Children's home run by Cornerways Care Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2583142 1 Registered provider: Cornerways Care Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for up to three children with complex behaviours.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2022.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2583142 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/05/2022 Full Good 15/06/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2583142 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

There were three children living at the home at the time of this inspection. One child has moved into the home since the last inspection. Children’s moves into the home are well planned and managed sensitively. The staff are open and honest with children, which helps them to build positive and trusting relationships.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are making progress in their education. When children have faced challenge or setbacks in education, the staff proactively advocate for children. This means that children access education with tailored support. For example, one child is due to sit their exams and receives one-to-one revision support from a tutor. Staff encourage children to persevere with their education.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have a good understanding of children’s health needs. Staff work closely with external agencies to support children with health concerns.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children engage in activities that they enjoy. One child has been on a caravan holiday with staff and was able to take part in new activities and experiences. Staff have built good relationships with the child. When asked what they like about the home, the child said ‘the staff’. Positive relationships with the staff have contributed to the progress the child has made.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children influence the design and decoration of their bedrooms. One child had a punch bag put up in their room on their request. Another child’s bedroom was decorated when they first moved into the home, and children have opportunities to add to the decor each month.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Feedback from professionals is positive. One social worker said that they were more than happy with the care provided to children and that there needs to be more homes like this. Feedback from parents is also positive; one parent said that they were incredibly pleased with the care provided to their child.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The children said that they feel safe at the home. Staff have a good understanding of children’s vulnerabilities and the risks they may be exposed to. There are systems in place for staff to monitor children’s mobile phones and games consoles to keep them safe.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff understand safeguarding risks. The responsible individual has delivered safeguarding training to the staff team, with a focus on allegations.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

When it is agreed, the staff work hard to ensure that children’s family time is meaningful. Feedback from professionals compliments this practice; one social Inspection report for children’s home: 2583142 4 worker said that staff are very proactive with encouraging and supporting family time. This means children can maintain links with those who are important to them.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

When children are involved in incidents, there is a clear plan for follow-up work. This work helps children to problem-solve and reflect on their behaviours.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The children are protected by the organisation’s safe recruitment practices. Staff are assessed as suitable before any appointment is confirmed. These procedures ensure the safety of the children by preventing unsuitable adults from working with them.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Overall, staff keep children safe and take action to ensure that children are protected. The children have formed trusting relationships with the staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is skilled, experienced and has a relevant level 5 qualification. He manages the staff team well. The manager has high aspirations for the children and the staff and is a commendable role model.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff feel very well supported and highly valued by the manager. They benefit from regular one-to-one formal supervision sessions in addition to individual well-being sessions. One staff member said, ‘My thoughts and views along with my colleagues are always welcomed and encouraged by management, and they are always open to implementing them into our practice.’ Staff are fully invested in the children’s progress and benefit from the manager’s experience.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has ensured that staff are provided with excellent training opportunities. The clinical psychologist provides monthly reflection sessions to enable staff to understand and implement children’s behaviour management plans. High-quality training means that staff have the tools and knowledge to provide individualised, informed care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager understands the importance of staff resilience and seeks to fully support the staff team. Staff said that the management team is compassionate and supportive and that it is a pleasure to work at the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is a strong advocate for the children. A professional said that the manager challenges professionals in the best interests of the child, which is so refreshing. Overall, wider professionals are extremely positive about the care provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has a vigorous auditing system in place, which means that any concerns or issues that arise are identified quickly. The manager is prompt in evaluating shortfalls and putting systems and plans in place to address these and prevent reoccurrences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has regular meetings with professionals, including education staff and the children’s key workers. These meetings track the children’s progress and enable Inspection report for children’s home: 2583142 5 appropriate targets to further support children’s development. This collaborative working means that the care provided to children is kept under review. There were no requirements or recommendations raised at this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2583142 6

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This 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’. Inspection report for children’s home: 2583142 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cornerways Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Eastway Enterprise Centre, 7 Paynes Park, Hitchin SG5 1EH

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Inspectors

Anver Rose, Social Care Inspector Amy Miles, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2583142 8 regulates and inspects 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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