Atkinson Unit

Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046276 1 Atkinson Unit

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Registered provider: Devon County Council

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The Atkinson Centre, Atkinson Close, Beacon Lane, Exeter EX4 8NA

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this secure children’s home

This secure children’s home is managed by a local authority and is approved by the Secretary of State to restrict children’s liberty. The children’s home can accommodate up to eight children aged between 10 and 17 years under Section 25 of the Children Act 1989. Admission of any child under 13 years of age requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The commissioning of health services in this home is the statutory responsibility of NHS England under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Education is provided on site in dedicated facilities.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The manager is registered with Ofsted. There were five children living in the home at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this secure children’s home

Date of last inspection: 12 September 2023

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Information about this secure children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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Information about this secure children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children, using the social care common inspection framework. This assurance inspection was carried Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046276 2 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 secure children’s home: SC046276 3

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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 are happy living in the home, and staff have built good relationships with them. Children are supported to actively take part in all meetings where important decisions are made about their futures. Participation from children is paramount, and staff take time to listen to children and ensure that their voice is heard. Children have staff they can share their thoughts and fears with, and staff take appropriate action to alleviate their concerns and bring about a positive solution that meets each child’s needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff use physical intervention as a last resort to protect children living in the home and those around them from harm. Records of incidents where restraint has been used are comprehensive and offer clear rationale and explanation for its use. The manager’s review of the use of physical intervention evaluates the effectiveness and ensures the use of restrictive practice was proportionate in order to keep those involved safe. Any lessons learned are promptly shared with staff to aid their knowledge and improve future practice.

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Findings from the inspection

The leaders and managers respond effectively when allegations are made against staff to make sure children are kept safe. All known information is shared with appropriate agencies in accordance with statutory guidance, and a thorough investigation takes place. This ensures that only staff who are safe to do so can work in the home, the right outcomes are achieved and children are protected from harm.

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Findings from the inspection

There is strong collaborative working between the home and partner agencies. The capable leadership and management team confidently challenges services when appropriate to ensure that the best possible outcomes for children are achieved. The new and impressive partnership with the local authority designated officer ensures that the home is now fully represented on the safeguarding partnership board.

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Findings from the inspection

The leaders and managers ensure that the physical environment is safe and protects children from harm. Any damage to the property is quickly repaired, and swift action is taken when untoward safety concerns arise, to make sure children are not at risk.

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Findings from the inspection

Moves to and from the home are managed well, with children’s welfare and well- being at the heart of every decision made. Staff are skilled at welcoming children with sensitivity to the home and quickly establishing trusting relationships to help children settle and gain a sense of belonging. Those children that leave are supported to understand their next steps, and staff always promote positive endings to help children build their life story. Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046276 4 There is one recommendation which was not reviewed at this inspection. It will remain a recommendation and be reviewed at the next full inspection. Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046276 5

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/09/2023 Full Outstanding 07/06/2022 Full Good 09/02/2022 Full Good 29/06/2021 Interim Sustained effectiveness Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046276 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that teachers have a firm knowledge of all children’s starting points in mathematics and English, to help them plan the taught curriculum. Leaders should ensure that all teachers use feedback well to support children’s development. They should also ensure that all children can access appropriate careers guidance to help them plan their future study and work goals. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 29, paragraph 5.18) Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046276 7

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider: Devon County Council

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD

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Inspectors

Gary Turney, Social Care Inspector Dawn Parton, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC046276 8 and inspects 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

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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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