Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Southampton

Inspection report for children's home: SC407790 1 SC407790 Registered provider: Aspris Children’s Services Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is privately owned and provides care for up to five children who may experience social and emotional difficulties. The home is one of several homes owned by the provider in the local area and is linked to an independent school that is operated by the same organisation. Three children were living in the home at the time of the inspection.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in August 2021.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

p.1

good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

p.1

good

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

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: SC407790 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/01/2023 Full Good 17/11/2021 Full Good 14/01/2020 Full Outstanding 25/07/2018 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: SC407790 3

p.2

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children live in a welcoming, spacious and homely environment. One room has recently been refurbished as a sensory room. Children take pride in the home, and one child said how much they love their bedroom. The same child has a pet tortoise and is supported by staff to learn how to care for it. As a result, the child has developed new skills and a sense of responsibility.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children regularly access community clubs and activities. They spend time together on outings, such as going go-karting and on trips to the beach. Clubs currently attended by children include Scouts and air cadets. One child is now attending a club independently, without direct support from staff. This is a real achievement for this child.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are promoted and met from the moment they move into the home. Children regularly attend their health appointments. For example, one child who moved into the home recently visited a dentist following a significant gap in treatment and has also been supported to have all their required vaccinations.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

All children currently attend school and are making progress. Staff support children with their homework and promote home-learning opportunities. One child is now attending school full time following an extended period of non-attendance. This is a significant achievement for the child.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children regularly spend time with their families. One child’s family time has gradually increased to allow monthly overnight stays. Children’s family members are pleased with the care provided and recognise the progress made by children.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child has moved on from the home since the last inspection. Their journey and achievements at the home were appropriately celebrated. The child remains in contact with staff and was supported by the registered manager through a significant life event, at the request of their family.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Two children have moved into the home since the last inspection and have made some progress. Their individual needs were carefully considered through effective planning. This process also included consultation with the children already living in the home, to ensure their views were considered. Despite this positive work, clear strategies for staff to support one child to engage in new activities are lacking. This results in the child spending extended periods of time in their bedroom playing video games. This reduces opportunities for the child to have consistent social interactions with staff or other children in the home and has limited their overall progress. Inspection report for children's home: SC407790 4

p.3

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

Staff recognise and understand individual risks for children. Safety plans are clear and are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Children are supported by staff to understand risks, such as those online, and they learn about staying safe in the community.

p.4

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

The manager reviews incidents effectively. She carries out debriefs with children and identifies lessons learned. Children are supported to share their views and identify ways that staff can help them when they are experiencing difficulties. For example, one child recognised that they needed staff to give them more space to help them manage their behaviour. This informed the response from staff in supporting the child during periods of crisis.

p.4

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

Use of physical intervention is rare, with only one incident recorded since the last inspection. The manager undertook a thorough review of the incident and identified appropriate learning for staff, informed by the views of the child involved. The registered manager cascades her own knowledge as a behaviour support trainer to the wider staff team, promoting reflective practice.

p.4

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

There has been one incident of a child harming themselves since the last inspection. Secure relationships with staff enabled the child to inform a trusted adult of the incident. The child was offered immediate medical assistance. External psychological support was prioritised for the child to support them with their mental health.

p.4

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

Children do not currently go missing from home. Staff know the local area well. There is a clear protocol in place for staff to follow if a child does go missing from home.

p.4

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

Allegations of harm made by children are taken seriously and responded to effectively. The registered manager implements immediate safeguarding procedures. All allegations are fully investigated and relevant authorities informed. Children are supported effectively to rebuild relationships with staff following incidents.

p.4

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

The home environment is maintained to a high standard. A maintenance team is available for repairs. Fire safety precautions are in line with relevant legislation. However, some fire equipment is not easily accessible. This could result in delay should the equipment need to be accessed in the event of a fire.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager cares deeply for the children living at the home and passionately advocates for them to have positive experiences. She is visible in the home and ensures that she is available for children when they may need her. As a result, children have developed secure relationships with the registered manager, allowing them to confidently discuss any worries or concerns they may have. Inspection report for children's home: SC407790 5 The registered manager has a clear understanding of the progress made by children and ensures that their achievements are recognised and celebrated. She regularly meets with children to gather their views, wishes and feelings. Children’s views have informed development of the home, such as the complete redecoration of the lounge, with colour schemes and furniture chosen by the children.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager has high expectations of staff and leads by example. Performance issues are explored fully with staff to ensure a high standard of practice. Staff report that they feel supported in their roles and receive regular and ongoing supervision and training. Training in key areas is prioritised for new staff joining the home.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager maintains effective oversight of the home through well- established monitoring systems. She understands the home’s strengths and has identified challenges, particularly around recruitment of staff. However, staffing challenges have not impacted the quality of care received by children. Agency staff have not been used since the last inspection.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager has established a strong partnership with the home’s new responsible individual. The registered manager receives ongoing support in her role through regular supervisions. Wider management meetings take place on a weekly basis, enabling leaders to reflect on their practice and share ideas for improvement.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager maintains effective working partnerships with external agencies, professionals and children’s family members. Social workers are promptly notified of incidents and information is shared appropriately. One professional said how impressed they were with the home and the support provided to one child. Inspection report for children's home: SC407790 6

p.5

Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff have relevant guidance and knowledge to promote new activities and encourage all children to take part, where appropriate. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 31, paragraph 6.4)  The registered person should ensure that fire equipment is easily accessible. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

p.6

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: SC407790 7

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Aspris Children’s Services Limited

p.7

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Forge, Church Street West, Woking, Surrey GU21 6HT

p.7

Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Michelle Batchelor

p.7

Inspector

Chris Warren, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: SC407790 8 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.

p.7

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.8