Children's Home run by SureCare Residential Ltd in Essex

Inspection report children’s home: SC462729 1 SC462729 Registered provider: SureCare Residential Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a private organisation and provides care for up to five children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

Inspectors were aware during this inspection that serious child protection allegations were being investigated by the appropriate authorities. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate allegations of this kind, actions taken by the setting in response to the allegations were considered alongside other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform inspectors’ judgements.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

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

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: SC462729 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

08/08/2023 Full Good 18/05/2022 Full Good 19/10/2021 Full Good 23/01/2020 Interim Improved effectiveness Inspection report children’s home: SC462729 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

At the time of this inspection two children were living at the home. The two children have lived together for a significant amount of time and know each other well. One child said, ‘[Child] is like my little brother and I guess that means I am like his big sister.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, three children have moved out of the home. The initial assessment described how the children’s needs could be met, however their needs changed, and staff could no longer keep them safe. This led to an unsettled period where children’s progress was variable.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The two remaining children have made good progress. One child has started to spend time in the community and has made friends. One child recognises when they need emotional support and asks the staff for help. This has helped the child to reduce times when they self-harm. Staff support children with their social and emotional development.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Both children are in education and their attendance is good. One child found it difficult to return to school after the Christmas holidays. The manager worked with the school to create a bespoke educational package. As a result, the child is now fully engaged in learning. Staff attend events at school and celebrate children’s success. This helps children to feel valued and have a sese of achievement.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff organise a wide range of activities that they know children will enjoy. Children have enjoyed premier league football matches, driving experiences and both children attend community clubs. Staff plan parties for children. Birthdays, anniversaries, and important events are celebrated. Staff help children to have fun and build confidence.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have supported one child’s cultural needs in relation to personal care, exceptionally well. This support has led to the child confidently undertaking responsibility for their own hair and skin care. Staff helped, and guided, one child with their dietary and spiritual needs during an important religious festival. Staff help children to feel positive about their cultural heritage and identity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff complete detailed records when children harm themselves. These include a body map to detail where the injury has occurred. However, staff do not record when they have provided first aid or emotional and mental health support. This makes it difficult to judge the level of support provided to children when they are upset.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children live in a modern, large, detached home. There are lots of spaces for children to be alone or socialise. However, there are stains on the lounge carpet, damage to some walls and the home requires decorating This detracts from a homely environment. A fire door was found propped open by a chair. This shortfall was raised at the last inspection and is restated. Inspection report children’s home: SC462729 4

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

Children said that they feel safe living at the home. Both children identify staff they can talk to if they felt worried. One child said, ‘The staff support me, look after me. I don’t know what I would do if they weren’t here for me.’

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

Staff know the children well and understand their vulnerabilities. This is because children’s plans are detailed and guide staff well. The plans include strategies that help children feel safe. One child has made significant progress in their online safety. This has resulted in them having their own mobile phone and openly talking to staff about their social media activity. Staff help children to understand how to keep themselves safe.

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

Physical interventions are used as a last resort and to keep children safe. Staff talk to children, provide reassurance and distraction before holding a child. When children have been held it has been proportionate and for the least amount of time. The interim manager consistently speaks to staff and children afterwards. This helps children to talk about their experience and helps the staff to consider alternative approaches.

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

When children have left the home without permission the staff have acted without delay. Staff look for children in places they may go. They let other professionals know and share important information about children. When children are found, they are welcomed home. The interim manager makes certain children have someone independent to talk to about their experience and why they left.

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

Since the last inspection there have been 3 medication errors. No children were harmed. On each occasion a detailed investigation was completed. Any learning and disciplinary actions were undertaken. The manager acts quickly if there are any concerns about the health and welfare of children.

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

Two children made allegations about one member of staff. The interim manager followed safeguarding procedures and investigated the allegations without delay. However, the investigations failed to provide important information. These failed to demonstrate how the manager arrived at the outcome and was assured that the children were safeguarded.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There have been changes in the management team. A part-time interim manager has been appointed. To provide consistency and oversight the deputy manager, responsible individual and director support the interim manager. The management team know the children and staff well. Staff and children spoke highly about the managers.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The interim manager follows safer recruitment processes. Newly appointed staff move through a detailed induction period. A manager meets with new staff regularly to monitor their progress and development. This makes certain staff are fully considered for their roles. Inspection report children’s home: SC462729 5 Staff receive regular supervision sessions and appraisal from trained managers. Managers encourage staff to reflect on their work with children. Safeguarding concerns are discussed, and any actions set and reviewed. Managers help staff to develop in their roles.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is a stable and consistent staff team. This ensures that children receive consistent and predictable care. Staff have positive relationships with one another and children. The home has a well-being coach who staff can approach for emotional support. One staff member said, ‘I absolutely love my job’.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The interim manager has good systems in place to monitor and review the quality of care children receive. They have a good understanding of the development areas. As a result, they are aware of children’s progress and celebrate their achievements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff undertake the organisation’s mandatory training. Additional training is provided to meet children’s specific needs. All staff are either qualified or working towards the relevant level 3 qualification within the required timescales.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The interim manager has met one requirement and one recommendation. One requirement has been restated. Inspection report children’s home: SC462729 6

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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, 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

If the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005(1) applies to the home—

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Requirement Due date

the registered person must ensure that the requirements of that Order and any regulations made under it, except for article 23 (duties of employees), are complied with in respect of the home. (Regulation 25 (2)(b))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that fire doors are not propped open.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the last inspection and is restated. 24 May 2024

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Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare;

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Requirement Due date

that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(vi)(d))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to staff recording the support offered to a child if they have harmed themselves and making improvements to the decoration and cleanliness of the home. 24 May 2024

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that— 24 May 2024 Inspection report children’s home: SC462729 7 promotes their welfare.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

demonstrate that practice in the home is informed and improved by taking into account and acting on—

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Requirement Due date

feedback on the experiences of children, including complaints received. (Regulation 13 (1)(b) (2)(g)(ii))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to providing detailed investigations which clearly evidence how a conclusion has been arrived at and the evidence to support the outcome.

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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: SC462729 8

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: SureCare Residential Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Old Snap Factory, Twyford Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 3LJ

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Inspector

Mandy Start, Social Care Inspector Daniel Rankin, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC462729 9 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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