Children's home run by CareTech Community Services Limited in Hertsmere

Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC376211 1 SC376211 Registered provider: CareTech Community Services Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care for up to six children who have special educational needs and/or learning disabilities. The home forms part of a large private company. The registered manager is suitably qualified and experienced.

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This monitoring visit

Inspectors were aware during this inspection that a serious incident that occurred at the setting since the last inspection is under investigation by the appropriate authorities. Ofsted does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind. Actions taken by the setting to understand and support children’s current health needs have been considered during this monitoring inspection.

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This monitoring visit

Four children and one young person are currently living in the home. They were present during the afternoon and evening of the inspection and contributed to this inspection.

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This monitoring visit

Since the full inspection, one child has experienced a planned move into the home. One child who reached adulthood successfully moved to supported accommodation. Sadly, another child died suddenly and unexpectedly.

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This monitoring visit

Children who live in the home are making progress. One young person now signs when they need support with personal care and can communicate a four-word sentence on their communication grid. Another child is starting to make sounds that resemble words and is making progress with personal care. Children enjoy a range of activities in the home and community. For example, one child enjoys going swimming, and staff also promote walks to support the child’s mobility. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC376211 2 Staff encourage children to learn. All the children regularly attend school or college. The registered manager and staff do not always share information with teachers promptly; however, this is recognised and is improving.

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This monitoring visit

Children have positive relationships with staff. The managers and staff spoken with understand the children’s complex health needs. Staff receive training that is specific to the needs of children who live in the home. Research into children’s diagnosed health conditions and medication is available for staff to read and refer to.

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This monitoring visit

The registered manager ensures that all children are registered with relevant health services and attend routine and specialist health appointments. On some occasions, actions identified during health assessments are not taken, or there are delays in following these up. For example, staff are not monitoring a child’s height and weight, which was requested by health professionals. Additionally, staff have not ensured that another child has received the required vaccinations or a blood test. Monitoring systems need to be more effective to bring about improvement in this area. Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC376211 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/06/2024 Full 17/05/2023 Full Good 22/08/2022 Full Good 20/10/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC376211 4

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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, The 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 with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The health and well-being standard is that—

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Requirement Due date

the health and well-being needs of children are met;

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Requirement Due date

children receive advice, services and support in relation to their health and well-being; and

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Requirement Due date

children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles.

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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

achieve the health and well-being outcomes that are recorded in the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 10 (1)(a)(b)(c) (2)(a)(i))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that managers and staff identify and act promptly on recommendations raised at children’s health appointments. 31 July 2024

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the home takes the initiative in identifying others who must play a part for their children and engage with those relevant people proactively. In particular, staff should regularly communicate with education providers to ensure children’s needs and experiences are understood by people who support them. (Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including quality standards’, page 12, paragraph 2.7). Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC376211 5

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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 children’s home - monitoring visit: SC376211 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: CareTech Community Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Metropolitan House, 3 Darke Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG

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Inspectors

Helen Dunn, Social Care Inspector Alison Snell, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home - monitoring visit: SC376211 7 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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