Children's home run by Woodbridge Care Limited

Inspection report for children's home: 2738824 1 Registered provider: Woodbridge Care Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

This privately owned home was newly registered in August 2023. It provides care for up to three children who have emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

The registered manager is suitably qualified and experienced.

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progress of children and

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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progress of children and

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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progress of children and

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

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progress of children and

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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progress of children and

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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progress of children and

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children's home: 2738824 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: Good

The home was newly registered in August 2023. The two children who moved in soon after registration are very settled. The third child moved in less than a fortnight ago. He is already very settled and displaying positive behaviours. His social worker said, ‘My young person feels trusted by staff, and this is why he has felt confident to come and play his games downstairs and join in. He’s never done this before.’ This child’s sense of ease demonstrates how quickly the team can engage with children. A parent also spoke positively about the difference that living in the home is making for their child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: Good

The children are healthy and have the relevant medical check-ups to ensure that this continues. Children are supported to access education. Two have transferred to a local school. It is positive that, despite historic sporadic educational attendance, they are now regular attendees. The newest child is having home tuition. He is actively engaged in his alternative timetable. He spoke about his tutor with respect and gratitude. This is because his long-term tutor is travelling a great distance to hold the sessions. This commitment meant the child avoided having to get to know a new tutor as well as moving home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: Good

Two children made a joint ‘complaint’ to show that they knew how to. Both children received a response letter from the manager confirming that their requests were agreed, and the requested items were purchased. This demonstrates that the children’s views are heard and responded to.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: Good

Transitions into the home have been managed well. Children can visit before moving in. This reduces their anxiety about the move.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: Good

Family visits happen to and from the home. Children have friends and family over to visit and they can visit friends and siblings too. One child was away at an overnight family visit. These visits and sleepovers help maintain familial relationships. They also allow children to have similar experiences to their peers.

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

There have been a minimal number of incidents. Any incidents that occur are low level. This is due to staff being adept at using their relationships with the children to promote positive behaviour. The staff are providing consistent boundaries that enable children to understand what is expected of them. Staff have assisted the children to develop the art of negotiating. The use of rewards is helping with this process. Children spoke positively about receiving televisions because their school attendance improved.

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

One child, while low in mood, self-harmed and was taken to hospital for assessment. The situation was managed effectively and sensitively by staff. The child has not Inspection report for children's home: 2738824 3 harmed themselves since and is now engaged with the local child and adolescent mental health services.

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

Children who have histories of going missing from home have not gone missing since moving in. This indicates that they feel settled and happy at home.

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

The children are each having increased amounts of free time. This is encouraging their levels of independence. Each child’s risk assessments reflect their past behaviours and known risks. Previous concerns about the risk of sexual and criminal exploitation are no longer present. Children's level of risk-taking behaviour has greatly diminished. These positive behaviour changes are making them increasingly safer.

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

Staff receive a wide range of training that helps them safely care for the children. Some staff are awaiting training on de-escalation and the use of physical intervention.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

The manager is experienced, and staff describe her as supportive. They praise her for operating an open-door policy.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

The manager has achieved her aim of creating a homely atmosphere. Children and staff are happy and relaxed in each other’s company. Their interactions mirror those between the manager and the children and her staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

The manager is a passionate advocate for the children and staff. She is clear in her duties and regularly chases the relevant professionals for any missing information and updates.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

A professional said, ‘[Manager’s name] and her team have been really proactive with all elements of care and ensure that I am up to date with anything and everything.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

The manager skilfully manages poor performance. This oversight would be enhanced by having more regular formal supervision sessions with staff when concerns arise. Especially when they are new to the home or to residential care.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

The manager is clear that because the home is in its infancy, some paperwork and processes are being amended and revised. The independent person, who visits and reports on the home’s progress each month, highlighted aspects of recording that needed improvement. The manager is now actively addressing this to ensure that record-keeping improves; however, this is still in progress. Her regular managerial audits ensure that any gaps or errors in records are being highlighted quickly and addressed as a matter of priority.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

The manager possesses a wealth of experience. Her aim to create a homely atmosphere is working. Children and staff are happy and relaxed in each other’s Inspection report for children's home: 2738824 4 company. Their interactions mirror those between the manager and the children and her staff. Staff describe her as supportive. They praise her for operating a literal open-door policy. She is a passionate advocate for the children and staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

The manager is aware that the home is in its infancy. This means that some paperwork and processes are still being amended. These amendments are based on ease of use and feedback. An aspect that is currently under review is the recruitment files. This includes the reference request form. The audit is to ensure that the relevant areas are completed appropriately. It is also to capture any follow- up areas that have been missed, such as a referral to occupational health that was identified.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: Good

The home has an inclusive approach. This encourages children to be themselves and respect others. This includes those who may have different views and beliefs to theirs. A social worker said, ‘It is warm and nurturing whilst ensuring professionalism. The young person I placed there has really thrived and had positive opportunities they definitely would not have had if she remained at [her family] home.’ Inspection report for children's home: 2738824 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure the accuracy and sufficient details in the home’s records. ('Guide to Children's Homes Regulations including the quality standards', page 62, 14.4)  The registered person should ensure that staff have appropriate supervision at the appropriate intervals and that agreed actions are followed up. ('Guide to Children's Homes Regulations including the quality standards', page 61, 13.4)

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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: 2738824 6

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Woodbridge Care Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Spring Cottage, 55 West Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6LT

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Inspector

Sonia Hay, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2738824 7 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

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Inspector

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