Children's Home run by New Horizons (Stockport) Limited in Tameside

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2591888 1 Registered provider: New Horizons (Stockport) Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private company. It is registered to provide care for up to four children who may have needs that relate to their disabilities and/or a sensory impairment. There were two children living in the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in October 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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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 these inspections, 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: 2591888 2

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Findings 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

No children have moved in or out of the home since the previous inspection. During this time, children have made measurable progress.

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Findings from the inspection

Children attend school and enjoy doing so. One child now attends high school. A well planned and sensitive transition has meant that the child has settled into their new school happily.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have developed their communication skills with the support of the organisation’s speech and language therapist and the staff team. Children are now initiating interaction and making their needs known to the staff. Children have access to their individual communication aids and staff consistently use these with children to promote their understanding. The communication systems used in the home are now more meaningful to the children.

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Findings from the inspection

One child now wears his glasses for longer periods. Staff have been creative in ways to encourage this and work closely with school to ensure consistency. Children’s health needs are well met. The manager is a good advocate for children and understands them well. This has led to a change in medication for one child which has been beneficial in terms of reducing anxiety, impulsivity and allowing them to reflect on situations.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are encouraged to maintain a healthy diet. Children are fully involved in meal planning and one child is now able to feed himself and indicate when he is hungry or thirsty.

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Findings from the inspection

Children benefit from routine and structure and staff ensure that children are able to choose activities and how they would like to spend their time. Children enjoy swimming, cycling, going to soft play areas and for meals out. One child has made a friend and the staff take the child to see them each week. This ensures that children are able to develop their social skills.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager and staff are now clear on the processes that need to be followed should a child make an allegation. The manager is transparent when there have been any significant incidents and refers allegations to the local authority designated officer. This sharing of information makes sure that children are well protected.

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Findings from the inspection

Incidents and the use of restraint have reduced. When there have been restraints used, these are well recorded with thorough management oversight. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2591888 3 There have been two medication errors since the previous inspection. However, these have been well managed. Staff have sought medical advice to ensure the child is safe and the manager has addressed the shortfalls in staff practice thoroughly.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager now ensures that safeguarding is high on his agenda. All staff have refreshed their administration of medication training and have had additional safeguarding training. Safeguarding is a standing agenda item in team meetings and in supervisions.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has met all the requirements from the previous inspection. He is supported by an experienced deputy manager and since the previous inspection has worked hard to recruit and develop a skilled staff team.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has devised a new quality of care review, which includes the views of children and others involved in their lives, as well as clear areas of development. This will support him in continuing to make improvements.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has developed a new induction process for new starters. Staff that have gone through this say this has been thorough and helpful for them in their new role. Staff say that they feel well supported by their managers and have received the training needed to carry out their roles.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has spent time developing his senior team and delegating specific tasks to individual staff. This not only ensures accountability but allows him to focus on other areas.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has a good oversight of the children’s progress and staff practice. He regularly completes audits to review any learning opportunities and give staff praise when due.

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Findings from the inspection

No requirements or recommendations were issued at this inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/04/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 25/05/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/11/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 24/08/2021 Full Inadequate Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2591888 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: New Horizons (Stockport) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 154-156 Buxton Road High Lane, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 8EA

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Inspector

Kerri Lynch, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2591888 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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