Children's Home run by Homes2Inspire Limited in West Northamptonshire

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1256367 1 Registered provider: Homes 2 Inspire Limited

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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 run by a private company that is owned and operated by a national charity. It provides care for up to five children with social and emotional needs.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is registered with Ofsted and is suitably qualified and experienced.

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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. 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: 1256367 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

The home has had a period of stability since the last inspection, which was carried out on 25 and 26 April 2023. Four children currently live at the home. A new manager was appointed on 10 March 2023 and was registered with Ofsted in July 2023. This has given the new manager the opportunity to evaluate and review the effectiveness of care provided and establish new systems and processes.

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Findings from the inspection

A number of requirements and recommendations were set following the home’s last inspection. The manager has taken action to address each of the shortfalls. Progress in addressing the shortfalls is extensive. The manager has identified effectively the strengths in the home and the areas that need further improvement and development. There are plans in place to continue to drive improvements forward.

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Findings from the inspection

The children are the heart of this home. The decor and furnishings provide a welcoming environment. The home is spacious and homely, with pleasant communal areas with soft furnishings. Children’s bedrooms are personalised. The gardens are also maintained to a good standard, with spaces for children to play and have fun.

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Findings from the inspection

The home has recently undergone a period of change, as two children have moved on, having lived at the home for a considerable time. The manager and staff ensured that the children were well prepared for their moves.

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Findings from the inspection

All the staff have received safeguarding training. Safeguarding issues are discussed in team meetings. Additionally, safeguarding children is also discussed in individual staff supervision. These meetings help the team to understand their safeguarding roles and responsibilities and their own professional development. The manager is also developing additional workshops specific to the needs of the children, to ensure that staff’s safeguarding knowledge remains robust.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager and staff understand the risks to and from children. The children’s individual risk assessments are clear. They provide staff with strategies to minimise risk to children and keep them safe. The manager recognises the importance of making sure that all assessments are reviewed regularly to maintain consistency in practice. This means that staff can take effective action to keep children safe when the need arises.

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Findings from the inspection

Supervision and monthly team meetings are taking place and are planned. These meetings provide staff with the opportunity to share concerns and develop practice.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is keen to develop the skills and knowledge of her staff and is proactive in reflecting on their practice with them. Regular ‘learning circles’ give staff Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1256367 3 the opportunity to reflect and learn from each other. As a result, children are receiving care from a trained and knowledgeable staff team.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is passionate and ambitious for the children and staff. She leads by example and has created an incredibly positive and supportive culture in the home.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/04/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 07/07/2022 Full Good 07/07/2021 Full Good 13/08/2019 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1256367 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Homes 2 Inspire Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Lumonics House, Valiant Office Suites, Valley Drive, Swift Valley Industrial Estate, Rugby CV21 1TQ

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Kathryn Scoltock

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Inspector

Thirza Smith, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 1256367 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.

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Inspector

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