Children's home run by Five Rivers Child Care Limited

Inspection report for children's home: 2723209 1 Registered provider: Five Rivers Child Care Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home can provide care for one child who has experienced trauma and displays emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since the home opened in May 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living at the home.

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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 good

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good

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

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good

Date of last inspection: Not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children's home: 2723209 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home registered in May 2023 and this was purposeful for a specific child, the child moved in, in October 2023. Managers and staff have established good relationships with the child, helping them to trust adults and to develop an understanding of safe boundaries. The child likes living in the home and enjoys participating in activities with staff and engaging in education.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff have embraced the child’s interests and hobbies, and this is reflected in the homely environment. The child enjoys fishing, and the staff have decorated their bedroom with this in mind. The child has been supported to create an under-the-sea feature wall in the dining room. It is brilliantly creative and includes 3D marine life made from arts and crafts material.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have promoted education to the child, and the child has been inspired to participate in virtual and in-person lessons. The lessons are varied and have captured the child’s interest, for example science experiments, baking and music lessons in the community. The child engages in further learning at home with staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff prioritises the child’s health and well-being. There is a particularly strong focus on the child’s emotional and mental health. The child is consistently attending therapy, and staff help them to prepare for sessions in advance. Staff are engaging the child in conversations about important topics, such as understanding feelings, healthy boundaries and consent.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Professionals had a long period to prepare for the child moving into the home. There were numerous multi-agency meetings, and the team had the opportunity to meet the child beforehand. Despite this planning, the clinical and residential teams did not fully grasp the complexity of the child’s needs. They did not fully consider how the child might be impacted by their new environment and the therapeutic care model.

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

Managers and staff had some understanding of the child’s behaviours, risks and vulnerabilities before they moved into the home. However, some of the child’s behaviours were not anticipated. As a result, managers have needed to quickly learn from incidents and put measures in place to keep the child safe.

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

The staff’s use of restraint is proportionate, and staff speak to the child afterwards. They help the child to explore their feelings and to discuss what staff could do differently to better support them in moments of distress. This is a nurturing and caring response. Staff also reiterate the importance of healthy boundaries during and after incidents. Inspection report for children's home: 2723209 3 The registered manager has created a care plan with the child and sought their input when making ‘rules’ about behaviours that are, and are not, permitted in the home. This child-friendly approach to implementing boundaries sets clear expectations for the child. Staff have noticed a shift in the child’s understanding and outlook, which is promising.

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

The registered manager has responded appropriately to allegations made against staff, taking swift action to safeguard the child. Where shortfalls in practice or resilience have been identified, they have supported staff via supervision and by using performance management processes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager is attuned to the child’s needs. They understand factors that the child may find difficult and cause changes to behaviour or distress. They have quickly identified emerging patterns in the child’s behaviour, and they have adapted staff practice and rotas to meet the child’s needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager has strongly advocated on the child’s behalf when they believe other professionals have fallen short of their responsibilities. They have ensured that the child’s views are heard before important meetings about their future. Additionally, the child was recently appointed an advocate.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

When staff practice has not met the expected standards, the registered manager has responded appropriately while adopting a person-centred approach. Conversations with staff have been honest and reflective. During difficult periods in the home, the registered manager has worked alongside the team to coach it and model good practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There have been some staff changes in the home; this has destabilised the newly developed team. However, the child’s needs have been prioritised and are at the centre of decision-making. The home is in the process of recruiting new staff. In the meantime, they are using experienced staff from the organisation’s other homes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager has submitted their resignation; another manager in the organisation has accepted the post. Both managers are working together to ensure a smooth transition for the child and staff team.

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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: 2723209 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Five Rivers Child Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 47 Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Timothy-John Matthews

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Inspector

Tara Webb, Social Care Regulatory Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2723209 5 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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

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