Children's home run by The Caldecott Foundation Limited

Inspection report children's home: 1241752 1 Registered provider: The Caldecott Foundation Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

This home is privately owned by a charitable organisation. It provides care for up to two children who may experience social and emotional difficulties. The manager has been registered with Ofsted since December 2016 and is suitably experienced.

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Information about this children's home

There was one child living in the home at the time of the inspection and one child has recently moved on.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children's home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children's home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Date of last inspection: 10 January 2023

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children's home: 1241752 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/01/2023 Full Outstanding 18/01/2022 Full Outstanding 18/11/2019 Full Outstanding 12/09/2018 Full Outstanding Inspection report children's home: 1241752 3

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outstanding

Children make exceptional progress in all areas of their development. Children benefit from receiving well-planned and highly individualised care that meets their needs effectively. A deputy head teacher said, ‘[The child’s name] made great progress both socially, emotionally and academically whilst in their care.’

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outstanding

Staff provide excellent support to help children make progress in education. One child has made amazing progress with their education and is now meeting age- related expectations in several areas. Learning is embedded in the care that staff provide to children. Staff support children with homework and additional learning to promote their progress in education.

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outstanding

Children’s needs, wishes and feelings are at the centre of everything they do. As a result, children experience a sense of belonging, feel loved and safe, and are happy. Staff use a variety of tools and research to help children express their views that are creative and interactive. The homes preferred model of care supports children to feel valued and listened to.

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outstanding

Staff work in partnership with the families of children, their schools, social workers and other professionals to ensure children benefit from receiving the best all-round support. A social worker said, ‘Their [the staff] communication is brilliant and I feel we work very well as a team.’ A reviewing officer shared, ‘I personally have observed a significant improvement in my child from each visit and I cannot commend this placement enough.’

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outstanding

Staff recognise the value of continued family relationships and support developing new friendships. One child now enjoys spending time with a parent doing a fun activity, rather than in a contact centre. Children from one of the providers other homes nearby visit and children have fun together. Staff support children to develop confidence and positive relationships with peers.

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outstanding

Children have well planned moves out of the home. Support and planning by the manager and team is robust and is led by the needs of children. Staff support and encourage children to share their thoughts and be involved in this planning. Adaptions are made to planning in line with the wishes and feelings of children. For example, one child did not want an overnight stay at their new home but asked for the new staff to visit them. The manager ensures the new home are given important information about the child. This helps support children more effectively once they move. The manager and staff have remained in contact with children who have moved on from the home. This supports children to feel valued and cared for. Inspection report children's home: 1241752 4

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outstanding

Staff work hard to keep children safe. Detailed and robust safety plans for each child guide staff practice and clarify what actions they should take to safeguard children. Staff support children to share their views about what support helps them best if they are struggling with their emotions.

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outstanding

Staff are committed and enthusiastic about achieving the best outcomes for children. They have an excellent understanding of children’s care plans. The manager and staff work together with external professionals to progress care plans for children.

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outstanding

Staff know children exceptionally well. This strengthens the support staff provide children before, during and after an incident. Staff use distraction techniques and emotional reassurance to support children who are struggling to manage their feelings and emotions. One member of staff said, ‘The children are paramount, and everything is focused on what is best for them.’

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outstanding

Physical restraint is used rarely. When it is used, it is proportionate and effective. Recordings are clear and help understand what happened. Oversight of physical intervention is robust, and the team are committed to reflecting on their practice. Positive behaviour is encouraged through effective reward and praise.

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outstanding

Children do not go missing from home. Safety and support plans do consider this, which ensures that staff know what action to take. Risks associated with the location are identified and ways staff manage any of these risks are clear.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

A dedicated manager leads this home. She speaks with passion about the children, demonstrating a genuine commitment to meeting their needs. The manager has high expectations of staff and consistently high aspirations for children. This approach is mirrored by the whole team. One member of staff said, ‘[The manager] leads the team by example and is successful in bringing out the best in everyone.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Children receive outstanding care, support and guidance from a highly committed, competent and nurturing staff team. The stable and settled staff team promotes continuity of care and strong attachments for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive ongoing support, professional supervision and constant guidance from the manager. Additionally, they receive high quality training to build their individual skills and knowledge relevant to the children’s needs. Staff apply their learning effectively in their day-to-day work with children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Internal and external monitoring of the home are effective. The manager and staff constantly seek the views of children, and they demonstrate an in-depth understanding of children’s experiences. The manager’s quality of care review report Inspection report children's home: 1241752 5 is critically reflective. Oversight is strengthened by the manager’s presence in the home and the positive relationships developed with children. The manager is committed to continuous development and improvement.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Children’s records are well organised, up to date and detailed. They are written to the children. Staff complete a daily diary for children which includes photos of activities they enjoy, or time spent with family and friends. When children move on from the home, they take these with them. This enables children to maintain positive memories of their time living in the home and of their achievements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

No requirements or recommendations have been made.

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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 children's home: 1241752 6

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Children's home details

Registered provider: The Caldecott Foundation Limited

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Caldecott House, Hythe Road, Smeeth, ASHFORD, Kent TN25 6SP

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Children's home details

Responsible individual: Nicholas Barnett

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Inspector

Kathryn Hurley, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children's home: 1241752 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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