Children's Home run by Aspris Care North West Limited in Lancashire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 1 Registered provider: Sandcastle Care Limited

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Inspection date: 16 January 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 16 January 2024

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

p.1

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: 2537058 2

p.1

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.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

At the time of this inspection, two children were living at the home. Children have lived at the home for a long time and are settled and developing a sense of permanence. Staff are invested in the children and work in their best interests.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Children are safe and are well cared for. Since the last inspection, improvements have been made to risk assessments. Staff follow the risk assessments in place, and documents now identify current risks and are easy to follow.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Children have good relationships with the staff team and are supported to develop their independence skills. Staff understand children’s experiences and needs and continue to communicate with children regularly. Targeted discussions help children to understand how to keep themselves safe.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff are trained in de-escalation techniques. Interventions are effective in preventing incidents from escalating. Physical interventions have reduced and are only ever used as a last resort and in line with regulations.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The manager has a good understanding of the home. She has systems in place to review the service and identify patterns and trends. This supports the improvements in care practices. The manager works in consultation with the responsible individual, and they use the independent person’s report to consider any areas for improvement.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff feel supported and valued because the manager is visible and approachable. The manager has created a supportive environment, and children enjoy spending time with the manager. The manager is child focused and passionate.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Managers and staff respond effectively when serious incidents occur. Clear procedures are followed, and relevant authorities are notified without delay. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 3

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/07/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 09/06/2022 Full Good 15/03/2022 Interim Improved effectiveness 14/12/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 4

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sandcastle Care Limited

p.4

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Forge, Church Street West, Woking, Surrey GU21 6HT

p.4

Inspector

Jessica Higginson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2537058 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

p.4

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.5

Inspector

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

p.5