Children's home run by Care Today (Childrens Services) Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2711294 1 Registered provider: Care Today (Childrens Services) Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A large private provider operates this home. The home offers care for up to two children who have experienced childhood instability, resulting in trauma and associated complex behaviours.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager holds a level 5 leadership and management qualification in health and social care and was registered by Ofsted in February 2023 when the home was registered.

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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: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2711294 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

There is one child currently living in the home, who recently moved in. Before moving in, the registered manager and a member of staff met the child and arranged for them to have an overnight visit. This practice helps children to prepare for changes in life events and reduces their anxieties.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is registered with universal health services and can access these when needed. They have recently visited a dentist and optician. Staff promote a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. The child is now a member of a local running club and attends regular training sessions. This provides the child with opportunities to make friendships with children who have similar interests.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff ensured that the child had access to educational materials while they worked with the child’s social worker and education professionals to find a suitable school place local to the home. Staff have purchased a new school uniform and equipment needed ready for the child to start their new school. They provide emotional support and reassurance to the child, who is worried about starting a new school.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since moving into the home, the child spends more time with a person who is important to them. When they experience difficulties in contacting family members, the manager takes appropriate action to help resolve this.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Daily routines and structures in place support the child to develop independence skills that are appropriate to their age. This support is helping the child to develop confidence and prepare for adulthood.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager and staff listen to the child and understand what is important to them. They advocate the child’s views well and, as a result, their views are considered when planning their future care. Staff invest in building a trusting relationship with the child, who enjoys living in the home and speaks fondly of the staff who care for them. This creates a comfortable environment, where the child feels able to discuss things that are worrying them.

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

Staff have a good understanding of the child’s lived experiences. There are clear plans in place to help staff to respond to behaviours effectively and ensure that risks are managed well. Staff are trained in restraint. However, there have been no occasions when this has been needed.

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

Personal safety work is undertaken with the child to enable them to develop a better understanding of risk and how to keep themselves safe. This also provides staff with an insight into what triggers behaviours, early warning signs to spot and strategies Inspection report for children’s home: 2711294 3 that the child finds helpful. This information is used to inform risk-management plans.

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

During discussions between the child and staff, the child has been advised on how to make a complaint. The child’s views about the care they receive are regularly explored and have been positive. The child has sent staff a thank-you card for making them feel welcome when they arrived.

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

The child feels safe living in the home. The manager and staff support the child to manage friendships with other children. When there are tensions with peers, the manager shares information with relevant people so that this can be monitored and strategies can be put in place if needed.

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

There have been two occasions when the child was not where she was expected to be. When this happens, staff work well with partner agencies to locate the child, who is welcomed home and provided with an opportunity to speak with an independent person. Through discussions, staff help the child to reflect on risks associated with being out late at night without adults. On each occasion when this has occurred, staff have used a consequence that reflects the seriousness of the situation and deters the child from engaging in similar behaviours in the future.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

A small, consistent and qualified staff team cares for the child. The manager ensures that staff complete relevant training to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Reflective practice is embedded in staff practice. Following any serious incident, a model of a reflective cycle is used to help staff and the child explore their thoughts and feelings. This helps them to make sense of what has happened and develop plans to manage situations in the future.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff practice is child-focused. Team meetings are held regularly and provide a safe space for staff to review the child’s experiences and agree ways to support them to progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager ensures that staff have regular supervision and an annual appraisal. This provides opportunities for staff to evaluate their contribution to supporting the child and identify any support to help them in their role.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is decorated and furnished well. This makes it feel a warm and welcoming space, where the child enjoys spending time. Inspection report for children’s home: 2711294 4

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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: 2711294 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: The Partnership of Care Today

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Care Today Childrens Services, 2nd Floor, Lansdowne House, 85 Buxton Road, Stockport SK2 6LR

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Inspector

Helen Dunn, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2711294 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 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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