Children's home run by Exceptional Care Limited

Inspection report for the children’s home - monitoring visit: 2630446 1 Registered provider: Exceptional Care Limited

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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 by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care for up to two children who experience social and/or emotional difficulties. Two children were living in the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in November 2022.

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This monitoring visit

Following a full inspection on 23 and 24 April 2024, this home was judged inadequate. Poor practice was identified in areas of safeguarding, risk management and leadership. Two compliance notices were issued under section 22A of the care standards Act 2000. The compliance notices were in relation to Regulation 12 (the protection of children standard) and Regulation 13 (the leadership and management standard).

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to review whether leaders and managers have met the steps required in the compliance notices.

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This monitoring visit

Since the full inspection, all staff have received training and clear guidance so that they understand how to respond if a child uses a ligature. The ligature cutters remain in an accessible location that all staff are aware of.

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This monitoring visit

Further training has been provided in relation to medication, safeguarding children and first aid, to ensure that staff are able to meet the needs of each child and keep them safe. Training has been discussed in staff team meetings and individual supervision sessions. Reflective discussions and quizzes have taken place to further enhance staff’s understanding. Inspection report for the children’s home - monitoring visit: 2630446 2 The manager has been supported by the responsible individual to review and update all risk assessments. Risk assessments now include clear information about specific risks for each child and the steps that staff need to take to minimise risk. Risk assessments are now reviewed following every significant incident to ensure that any new patterns or risks can be identified.

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This monitoring visit

Staff follow the missing-from-home risk assessment. They are proactive in searching for children and work collaboratively with other professionals and family members to locate children and bring them home safely. The manager has provided some evaluative oversight of missing-from-home incident records, and independent return home interviews have taken place.

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This monitoring visit

Staff have been provided with clear guidance of when to seek medical attention following a medical emergency. Since the last inspection, there has been one incident when this was required. Staff immediately took action to call emergency services for medical assistance. Staff also carried out a necessary room search to ensure that the child was safe going forward. Staff continued observations of the child throughout the evening, as advised by medical professionals, to ensure the child’s safety.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have improved information-sharing following significant incidents involving the children in the home. This ensures that staff have the knowledge they need to keep children safe. The manager attends daily handover meetings, and the staff have a log where daily information about the children is recorded and shared with all staff.

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This monitoring visit

In relation to the use of vehicles, there is now a monitoring system in place which can identify if the company car has been involved in a crash. This is then electronically reported to the head office so that appropriate action is taken. The policy now clearly states that staff should stop at the scene, contact the police and seek medical attention. All significant incidents are reported to Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

Senior leaders have ensured that systems have been put in place to improve the manager’s skills in evaluating incidents as this area of practice continues to require improvement. The responsible individual visits the home weekly to support the manager’s development, so that the manager has thorough oversight and can identify and act on any shortfalls in staff practice.

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This monitoring visit

A case review was held on 10 June 2024, where it was agreed that the steps of the compliance notices have been met, along with all previous requirements and recommendations. Inspection report for the children’s home - monitoring visit: 2630446 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/04/2024 Full Inadequate 11/04/2023 Full Good Inspection report for the children’s home - monitoring visit: 2630446 4

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for the children’s home - monitoring visit: 2630446 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Exceptional Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Exceptional Care Limited, Malthouse Business Centre, 48 Southport Road, Ormskirk L39 1QR

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Paula Swindells-Walsh

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Inspectors

Sarah Probert, Social Care Inspector Sylvia Eboigbe, Regional Inspection Manager Inspection report for the children’s home - monitoring visit: 2630446 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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