Children's Home run by Assure Care Homes Ltd in Hampshire

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2666995 1 Registered provider: Assure Care Homes Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

The home provides care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties. It is owned by a private organisation.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of inspection one child was living in the home.

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Inspection date: 12 December 2023

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 12 December 2023

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: 2666995 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

Since the last full inspection, a new manager has been appointed at the home and they have applied to register with Ofsted. There is also a new interim responsible individual and experienced leaders are now in post. This has had a positive and significant impact for staff and the child living in the home. A review of aspirations and expectations for children and staff has been completed. Leaders acknowledge that this is a work in progress and there are still areas that need to improve. However, they are clear about the initial progress that has been made.

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Findings from the inspection

The child living in the home is settled and is making progress. They have good attendance and engagement in school and are well supported by staff. The child’s health needs are well met and relevent plans are continually reviewed and updated when required. There is now sufficient staff to meet the needs of the child. Relationships between the child and staff are positive and nurturing.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders place a significant focus on the way that children are consulted with, and how independence skills are planned for. This has resulted in a clear child-centred approach which includes plans to further enhance these skills. As a result, the child is supported to develop a variety of skills in relation to preparing for adulthood.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders have revised staff supervision strategies and all staff have received regular supervision since the last inspection. Where there are concerns in terms of staff practice, these are quickly identified and addressed with staff to help them to improve their practice.

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Findings from the inspection

There has been improvement in how safeguarding concerns are managed. Actions are taken swiftly to share information or concerns with relevant safeguarding professionals. There is good oversight from leaders and the manager, with effective communication and follow-up with external safeguarding agencies when required. Staff understand the risks and needs of the child well.

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Findings from the inspection

Incidents and restraints have reduced since the last inspection. There is, in the whole, good oversight of incidents and restraints are responded to accordingly by managers. However, there is an inconsistency in children being spoken to following any restraints. This is a repeated requirement. All other requirements set at the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2666995 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

15/08/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 17/10/2022 Full Good 12/04/2022 Full Inadequate Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2666995 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the 'Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards'. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person who is authorised by the registered person to do so (“the authorised person”)—

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Requirement Due date

has spoken to the user about the measure; and

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Requirement Due date

has signed the record to confirm it is accurate; and

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Requirement Due date

within 5 days of the use of the measure, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure. Regulation 35 (3)(b)(i)(ii)(c)) 28 February 2024 Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2666995 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Assure Care Homes Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Unit 4, Northbrook Industrial Estate, Hollybrook Road, Shirley, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6PB

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Children's home details

Responsible individual: Christopher Newman

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Inspector

Mark Newington, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2666995 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 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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