Children's home run by After Care (NW) Limited in Sefton

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC063673 1 SC063673

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Registered provider: After Care Northwest Limited

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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 provides care for up to four children with social and emotional difficulties. One child was living at the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The home currently does not have a registered manager.

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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: SC063673 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

The child benefits from individualised care and support. Children’s plans support staff in providing consistent care. They are detailed and contain relevant information about the child’s individual needs, vulnerabilities and progress.

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Findings from the inspection

The child enjoys trusting relationships with staff, which has had a positive impact on their physical and emotional health. The child said, ‘I can talk to any staff and I know that they will do whatever they can. Staff treat me with respect and help me with everything.’

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Findings from the inspection

With the team’s support and encouragement, the child has engaged with a specific group that helps them with their identity. This has helped to increase the child’s self- confidence and has improved their emotional well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

The child’s care plan outlines the preparation for the child’s future and independence. Suitable collaborative working with the child’s social worker and independent reviewing officer, means that the staff and the child work hard to follow the plans in practice.

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Findings from the inspection

The staff team has worked hard to help the child to understand the effects of alcohol misuse and online safety. The child has been supported to complete projects on these areas. The child spoke about how this has helped them to understand the world and how to protect themselves.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have not had to use physical restraint and sanctions are rare. This is because of the positive, trusting relationships in the home and the use of positive reward. Furthermore, this has led to the child feeling a sense of belonging and stability.

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Findings from the inspection

There has only been one occasion of a child being reported missing from home. This is a significant decrease since the last inspection. When children do go missing from home, staff act swiftly and rigorously, following agreed protocols. Additionally, the acting manager ensures that independent return interviews are completed. These interviews provide the child with the opportunity to discuss the reasons behind their behaviour, which helps to prevent reoccurrence.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been some changes to the management team. A new acting manager has been appointed and she is currently completing her application to register with Ofsted.

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Findings from the inspection

The child is being cared for by a stable staff team that is suitably trained and supported. The staff team works hard to ensure that the child’s care remains consistent. For example, the staff team work together to cover any staff absences Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC063673 3 and avoid the use of agency workers. As a result, the child spoke highly of the consistent support that they continue to receive.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff access a variety of training, including online training. This enables staff to understand the child’s needs, and any new developments or changes in practice or legislation. This is further supported through regular supervision and appraisals of their practice.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff meetings are regular. The manager makes good use of team meetings and uses a range of resources and topics to help ensure that staff have up-to-date knowledge of current research and practice issues. As a result, staff understand their role and responsibilities in caring for the child well.

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Findings from the inspection

External monitoring of the home is good. The independent person regularly consults with the child and professionals to gain their views about the quality of care. Constructive actions are highlighted in the reports so that the acting manager can improve and develop the home. In contrast to this, the acting manager’s internal monitoring report lacks evaluation of the records, and it does not identify any actions to develop the service. Therefore, there is not a critical, reflective view to help the home drive forward with improvements.

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Findings from the inspection

The requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC063673 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

19/07/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 10/05/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 24/03/2022 Interim Improved effectiveness 23/11/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC063673 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that they make best use of the information from independent and internal monitoring to ensure continuous improvement. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 55, paragraph 10.24) Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC063673 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: After Care Northwest Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 45 Kensington Road, Southport, Lancashire PR9 0RT

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Timothy Blundell

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Inspector

Pam Nuckley, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: SC063673 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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