Children's Home run by Chillington Close Ltd in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2718786 1 Registered provider: Chillington Close Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home is registered to provide care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in March 2023. Two children remain living at the home.

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This monitoring visit

On 31 October and 1 November 2023, the home had its first full inspection. The home was judged inadequate. Serious and widespread failures were identified in the care and protection of children and the leadership and management of the home. A compliance notice was issued under regulation 12.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to review the organisation’s progress in meeting the steps set out in the compliance notice.

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This monitoring visit

Managers have conducted a reflective review of all incidents where children have self-harmed or disclosed suicidal ideation. Following this review, individualised self- harm protocols for each child have been developed and implemented. The protocols set out the child’s behaviour and triggers and the actions staff should take when a child self-harms or discloses suicidal ideation. An additional protocol has been implemented for night staff and includes guidance about visual checks on children and room searches. Protocols are reviewed and updated when new behaviours are identified. This ensures that staff have current information to help them to reduce risk.

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This monitoring visit

Managers have ensured that staff are aware of the expectations for practice in responding to self-injurious behaviour. Managers have implemented a ‘self-harm competency assessment’, which is a scenario-based tool used during team meetings, Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2718786 2 supervisions and regular discussions to evaluate staff’s knowledge and confidence in responding to children when they are in crisis. Many of the staff team, including agency staff, have also completed additional training relating to self-harm and self- injurious behaviour. Further dates have been scheduled for staff who were unable to attend. Training has also been arranged to help raise the understanding of staff about how they might respond to the use of a ligature. The focus on ensuring staff have the right skills and understanding helps to increase children’s safety.

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This monitoring visit

The manager now reviews and evaluates all incidents of self-harm or suicidal ideation. If shortfalls are identified with staff practice, an action plan is included in the manager’s evaluation. Thorough management oversight helps to ensure children are not at risk of harm.

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This monitoring visit

The managers and staff continue to provide opportunities for children to share their views, wishes and feelings. The manager ensures that action is taken in response to children’s views. This helps children to feel valued, as they know that their views are taken seriously.

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This monitoring visit

Managers are good advocates for children concerning their education. Managers and staff continue to support children to overcome their barriers to attending school. However, one child has not been supported effectively to maintain a routine that supports their learning when they are not attending school.

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This monitoring visit

The compliance notice in respect of regulation 12 was found to be met. Requirements made at the last inspection in respect of regulations 13 and 7 were also met. One recommendation has been made at this inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

31/10/2023 Full Inadequate Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2718786 3

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that children have a structured routine to enable them to engage in educational activities in the home when they are not attending school. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 28, paragraph 5.15)

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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: 2718786 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Chillington Close Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 15 Heritage Park, Hayes Way, Cannock WS11 7LT

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Inspector

Nateisha Cardoza-Evans, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: 2718786 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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