Children's Home run by Virtue Therapeutic Care and Education (East Sussex) Limited in East Sussex

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2675807 1 Registered provider: Virtue Therapeutic Care and Education (East Sussex) 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 run home is registered to provide care for up to eight children who may experience social and emotional difficulties. Therapy is available to all children if required. There is a registered school on site. The inspector only inspected the social care provision on this site. There were five children living at the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has been without a registered manager since October 2022.

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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 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: 2675807 2 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

Since the last inspection, leaders have worked diligently to improve the care that children receive. Alongside this, improvements have been made in respect of the management oversight. As a result, leaders and staff demonstrate greater understanding of the needs and progress of children.

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Findings from the inspection

There have been a number of new staff since the last inspection. The detailed children’s plans provide clear information for staff on how to support the children. This helps the new staff understand the children’s needs. Care leaders in the home know the children well. They guide the new staff and ensure that the care provided to the children is consistent.

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Findings from the inspection

The children say they feel safe and have built positive relationships with the staff. Staff update the children’s individual risk assessments when children’s needs change. As a result, staff have up-to-date knowledge of the best strategies to help children who are struggling.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is well maintained to ensure that it is a comfortable and pleasant place to live. Some children have damaged the home when distressed. However, any damage is promptly repaired. Staff encourage the children to take pride in their home and belongings. This has led to a decrease in incidents of property damage.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are vigilant and respond proportionately and sensitively to any issues of conflict or bullying as they arise between the children. Consequently, incidents have reduced and children feel safer. One child who had previously expressed wanting to leave the home now wishes to remain until they reach 18.

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Findings from the inspection

The home manager effectively monitors staff training records to ensure that all staff complete the core required training. However, some staff have yet to receive training in de-escalation and restraint. These staff had not undertaken any physical intervention, but the potential for them to not to manage tricky situations well is increased.

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Findings from the inspection

The home’s manager ensures that staff receive regular, good-quality supervision. Clinical supervision is also provided by an in-house children’s counsellor every six to eight weeks. This time is used to support staff explore children’s behaviour and emotional well-being through a trauma-informed approach.

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Findings from the inspection

The current manager has been in post since June 2023. She has made an application for registration to Ofsted. The staff and children describe her calm

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Outcome from the inspection

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2675807 3 approach as having a positive influence on the running of the home. The manager is aware of the strengths and areas for development in the home.

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Outcome from the inspection

All requirements set at the previous inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2675807 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

19/07/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 10/01/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2675807 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that restraint training fits with their approach to restraint and is appropriate to the needs of the children the home is set up to care for. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 49, paragraph 9.58) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2675807 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Virtue Therapeutic Care and Education (East Sussex) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Moran House Suites 7-8, 449-451 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2JJ

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Matthew Wakeling

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Inspector

Jane Balfe, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2675807 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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