions and reflections.

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

A room search is undertaken should there be a concern. There has been one room search conducted. Records identify the reason for the search and if any items were removed because of the search. However, the record does not include where removed items are stored. Consequently, there is a risk that children’s property may be mislaid.

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

Children are cared for by staff who are robustly vetted before starting work. This means that staff are safe to work with children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager and staff team have developed a caring, supportive and aspirational culture for the child to thrive and grow. The child receives informed and consistent high-quality care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager sets the standards for the team and leads from the front. He provides regular formal and informal supervision and guides the staff in the development of a safe and nurturing environment for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The statement of purpose is well defined to ensure that children, social workers and families are clear about the service and the support that it provides. Inspection report for children’s home: 2711793 5 Most of the staff have successfully completed a relevant childcare qualification. They have undertaken mandatory training and receive consistent guidance from the manager, responsible individual and external consultant. A staff member said, ‘We are so proud of the progress our child has made. We want them to achieve their best, and we will do everything we can to help them.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Attachment training has yet to be completed. This training is important in understanding a child’s severed attachments and the emotional impact of separation from previous carers and family members.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is a consistent and skilled staff team. Staff say that they are happy in their roles and that they receive an elevated level of consistent support and guidance.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is consistent in his approach to monitoring the quality of care provided. This is having a positive effect on the child. The registered manager consistently reviews the work being undertaken with the child and provides guidance for staff on how to progress short- and long-term aims.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The independent visitor monitors the home in accordance with regulation. The reports provide a good overall analysis of the care being provided to the child and include consistent feedback from external stakeholders, family members and the child. Therefore, the information contained in the reports helps to support the ongoing development of the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2711793 6

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that in the event of a room search, the record clearly states where removed items are stored. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 16, paragraph 3.20)  The registered person should ensure that equality and diversity are consistently promoted in the home to support children as individuals. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 17, paragraph 3.22)  The registered person should ensure that plans are in place should the child decide to have contact with extended family members. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 58, paragraph 11.15)  The registered person should ensure that attachment training is completed by all staff. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.11)

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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 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: 2711793 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pike View Care Limited

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Inspector

Maria McGranaghan, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2711793 8 regulates and 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 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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