Children's home run by Keys Child Care Limited

Inspection report for children's home: 2669971 1 Registered provider: Keys Child Care Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a private organisation. It provides care for up to four children aged between 11 and 18 with a variety of complex needs who need specialist support.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been in post since the home opened in February 2022 and is registered with Ofsted.

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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: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: 2669971 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/08/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: 2669971 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, two children have moved out of the home. Four children were living at the home at the time of this inspection.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff and managers know the children well. Children’s care plans reflect their individual needs and their aspirations for the future. All children appear settled at the home and receive care that helps them make progress. A family member described their child as ‘a different child, bubblier and happier. [Name of child] was really down and depressed before.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have positive working relationships with other professionals. Their child-centred focus, commitment and determination to stick by the children are described as particular strengths by professionals.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Leaders and managers are ambitious for children and focus on each child’s talents and interests. Children are given educational opportunities of particular interest to them. For example, one child has gained a nationally recognised qualification related to caring for horses and attends a stable to support her ambition to work with horses. Another child has done work experience at a salon to support her interest in hair and beauty.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff help the children to spend time with parents, friends and other people who are important to them. Family members spoke of the positive communication with staff and their willingness to help the children to spend time with them, including driving them a significant distance. One child was supported to attend a family wedding.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff provide children with positive opportunities such as going on holiday, helping delivering training to staff at another home and organising a fundraising event. Staff spend time with children to enable them to express their views and ideas in organising these events.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children live in a comfortable, homely environment. Before moving into the home, they receive a welcome basket and photos of their room and can decide on the decor they would like. Their bedrooms are well equipped and personalised with posters, flags, postcards and lights. The atmosphere is relaxed and children were observed having fun with staff.

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

Children work with staff to create detailed, individualised risk assessments which consider all the information known about them. Risk assessments and care plans are reviewed appropriately and followed by staff. This helps ensures children are helped and protected. Inspection report for children's home: 2669971 4 The staff are enthusiastic about developing their knowledge. They receive training and consultation with specialists to help them understand the risks experienced by children, including sexual exploitation and self-harm. This has contributed to a significant reduction in risk in both these areas since children have moved into the home.

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

Children develop relationships with staff that are trusting and allow them to share difficult experiences, feelings and thoughts. Children share experiences of childhood trauma, with staff supporting them to feel safe and to access additional specialist support. This partnership work has helped children to make emotional progress.

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

Staff ensure that children experience consistent boundaries and expectations at the home. They use incentives and consequences to encourage positive behaviour. Staff give encouraging, caring notes to the children, recognising their wishes, feelings and strengths. These notes and postcards were seen displayed in the children’s bedrooms. These approaches help to build relationships and children’s self- confidence and resilience.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is managed effectively and efficiently by a permanent, suitably experienced and qualified manager.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff describe the manager as highly supportive and encouraging. Staff meetings and supervision have a focus on individual and team development. This helps to inspire the staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers consistently advocate for children and challenge external professionals when necessary. This has helped children to have positive educational experiences, ensuring they can remain in school and complete qualifications.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers have clear monitoring systems in place which they consistently review. This helps ensure that the home runs smoothly and safely for the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff say they are supported to develop their practice and grow professionally at the home. They describe open and confident communication with leaders and managers through supervision, team meetings and informal discussion.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers have a clear and ambitious plan to develop staff and have a succession plan for the home. Staff are confident in their roles, including recording, training and supervision requirements. Staff receive training that helps develop their confidence to support the children. Inspection report for children's home: 2669971 5

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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: 2669971 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Keys Child Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Maybrook House, Second Floor, Queensway, Halesowen B63 4AH

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Inspector

Clare Hannah, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2669971 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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