Children's home run by Oracle Care Limited in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection report for children's home: SC066917 1 SC066917 Registered provider: Oracle 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 owned and operated by a private company. It is registered to provide care for up to two children who may experience social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2023.

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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: requires improvement to be good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: SC066917 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/03/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 27/04/2021 Full Good 11/09/2019 Full Good 22/01/2019 Interim Declined in effectiveness Inspection report for children's home: SC066917 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

At the time of the inspection, there was one child living in the home. The child likes living in this home. A staff member said, ‘Despite only having moved in recently, [name of child] is making great progress. They are happy in the placement and building positive relationships with the staff.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has positive experiences living in the home. Staff offer them a broad range of activities that enhance their social and emotional development. For example, the child has joined a football club and spends time socialising with children from other homes in the company.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager works in partnership with education professionals in trying to secure a specialist educational provision. Staff continually encourage the child to engage in learning while a tutor is being sought. This means the child does not miss out on learning opportunities.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have meaningful discussions with the child around a range of subjects that are relevant to them. As a result, the child is able to learn about sensitive topics without fear or embarrassment.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have a good understanding of the child’s emotional, physical and mental health needs. The manager and staff work closely with external health professionals to ensure that the right approach is provided.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home environment is warm and welcoming. The child told the manager when they moved in that they liked the house, especially the garden. Th ey also said the bathroom looks like a millionaire’s bathroom!

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support arrangements for the child to keep in touch with family members who are important to them. As a result, the child continues to build bonds and strengthen relationships.

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

The child is increasingly safe and protected from harm. Risk assessments provide a clear overview of known and potential risks . Although the child presented with some risk-taking behaviour before moving to this home, they have not displayed any aggression, gone missing or damaged property since coming to live in the home, because they feel safe and cared for.

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

The child knows how to make a complaint and is familiar with the children’s guide. Complaints forms and advocacy services information are available in the lounge. This offers the child the opportunity to raise concerns in confidence. Inspection report for children's home: SC066917 4 The child does not engage in any behaviours that place them at risk of harm. Staff are vigilant in monitoring devices to ensure the child is not at risk of exploitation. This helps to protect the child from online abuse or harm.

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

Staff use incentives and rewards to promote positive behaviour. This has enabled the child to make their own incentive chart that helps them to focus on following routines and boundaries. As a result, the child is learning how to behave in a more socially acceptable way.

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

The manager ensures that staff are safely recruited. This means that staff working in the home have been suitably checked to ensure that they do not pose any risks to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is managed by an experienced registered manager. She is undertaking a suitable qualification in the management and care of children in residential care. The manager and staff are ambitious and motivated to provide good care for the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager and responsible individual oversee the quality of care in the home but also enjoy spending time with the child. The manager’s monitoring systems are effective and help keep track of patterns and trends. As a result, the manager has a good understanding of the impact the quality of care is having on the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive good-quality training to enhance their skills in relation to the child’s individual needs. This ensures that staff manage the child’s needs effectively. A staff member said, ‘The manager has helped me throughout my time in the company, giving me the support I needed, and given me the opportunity to grow. I have now started my qualification to continue to move up in roles within the home.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Partnership working is a real strength of the team. The manager and staff work well together and share good practice. This improves the child’s experience and development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has met the three requirements from the previous inspection. No requirements or recommendations have been raised as a result of this inspection. Inspection report for children's home: SC066917 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: SC066917 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Oracle Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Suites 1 & 5, Riverside Business Centre, Foundry Lane, Milford, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0RN

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Inspector

Michelle Spruce, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: SC066917 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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