Children's Home run by Dorset Council in Dorset

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2624723 1 Registered provider: Dorset Council

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and managed by a local authority. It is currently registered to provide care for one child with emotional and/or behavioural needs. A variation request, to change the conditions of registration, has been received by Ofsted.

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Information about this children’s home

There has been no registered manager in post or children living in the home since December 2021. The local authority decided to close the home temporarily to recruit a new manager and to review the purpose and function of the home. A new manager started in June 2023 and has applied to register with Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

The local authority notified Ofsted of its intention to admit children following the appointment of a new manager and review of the home’s purpose. A variation request was received, to change the conditions of the home’s registration.

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This monitoring visit

This monitoring visit was carried out to assess the variation request, review whether the provider is ready to admit children and to carry out a fit person assessment of the manager.

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This monitoring visit

A suitably experienced responsible individual is in post. They have reviewed the purpose of the home and decided to vary the conditions to provide short-break care for three children with disabilities. A new manager, experienced in operating registered children’s homes and settings for children with disabilities, has been recruited.

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This monitoring visit

The statement of purpose, children’s guide and policies have been reviewed. They describe how children’s needs will be met and accurately reflect the intended new provision. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2624723 2 The home has been fully refurbished. Rooms have been repurposed and there are now three individualised bedrooms for children, along with communal areas and space for staff to stay. New furnishings and new decor throughout provide children with a warm, appealing and homely environment. Once the planned front door exit system is changed, there will be no unnecessary restrictions in the home. Managers have thought carefully about how children can use the inside and outside space safely.

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This monitoring visit

Appropriate health and safety and fire safety requirements are in place. Action has been taken to comply with the fire risk assessment. The home is well maintained and resourced. An assessment of the home and local area has been completed.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers are recruiting a new staff team. Currently, in addition to the manager and responsible individual, two staff experienced in supporting children with disabilities are in post. Additional appointments have been made and these staff are going through the required safer recruitment checks. Further interviews are scheduled. Leaders and managers do not intend to admit children until sufficient numbers of staff have been recruited and inducted.

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This monitoring visit

Good action has been taken to adapt and repurpose this home. The variation request, to change its conditions to provide short-break care for three children with learning disabilities, is recommended.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/05/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2624723 3

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2624723 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester DT1 1XJ

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Inspector

Paula Lahey, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2624723 5 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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