Children's home run by Octagon Care Ltd

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2548528 1 Registered provider: Octagon Care 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 owned by a private company. It provides care for up to four children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in August 2019.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, four children were living in the home.

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Inspection date: 17 January 2024

Date of last inspection: 31 October 2023

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Inspection date: 17 January 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 17 January 2024

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: 2548528 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

This inspection was carried out in response to a complaint received by Ofsted in relation to the hygiene and maintenance of the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The communal areas of the home and children’s bedrooms are spacious, clean and tidy. At the time of the inspection, there were no concerns about the standards of hygiene.

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Findings from the inspection

Plans to refurbish some parts of the home have been agreed. Improvements have already been made, including new bedroom doors and door frames and repairs to a shower screen. Further redecoration is planned.

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Findings from the inspection

In response to a requirement raised at the last inspection, a lock on the kitchen door has been removed. Children can now access the kitchen, at any time of the day or night, without restriction.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, no children have gone missing from the home. To ensure that staff are prepared for any future incidents, the missing-from-home protocol has been discussed in team meetings with all staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have access to complaints forms and are provided with information about external support agencies. One internal complaint has been made and retracted since the last inspection. Records provide evidence that staff have discussed the complaint and the reason for the retraction with the child and followed this up with a key-work session.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has taken steps to address shortfalls in record-keeping. This includes improvements to staff supervision records and documentation relating to children’s progress. An external company is scheduled to provide staff with additional training in these areas. Staff said that supervision is valuable and is used to consider their health, personal life and professional development.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s lived experiences are captured through an array of memories, including photos, videos and words. These files are transferred onto an individual pen drive for children to take with them when they move on from the home.

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Findings from the inspection

All children routinely attend school and are supported to undertake additional learning, such as homework. Children have ample space to work alone or to be in the company of others. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2548528 3 Children’s emotional health is supported by relevant professional agencies. Therefore, assessments that may lead to a diagnosis and additional support for the child are being progressed.

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Findings from the inspection

Requirements made at the last full inspection are deemed to be met. The matters identified in the complaint received by Ofsted are addressed in this report. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2548528 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

31/10/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 09/11/2022 Full Good 28/09/2021 Full Good 05/02/2020 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2548528 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Octagon Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 4 Briony Close, Royton, Oldham, Lancashire OL2 5AL

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Inspector

Maria McGranaghan, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2548528 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 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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