Children's Home run by Motivations Activity Projects Ltd in Staffordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 1 Registered provider: Motivations Activity Projects Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private company. It provides care for up to four children who have experienced childhood trauma. One child currently lives in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in March 2023 and is suitably qualified and experienced.

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Inspection date: 12 February 2024

Date of last inspection: 11 October 2023

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Inspection date: 12 February 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. 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: 1257202 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 inspector was aware during this inspection that a serious incident that occurred at the home is under investigation by the appropriate authorities. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind, actions taken by the home in response to the incident were considered alongside other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform the inspector’s judgements. The organisation has worked openly with all professionals and has taken appropriate action to respond effectively to the incident.

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Findings from the inspection

A child died in a tragic accident. This has had a significant impact on the remaining child living in the home, the manager and the staff team. The child, the manager and staff are being very well supported during this difficult time.

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Findings from the inspection

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

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Findings from the inspection

When children go missing from the home, staff follow the joint protocol effectively. Staff search for children and persistently attempt to contact them, which shows children they are cared about. Proactive collaboration with parents, local authorities and police supports children to return home safely. Missing-from-home incident records are clear, which enables thorough monitoring of these events by the manager.

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Findings from the inspection

The positive relationships that staff form with the children are a significant protective factor in helping to keep them safe. As a result, incidents of restraint are rare. Staff physically intervene when children become unsettled and show behaviours which place themselves or others at risk of harm. Staff understand the reasons behind children’s behaviour and provide good support to children afterwards. This helps children to move on from the incident. The recording is effective and clear, and reflection and debriefs now take place to help the staff to reflect on their practice and explore the triggers for the incidents, including how they could respond differently in the future. The manager provides scrutiny of all incidents and measures of control to ensure that their use is fair and proportionate. There is good management oversight and prompt action taken to address issues, which means that children are treated fairly and stay safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 3 Incidents of self-harm are managed well and have significantly decreased. The staff team’s approach to supporting children who self-harm is highly nurturing and caring. Staff are comfortable talking to the children and gently challenge them to consider the effect of their risk-taking behaviour. Staff talk openly with children and carefully listen to their views on self-harm. Staff help children to work through their emotions and to talk more openly about their worries. Staff and the manager work in partnership to support children’s emotional health. Children who self-harm are provided alternative strategies to keep them safe. Safety plans and risk assessments are kept up to date. Children’s mental health services and the children themselves help to write these documents.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers and staff demonstrate an excellent understanding of children’s vulnerabilities and the potential risks posed to them. Clear guidance and strategies to follow 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. This helps to ensure that children are protected from harm.

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Findings from the inspection

The team provides children with a welcoming, warm and nurturing home environment. Children’s bedrooms and the living areas of the home resonate with a sense of individuality and special interests. Children’s photos, games, artwork and belongings fill the space and clearly reflect their individual hobbies, interests and achievements. The decor, maintenance and organisation of the home clearly suggest that those who live there are important, valued and respected. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/10/2023 Full Good 07/03/2023 Full Good 06/01/2022 Full Good 09/12/2019 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Motivations Activity Projects Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: St Matthews Business Centre, Duddeston Manor Road, Birmingham B7 4LZ

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Inspector

Marianne Grandfield, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 1257202 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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