Marydale Lodge

Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC022448 1 Marydale Lodge

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Blackbrook Road, St Helens, Merseyside WA11 9RJ

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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 run by a voluntary organisation and is approved by the Secretary of State to restrict children’s liberty. The home can care for up to 12 children aged between 10 and 17 years who are placed by local authorities under section 25 of the Children Act 1989.

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Information about this secure children’s home

Admission of any child under 13 years of age under section 25 of the Children Act 1989 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 and has managed the home since July 2022.

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Information about this secure children’s home

Inspectors were aware during this inspection of a police investigation into a serious allegation at the setting. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate allegations of this kind, actions taken by the setting in response to the allegation were considered alongside the other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform inspectors’ judgements.

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Information about this secure children’s home

Date of last inspection: 30 January 2024

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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 Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC022448 2

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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 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: SC022448 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

The home was inspected in January 2024 and given an outstanding judgement. The home continues to progress and provide exceptional nurturing care for the children. There were eight children living at the home at the time of this visit.

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Findings from the inspection

Children receive thoughtful care from perceptive staff that understand their individual journeys. Children have staff they can trust and spend meaningful time with one another. Staff participate willingly both in fun activities and sensitive discussions with children. This has been significant in allowing children to build secure and meaningful relationships with a team of staff that children know, trust and rely on.

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Findings from the inspection

Children grow in confidence and self-esteem because they are so well supported by staff. Staff model a culture of inclusivity for children and encourage them to explore their identities so they can develop their self-esteem and sense of belonging. When there is value-based disharmony between children, staff work sensitively with them to support acceptance of each other and to promote safe self-expression. This enables children to flourish in their individual identity and self-worth.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers and staff speak about children with enthusiasm, warmth and compassion and are exceptional advocates for them. They demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the children and go above and beyond to enhance children’s experiences. For example, managers and staff have achieved some remarkable progress with children to prepare them for moving on. One child spoke of his work experience in barbering, and another spoke about her weekly work experience in hair and beauty. This supports children to have a positive outlook for their future.

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Findings from the inspection

When serious safeguarding incidents occur, records are comprehensively completed, appropriate professionals are informed and managerial oversight is commendable. Lessons are learned, and any identified additional training is arranged. When necessary, changes are made to practice, helping to safeguard children and protect them from future harm. Physical intervention is only used as a last resort. As a result, when safeguarding incidents occur, staff know how to respond and keep children safe.

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Findings from the inspection

There is a transparent and reflective working relationship with the local authority designated officer (LADO). The provider is open to feedback and is both proactive and responsive to the management of presenting risks, which promotes the safety and well-being of children. If there are shortfalls in practice identified, they are shared with the appropriate agencies and measures are put in place to ensure that children are kept safe. Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC022448 4 The committed manager strives to promote the development of the staff team and home. Staff are supported to develop and grow. Staff access a range of bespoke training that is essential to meet the individual needs of the children. The manager goes to great lengths to understand how best to protect and support children to grow and develop, for example visiting other placements to help understand the child’s journey into the home. This means that children receive care from a highly

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Findings from the inspection

skilled, reflective and knowledgeable team.

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Findings from the inspection

The monitoring by the manager is excellent. Effective management systems are in place. Children’s records are of a very high standard. Plans are dynamic in nature and change in line with the child’s development and needs. The management team takes a positive risk approach. This is progressive in continuing to strive for outstanding nurturing care for the children. This supports children to have the best possible experiences while providing excellent child-centred care.

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Findings from the inspection

At the last full inspection, a requirement was made in relation to education. This has not been reviewed at this visit and will be considered as part of the next full inspection. Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC022448 5

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/01/2024 Full Outstanding 11/10/2022 Full Good 19/01/2022 Interim Sustained effectiveness 14/09/2021 Full Outstanding Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC022448 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the ethos of the home supports each child to learn. In particular, leaders should ensure all curriculums are well planned, so that children develop substantial knowledge, skills and behaviours. This should include, where appropriate, accredited qualifications. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 29, paragraph 5.18) Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC022448 7

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider address: Nugent, 99 Edge Lane, Edge Hill, Liverpool L7 2PE

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Inspectors

Thirza Smith, Social Care Inspector Gary Turney, Social Care Inspector Tash Williams Social Care Inspector (Shadow) Assurance inspection report for secure children’s home: SC022448 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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