Children's home run by Calderdale Council in Calderdale

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC035155 1 SC035155

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Registered provider: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

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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 run by a local authority. It offers overnight short breaks for up to five children with physical and/or learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, 25 children were having a maximum of 74 overnight breaks per year. On the date the inspectors visited, two children had stayed for their overnight break and three children were due to attend the home for their overnight stay.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in 2013 and is suitably qualified and experienced.

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Inspection date: 24 July 2024

Judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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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. The 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 children’s home: SC035155 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

Inspectors were aware during this inspection that a serious incident concerning a child has occurred since the last inspection. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind, actions taken by the home in response to the incidents were considered alongside other evidence available at the time of the inspection to inform inspectors’ judgements.

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Findings from the inspection

This inspection was a focused visit following the recent tragic death of a child who accessed overnight short-breaks care. This child had a life-limiting health condition. In seven months, the home has experienced the deaths of three children who had life-limiting conditions. These tragic deaths did not take place in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

This inspection was carried out to understand how leaders and managers have responded during this difficult time and to review the support that the staff and children have received.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have shown great empathy to the children and their families. Staff sensitively help children through their experience of a bereavement. They offer the children appropriate support to answer any questions that they have about the death of their peers. A memorial of the children is situated at the home, which helps the children and staff to have a special place to remember the children who have sadly died.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager offers staff emotional support and the time to reflect and come together as a team. Staff understand the vulnerabilities of the children in their care, but during these emotive times, the staff have access to specialist counselling support. These measures help to ensure that there is emotional well-being support for staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Following the last inspection, the manager has taken action to remove an external fitted bolt that was previously in situ in one of the bedrooms used by children. This means that children who use this room can freely leave and their rights to free movement are not breached.

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Findings from the inspection

The recommendations raised at the last inspection are outside of the scope of this visit and will be considered at the next inspection. No additional requirements or recommendations were raised following this visit. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC035155 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/03/2024 Full Outstanding 28/02/2023 Full Outstanding 26/10/2021 Full Outstanding 17/12/2019 Full Outstanding Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC035155 4

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure medicines are administered in line with a medically approved protocol. Records must be kept of the administration of all medication, which includes occasions when prescribed medication is refused, or details of the authority to administer medication covertly. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 35, paragraph 7.15) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC035155 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Princess Buildings, Princess Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 1TS

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Inspectors

Gina Lightfoot, Social Care Inspector Rachel Ruth, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC035155 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

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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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