Swanwick Lodge

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 1 SC038719

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Registered provider: Hampshire County Council

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this secure children’s home

This home is managed by a local authority. It is approved by the Department for Education to restrict children’s liberty.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home provides care for up to 10 children aged between 10 and 17 years. At the time of the inspection, five children were living at the home.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home provides care for children placed by local authorities under section 25 of the Children Act 1989. Admission of any child under section 25 of the Children Act 1989 who is under 13 years of age requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The commissioning of health services in this home is the statutory responsibility of NHS England under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Education is provided on site.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in August 2022.

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Inspection date: 31 October 2023

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 2 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: SC038719 3

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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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Findings from the inspection

Children have an influence in the running of their home. Staff value children’s views and encourage them to share these. Consequently, children are involved in decisions about how they are cared for. For example, the rewards system has been changed to make it more relevant to the children, and children have a say in how their bedrooms are decorated and have informed staff about the most effective strategies to use when they are upset or distressed.

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Findings from the inspection

The culture of valuing the views of the children has meant that they trust the staff and develop meaningful, supportive relationships with them. Children are truly appreciative of the efforts made by staff to help them make progress and to feel safe and cared for. Interactions between the children and the staff were seen to be respectful, relaxed and good humoured. Staff speak with children regularly to reflect on their progress and feelings. These sessions are recorded to a good standard and clearly reflect children’s views.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s complaints are taken seriously, thoroughly investigated and resolved to their satisfaction. Staff investigating any complaints show insight and sensitivity throughout the process, which helps children to feel valued and respected.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are protected by trained staff who are knowledgeable about what they need to do and who they need to inform if they have any concerns about a child’s well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

Any concerns raised are diligently scrutinised. If needed, they are shared promptly with stakeholders such as the local authority designated officer, parents and social workers. This ensures that the culture of the home regarding safeguarding is open and transparent. If necessary, action plans are put in place to ensure that children’s safety is protected and promoted.

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Findings from the inspection

The use of physical restraint continues to be closely scrutinised and reviewed. The auditing of these incidents ensures that practice is assessed for effectiveness and proportionality. Any learning points are shared with staff so that plans can be adjusted to meet children’s needs and maintain staff’s skills. This ensures that restraint is only used when needed to keep children safe.

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Findings from the inspection

The use of single separation and children being managed away (where children are locked in an area when they meet the legal criteria of being a significant risk to themselves or others) is monitored by managers to ensure that it is fair and necessary. Consequently, staff are accountable for their practice and reflect on the Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 4 use of such measures. In turn, children are only kept apart from their peers to ensure their safety and well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager provides clear leadership and direction to the staff team. Members of staff speak of the positive culture in the home and how they feel they are more consistent in their care of the children. This stability helps children to make progress and to be safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive the training and guidance they need to be able to support the children in their care. The induction process and training pathway help staff to update their skills and knowledge to meet the varied needs of the children.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, experienced members of staff have acted as mentors to other members of staff, especially in supporting them to improve the standard of recording. This is having a positive impact and has ensured that most records are now of a good standard.

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Findings from the inspection

The recommendation made at the last inspection in relation to education provision will be reviewed at the next full inspection. The other requirement and recommendation made at that inspection have been addressed. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 5

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/04/2023 Full Good 05/04/2022 Full Good 22/02/2022 Interim Sustained effectiveness 06/07/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 6

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider: Hampshire County Council

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider address: 3rd Floor, Elizabeth II Court North, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG

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Inspectors

Paul Taylor, Social Care Inspector Gary Turney, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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