Children's Home run by Blue Elephant Childcare Limited in Devon

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2568557 1 Registered provider: Blue Elephant Childcare Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home provides care and support for up to three children with emotional and social difficulties. It is part of a local organisation that owns several homes.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, two children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 23 October 2023

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

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. Inspectors have 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: 2568557 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

Leaders and managers have addressed the concerns raised during the previous inspection. A thorough improvement plan, which is a working document, has been devised to address the requirements that were made. The management team has formed positive relationships and provides a united and joined-up approach to running the home and caring for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Decision-making for a child to move into the home was robust and comprehensive. Consideration is given to risks, carers’ skill set in relation to meeting children’s needs and the individual needs of the children.

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Findings from the inspection

The two children who live at the home said that they like living there and feel safe. They identified carers who they can talk to. They have personalised bedrooms and enjoy a variety of activities, such as swimming, visits to the beach and bicycle riding. The children said that they like living with each other.

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Findings from the inspection

When children have raised concerns, particularly in respect of another child’s behaviour, carers have listened to them. Action is taken to educate children about positive relationships and considering the different needs and views of others. Supporting children to develop and maintain positive relationships has been a clear focus since the second child moved in two weeks ago.

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Findings from the inspection

Risks are appropriately assessed and guidance is given to carers to keep children safe. Additional guidance has been devised in relation to the actions that carers must take to promote the safety of children while they spend time with family members.

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Findings from the inspection

The number of incidents in the home has reduced. When physical intervention has been used, it has been necessary and proportionate. Sections in incident reports are not fully used, which could lead to essential information being forgotten or missed. Conversations with children after an incident are brief.

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Findings from the inspection

Carers adapt their interactions with children to the needs of children. Conversations can be purposeful, humorous, thoughtful, informative and sensitive. If children were to read many of the records that are made to detail their life, they will gain a good insight into their experiences. Managers complete a monthly analysis of the care given to children to ensure that it is meaningful and in line with their plans. This enables managers to update plans and monitor children’s progress.

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Findings from the inspection

Carers receive good-quality supervision. New templates have been designed to promote reflection and discussions about practice. Records of team meetings show Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2568557 3 reflection and learning. Scenarios around safeguarding are discussed. Managers devise and use slideshows to promote team learning. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2568557 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/10/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 15/08/2022 Full Good 01/03/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2568557 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

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Requirement Due date

understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children;

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Requirement Due date

use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential. (Regulation 6 (1)(a)(b))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered person must ensure that recordings of incidents are thorough. They must ensure that conversations with children following an incident are reflective and support the child to talk about what happened and what needs to happen next. If the child does not wish to engage with this conversation, this should be recorded. 8 May 2024 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2568557 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Blue Elephant Childcare Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 30, Chivenor Business Park, Barnstaple EX31 4FT

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Inspector

Carla Simkiss, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2568557 7 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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