Children's Home run by Clear Water Care Homes Ltd in Sandwell

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2614738 1 Registered provider: Clear Water 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

This privately owned home is registered to provide care for up to four children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since the home opened in June 2021. She is suitably qualified.

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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: 2614738 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

Three children live in the home. Two children have lived in the home for a couple of years. The other child has lived in the home for several months. Since the last inspection, two children have moved out of the home. Both these children were reunited with parents in line with their local authority plans and views and wishes.

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Findings from the inspection

Children live in a well-maintained, comfortable and welcoming homely environment. Staff work hard to create an atmosphere that is full of warmth and respect. Children’s belongings fill the home, and their photos are proudly on display. Ornaments and soft furnishings help to create a nurturing home. Children personalise their bedrooms and this allows them to have a sense of pride in their home and promotes their well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers now consistently escalate requests to the local authority for the children’s most up-to-date plans. Internal care planning processes are structured and well recorded in line with the local authority plans. This promotes good-quality and consistent care.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers and staff demonstrate a great understanding of children’s vulnerabilities and potential risks posed to them. Clear guidance and strategies are recorded in written risk assessments. This awareness is embedded in the staff’s day-to-day work, which reduces and minimises the risks for children effectively. Staff are directed in how to manage and mitigate the risks identified for each child. Observations show that staff are highly skilled in diversion, distraction and de- escalation, which demonstrates that the strategies identified are being used and are effective. This helps ensure that children are protected from harm.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager and staff are clear about their responsibilities to protect children. Staff understand the child protection policy and know how to report a safeguarding concern. The manager has an effective system for recording, reporting and monitoring safeguarding concerns. Liaison with professionals is effective. Information is shared swiftly with professionals to avoid delay and to ensure that children are protected from harm. The manager takes guidance from these professionals, and they work together to ensure that children are safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Safe and robust recruitment processes and practices are now in place and adhered to when recruiting new employees. Criminal checks for overseas candidates are now completed. Vetting procedures help to ensure that children are not looked after by unsuitable adults. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2614738 3 Most staff now hold the required qualification for residential childcare. A small number of staff are currently working to achieve this qualification, and there are plans to ensure that they complete this within the required timescales.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has submitted a review of the quality of care provided to children. This includes consultation with relevant people. The manager now has a good knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the home and has produced an action plan to drive further progress and development.

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Findings from the inspection

The statement of purpose clearly demonstrates the aims and objectives of the home. This helps parents or placing authorities to have a clear understanding of the service’s aims. This is now kept under regular review and includes the current names of staff who work in the home and their qualifications.

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Findings from the inspection

All previous requirements and recommendations have been met and no new requirements have been made. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2614738 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/05/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 07/06/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 15/02/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2614738 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Clear Water Care Homes Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 6 Elsenwood Crescent, Camberley, Surrey GU15 2BA

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Inspector

Marianne Grandfield, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2614738 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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