Children's Home run by N H Care Limited in Birmingham

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC432966 1 SC432966

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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 privately owned and provides care for up to four children with physical disabilities and/or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not had a registered manager in post since March 2022. The new manager was appointed 1 December 2023 and has applied to register with Ofsted.

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Inspection date: 4 January 2024

Date of last inspection: 12 September 2023

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Inspection date: 4 January 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 4 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. The Inspector has 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: SC432966 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

At the time of this inspection, two children were living in the home. One child left the home in October 2023.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are cared for and have built solid, trusting relationships with the staff. A parent said, ‘[Name of child] has great relationships with the staff.’

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand each child’s complex needs. Staff liaise effectively with external health professionals to receive support and additional specialist training required to meet the children’s physical, emotional and mental health needs. For example, additional equipment has been requested following a recent evaluation of one child’s needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s social experiences are promoted. One of the children enjoyed an overnight stay at her friend’s house during the Christmas celebrations. Such experiences enhance the child’s ability to develop friendships with people who are important to her.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff listen to children and act on their wishes. When children do not have any verbal ability, staff are familiar with their individual communication styles and use these effectively to help children express their views. As a result, children are able to tell staff what their preferences are around mealtimes, activities and how to personalise their bedrooms. As a result, children feel cared for.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager continues to carry out a range of regular health and safety checks, which help to identify any hazards in the home, including fire safety risks. The manager has replaced damaged and worn furniture. As a result, the home environment is more welcoming and safer.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are safe and protected from harm. They do not present behaviours that challenge others, and they do not attempt to run away or go missing from the home. Sufficient staffing levels contribute to children’s safety.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has contacted other professionals in the community to request information to contribute to the evaluation of the home’s location risk assessment. Unfortunately, the manager did not receive any response. No new information has been received; therefore, the location risk assessment remains unchanged.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is undertaking a suitable qualification in the leadership and management of children and young people. The manager previously held a deputy manager’s position for the home and is familiar with the service. The manager has submitted her application to register with Ofsted. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC432966 3 A staff bedroom, which is used when staff sleep overnight, had a blanket across the window that was being used as a curtain. Although the manager had requested funds to provide suitable blinds or curtains, prompt action had not been taken to address this. However, following a discussion with the manager and operations manager at the time of the inspection, immediate action was taken to replace the blanket with suitable window blinds or curtains.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager notifies the regulator when significant events occur. This ensures that any action taken is shared and helps to identify if any follow-up action is required.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has met the five requirements raised at the previous inspection. As a result of this visit, no requirements or recommendations have been made. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC432966 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/09/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 31/01/2023 Full Good 18/10/2022 Full Inadequate 13/10/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC432966 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 69, Steward Street Business Lofts, Steward Street, Birmingham B18 7AF

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Inspector

Michelle Spruce, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC432966 6 regulates and inspects 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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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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