Children's Home run by Cheshire West and Chester Council in Cheshire West and Chester

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736861 1 Registered provider: Cheshire West and Chester LA

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a local authority and provides care for up to four children who may have social and emotional difficulties or special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in July 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

There were three children living at the home at the time of this inspection.

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Inspection date: 14 March 2024

Date of last inspection: 7 November 2023

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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: 2736861 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

Two children have moved into the home since the last inspection. Children like living in the home and have trusted relationships with the staff that care for them. When asked what children like about the staff, one child said, ‘Everything; you can’t get any better.’

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Findings from the inspection

Children are supported to understand the risks of using vapes. Staff had open and honest conversations with one child about this, which gave the child the opportunity to reflect on the learning and advice from staff. As a result, the child gave staff their vapes for disposal.

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Findings from the inspection

There is robust planning by the registered manager in preparation for new children moving into the home. Children are provided with a welcome basket filled with items that the staff have hand-picked based on the children’s individual interests. The views of children are fully considered. One child told the inspector they were ‘made up’ when new children moved into the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are supported to make progress in education. One child has achieved an early GCSE and is being supported to consider applying for colleges. Another child is accessing learning after a long period of absence from education. Staff work closely with virtual schools and appropriately challenge when educational provision is not meeting children’s needs. The registered manager is proactive and ensures that this does not impact on children’s progress.

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Findings from the inspection

Children know how to make a complaint. They have access to a grumble box, and complaint forms are readily available for them. Children are reminded of the complaints process at house meetings; however, no complaints have been raised by the children.

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Findings from the inspection

When required, children’s access to mobile phones is restricted. Children have a clear understanding of the boundaries regarding access to mobile phones and are consulted in setting agreements for mobile phone use. This includes discussions with staff around staying safe online. Mobile phone agreements are regularly reviewed to ensure that children are afforded privacy.

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Findings from the inspection

Children contribute to their detailed health plans. This supports staff to understand what approaches children need to support their emotional well-being. One child was able to provide staff with an insight into the behaviours they may display when they are feeling upset. This resulted in a daily tracker being revised to log the child’s mood, which helps staff to establish when the child needs additional support without the child having to verbalise this to staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand the importance of children spending time with their friends and family. The registered manager challenges children’s social workers when plans for Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736861 3 children to spend time with family are unclear. This means that children are supported to spend quality time with their friends and family. One child was able to host Christmas dinner for 18 family members at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager is a strong, experienced and confident leader. She has high expectations of the staff and promotes their continual development. This includes supporting staff to develop and grow their confidence in updating children’s plans.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff enjoy working at the home and are enthusiastic about helping children to make good progress. One member of staff said, ‘I think our kids are doing amazing. We are so proud of them’.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is decorated and maintained to a high standard. When children expressed a love for the house bean bag, additional bean bags were purchased. This demonstrates that children feel listened to and gives them a sense of belonging at the home. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736861 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

07/11/2023 Full requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736861 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cheshire West and Chester LA

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Cheshire West & Chester Council, The Portal, 4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 0BA

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Inspector

Alexandra Pearson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736861 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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