Children's Home run by Unity Residential Care Services Limited in Cheshire East

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2561970 1 Registered provider: Unity Residential Care Services Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is run by a private organisation and is registered to provide care for up to three children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since January 2020.

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Inspection date: 14 March 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 14 March 2024

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. The inspector has 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: 2561970 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

Children have positive relationships with staff and will go to them for guidance and reassurance. Staff respond to children in an empathetic way, which helps children to develop trust and confidence in the adults who are providing them with care and support.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, the manager has taken steps to liaise effectively with external professionals regarding plans relating to children. In doing so, plans are reflective of children’s needs and specialist support is now in place.

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Findings from the inspection

Education plans relating to children are implemented quickly to help secure appropriate education that is specific to children’s individual needs. The manager and staff team have a good understanding of the children’s individual needs in relation to learning. As well as attending school, one child is also engaging with an education charity where they are learning new practical skills.

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Findings from the inspection

Children who move into the home have a purposeful plan in place. The manager has fully considered the impact and compatibility of the children living in the home and consultation with staff takes place before children move in. Children who have moved out of the home since the last inspection have been back to the home to visit, which has been a positive experience.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand children’s needs and individual risks. Risk assessments are detailed and provide clear guidance and strategies for staff to follow in the event a serious incident occurs. Plans are updated regularly by the manager, and staff know how to consistently follow the procedures detailed in them.

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Findings from the inspection

Serious incidents, such as children self-harming and going missing from home, are rare. Incidents requiring physical intervention are infrequent. When an incident occurs, staff take appropriate action and respond according to the child’s plan. Reports are completed and management oversight is included. Staff and children are provided with a debrief and reflective learning takes place.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff speak to children about keeping safe online and carry out checks of children’s devices. When there are concerns around internet safety, staff take appropriate action to report these to relevant agencies in a timely manner.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are looked after by a stable staff team. Since the last inspection, the manager has recruited two new members of staff. One staff member said that they have had a thorough induction and have found the training to be beneficial. The statement of purpose has been updated to reflect the changes to staffing structure. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2561970 3 Staff have completed all mandatory training. Additional training specific to children’s needs has been identified by the manager and attended by the staff team. This training has enabled the staff to consider alternative ways of communicating with children who have difficulty managing their feelings and to help them make sense of their emotions.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are supported by an experienced manager. The manager provides regular practice-related supervision for staff and uses internal monitoring systems to monitor performance, take action and make any changes. The manager has taken action to address all of the requirements made at the last inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2561970 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/10/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 07/03/2023 Full Good 08/02/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2561970 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Unity Residential Care Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 2 Lymevale Court, Lyme Drive, Parklands, Stoke- on-Trent ST4 6NW

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Inspector

Michelle Greenhalgh, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2561970 6 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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