Children's home run by Sandcastle Care Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2534580 1 Registered provider: Sandcastle Care Ltd

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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 owned and managed by a private provider. The home provides care for up to two children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, no children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has had no registered manager since December 2023.

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Inspection date: 26 March 2024

Date of last inspection: 12 December 2023

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Inspection date: 26 March 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 26 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: 2534580 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

There have been no children living in the home since 8 January 2024. One child was supported by staff in a planned transition from the home which provided them with a positive experience of moving on.

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Findings from the inspection

The interim manager has prioritised staff recruitment and the home is now fully staffed. Although very few of the new staff team are qualified, they are receiving a range of training and support to help them develop their skills and experience. All staff members have recently been able to work in the provider’s other homes to gain knowledge from experienced workers.

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Findings from the inspection

The home has undergone a programme of refurbishment, with children’s bedrooms being enhanced with new mattresses and furnishings. The communal areas of the home have been refreshed and the home has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

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Findings from the inspection

The interim manager has undertaken an internal review of the home’s approach to supporting children’s education. This identified shortfalls in staff practice and has resulted in the development of an action plan. This directly reflects lessons learned from prior experiences. The plan considers known barriers to learning and has clear strategies for staff to encourage children’s engagement in education.

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Findings from the inspection

There is an improved sense of staff morale in the home. Supervision session and team meeting records consistently highlight that staff feel part of a supportive team environment. The interim manager has also received improved support from senior leaders and peer mentoring which has helped in her development of the staff team.

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Findings from the inspection

The interim manager has also identified new opportunities for managerial oversight, updating several of the home’s documents. This provides her with a clear overview of staff practice and enables her to identify shortfalls quickly to ensure that consistency is promoted.

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Findings from the inspection

The interim manager has ensured that all new staff members have been involved in a fire evacuation drill and has assigned a staff member to have responsibility for the recording of fire safety checks. However, during the inspection the interim manager identified that some of checks had not been recorded. The interim manager completes a monthly audit to review all records which would have identified the shortfall.

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Findings from the inspection

All the requirements raised at the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2534580 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/12/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good 21/02/2023 Full Good 02/11/2021 Full Outstanding 25/02/2020 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2534580 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sandcastle Care Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Forge, Church Street West, Woking, Surrey GU21 6HT

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Inspector

Carrie Mayes, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2534580 5 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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