Children's Home run by Oak House Children's Home Limited in Essex

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2671486 1 Registered provider: Oak House Childrens Home Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

An independent provider runs this home. It offers care for up to four children aged between 10 and 18 who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There is a registered school on the same site as the home. The inspector only inspected the social care provision at this site.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager was appointed in April 2023 and is in the process of registering with Ofsted.

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Inspection date: 23 November 2023

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 23 November 2023

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: 2671486 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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Findings from the inspection

One child currently lives at the home. There have been no other children living in the home since the last inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Since moving into the home, the child has made good progress educationally, socially, emotionally and with their personal care and hygiene. They recognise their achievements and discuss these with staff.

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Findings from the inspection

The child said that they are happy living in the home. There are good interactions between the child and staff, and the staff speak about the child with love and pride.

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Findings from the inspection

The home consists of three individual flats where children can live. There are also communal areas in the home for children to spend time together. The child has been encouraged to decorate their flat and has a code to access the flat independently. They have also been involved in the redecoration and refurbishment of the communal areas, which are warm and inviting.

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Findings from the inspection

The staff provide the child with support and guidance so that the child can develop their independence in line with their age and ability. The child cooks with staff and helps to keep their flat clean and tidy. The staff have worked with the child on their personal care, and the child has made exceptional progress.

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Findings from the inspection

Since moving to the home, the child attends daily education provided by the on-site school. Staff go with the child to support them, and the child is making good progress.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have received training in safeguarding. They understand safeguarding procedures and know the procedures to follow and who to contact to report concerns. The manager regularly discusses safeguarding with the staff during team meetings and supervision sessions. This approach and training help keep the child safe.

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Findings from the inspection

The child is involved in writing their behaviour management plan and risk assessments. Staff understand that the child needs to learn to manage risk and by involving the child with writing the assessments they are supporting the child to develop their understanding of how to do this.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has implemented new records to support staff with clear and meaningful recording. Staff record alongside the child so the child can contribute to the records if they wish. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2671486 3 The manager has updated the workforce development plan. The child has added their comments and suggestions, and these have been implemented.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has regular visits from family members who come to the home. Staff have built a positive relationship with family members who are important to the child.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive a good-quality and in-depth induction when they begin to work in the home. Staff receive training that is relevant to the child’s needs. One member of staff has completed the relevant level 5 qualification. Other staff are on track to complete the level 4 qualification.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has met all requirements and the recommendation raised at the last inspection. No new requirements or recommendations have been raised at this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2671486 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/06/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 31/01/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2671486 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Oak House Childrens Home Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: ABC Care Solutions, 249 Cranbrook Road, Ilford IG1 4TG

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Inspector

Trish Palmer, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2671486 6 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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