Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Warrington

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC456800 1 SC456800

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Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a large national provider of children’s homes. It provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection two children were living in the home, one child had recently moved on.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted on 15 September 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 14 November 2023

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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: SC456800 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

Ofsted carried out this assurance inspection following a notification of a serious incident. The manager informed Ofsted that there had been a fire within the grounds of the home. All damage had been repaired. The home remains safe, warm and welcoming, and has been decorated to help children celebrate Christmas.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager recognises that there has been an unsettled period. One child had a difficult ending to their time living at the home. Incidents had increased and on one occasion, this resulted in a fire in the garden. Although staff put the fire out keeping everyone safe, they did not call the fire service. Managers accepted that this would have been the best course of action.

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Findings from the inspection

Children talk positively about the support that they have received from staff. They say that they know how to raise any concerns with staff and are happy to do so. Children and staff were seen to have positive relationships. One child was engaged in education and was seen also engaging with staff in appropriate activities.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have responded to safeguarding concerns. Staff have recognised when changes to the child’s plans were not successful or were increasing risks and have advocated for additional support.

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Findings from the inspection

The use of physical intervention and children going missing from home remain minimal. Staff take appropriate action to look for children when they are missing. Risk assessments have been reviewed and updated following recent incidents and there have been no repeated incidents.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager is suitably qualified and experienced. She has high expectations and aspirations for the children in her care and leads by example. Strong partnerships are in place with a range of other professionals to ensure that the needs of children are fully understood and consistently addressed.

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Findings from the inspection

There is a stable team of staff who are committed to achieving positive outcomes for children. Staff say that they are well supported by the manager and their colleagues. This sense of being a team helps the children to receive consistent care. Supervision sessions and team meetings are used as opportunities for reflection and staff development.

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Findings from the inspection

In respect of the recommendations raised at the last inspection, one has been met, two have been restated. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC456800 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/11/2023 Full Good 09/08/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 24/08/2021 Full Good 26/11/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC456800 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

After consultation with the fire and rescue authority, the registered person must—

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Requirement Due date

take adequate precautions against the risk of fire, including the provision of suitable fire equipment in the children’s home. (Regulation 25 (1)(a))

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Requirement Due date

In particular staff and managers should seek support from the fire service in the event of a fire. 30 January 2024

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure appraisals for staff include the views of other professionals who have worked with staff over the year, and the views of children. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.5)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that they consider whether rodent deterrents are necessary, provided that there are no concerns about rodents. Homes should seek as far as possible to maintain a homely atmosphere rather than an institutional one. (‘Guide to the Children s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards page 15, paragraph 3.9) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC456800 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 5 th Floor, Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG

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Inspector

Jennifer Quest, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC456800 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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