Children's Home run by Child First Residential Ltd in Sandwell

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2610371 1 Registered provider: Child First Residential Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private company owns this home. It provides care for up to two children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences that have led to associated trauma and complex behaviours. There were two children living at the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager was registered with Ofsted on 29 August 2023. She is currently working towards the level 5 qualification in leadership and management for care services.

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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 inspector 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: 2610371 2

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Outcome 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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Outcome from the inspection

Two children live in the home. They have lived in the home for over a year. The home environment has improved. The manager and staff are working through a refurbishment plan. They have prioritised children’s bedrooms. Children have chosen new colours and furniture. The manager listens to children’s views. Staff ensure that the home environment reflects children’s likes and dislikes and they celebrate children’s favourite seasons, such as Halloween. As a result, children feel comfortable and relaxed in their surroundings.

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Outcome from the inspection

Both children regularly attend school and are making good progress. Staff and professionals work together to meet children’s educational needs. For example, the manager advocated for one child to study their favourite subject. This is now on the school’s curriculum. This collaborative working enhances children’s learning and supports their progress.

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Outcome from the inspection

Children have clear and predictable routines and structure to their day. This helps children to feel safe and secure. Staff have positive relationships with children. Children enjoy spending time with staff doing activities such as going to the cinema or out to eat. Children have improved confidence. They are more communicative with staff and one another. They are happy and feel safe living in the home.

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Outcome from the inspection

Staff support children’s mental and emotional well-being. One highly vulnerable child is now ready to begin important therapy with an external agency. This is because the home has now provided this child with a ‘secure base’ which is in line with their care plan.

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Outcome from the inspection

The manager and staff understand the risks to children. Risk assessments and care plans are up to date. This means staff are aware of each child’s individual needs and vulnerabilities. As a result, staff are able to reduce risk and improve children’s safety. The manager advocates for children’s independence despite their vulnerabilities. For example, one child is now able to spend time with their friends in the community with staff support. This has enabled them to form social relationships and has improved their self-esteem.

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Outcome from the inspection

Staff help children to develop safer ways to respond to and manage their feelings. Staff respond well to incidents of self-harm and follow self-harm safety plans. They ensure that children receive medical attention as soon as possible. The manager consults with external agencies to ensure that children receive appropriate support. This enhances the quality of care children receive.

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Outcome from the inspection

The home has an effective system in place to monitor the use of the internet. Staff and children together devise working agreements about their online use. Staff have Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2610371 3 important discussions with children to help them understand online risks. Staff use key-work sessions effectively, to encourage them to make safe choices. However, the quality of this support varies for each child. Some key-work sessions are not preventative or creative. As a result, the quality of support children receive to help them keep safe online is not consistent.

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Outcome from the inspection

Leaders and managers know the strengths and areas of improvement in the home. They complete regular audits of the home which are positive. However, the most recent quality of care report lacks evaluation and does not consider children’s views, wishes or feelings.

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Outcome from the inspection

Managers and staff respond to children’s worries and concerns. They investigate these thoroughly and liaise with appropriate professionals. This supports children to have a voice, feel listened to and feel safe. However, recently staff reported to the manager a concern about another staff member. The manager took the correct action to ensure that children were safe. They also liaised with appropriate professionals such as the designated officer. During an investigation, the staff member resigned. Because of this, the manager felt they were unable to conclude the investigation. However, they did not share this or their findings with the designated officer. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2610371 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/04/2023 Full Good 16/11/2022 Full Inadequate 25/07/2022 Full Inadequate 09/03/2022 Interim Declined in effectiveness Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2610371 5

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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

In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating—

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Requirement Due date

the quality of care provided for children;

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Requirement Due date

any actions that the registered person considers necessary in order to improve or maintain the quality of care provided for children. (Regulation 45 (2)(a)(c))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the provider must ensure that they have a system in place to help them understand the quality of care children receive. In addition, the provider must put in place a detailed plan of action that reflects all areas of development needed in the home.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the last inspection and is restated. 17 December

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff are creative and consistent in their approach when supporting all children, to understand and recognise online risks and how they can keep themselves safe. (‘Guide to Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 43, paragraph 9.10)  The registered person should ensure that all investigations of staff practice are concluded and that the outcome is shared with the relevant professionals such as the designated officer. (‘Guide to Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 63, paragraph 14.14) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2610371 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Child First Residential Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 11 Hollyhedge Road, West Bromwich B71 3BP

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Rajinder Kudhail

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Inspectors

Sarah Berry, Social Care Inspector Charlotte Love, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2610371 7 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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