Children's Home run by Pathways Care Group Limited in Essex

Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 1 Registered provider: Pathways Care Group Limited

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a private organisation. It provides care for up to four children with social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection, four children were living at the home.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted on 12 December 2022.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

requires improvement to be good

How well children and young people are helped and protected requires improvement to be good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

The children’s home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

p.1

requires improvement to be good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/08/2023 Full Good 03/08/2022 Full Good 13/01/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 3

p.2

improvement to be good

Four children were present during the inspection and all four children were spoken with. The registered manager was present throughout the inspection.

p.3

improvement to be good

The inspector was aware during this inspection that two serious incidents had occurred at the home since the last inspection and both are under investigation by the appropriate authorities. 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 the inspector’s judgements.

p.3

improvement to be good

As a direct result of some staff’s actions, some children have not had positive experiences. Staff have not consistently followed agreed approaches in children’s plans. This has resulted, at times, in children receiving inappropriate responses from staff when they have been upset or needed reassurance.

p.3

improvement to be good

At times, children have not been treated with dignity and respect. Staff have failed to consider the impact of children’s historical trauma and have used approaches that have been emotionally harmful to children.

p.3

improvement to be good

Staff do not consistently apply the organisation’s preferred models of care in their practice with children. Children are experiencing different approaches from staff and it is difficult to judge if children are making consistent progress.

p.3

improvement to be good

The decoration and furnishings in the house need improvement. The soft furnishings have stains on them and walls have marks on them. The garden has patches of grass missing and borders are full of weeds. The registered manager has a development plan for the garden but this has not yet been implemented.

p.3

improvement to be good

All children are in education and their attendance is good. The manager has worked closely with one school to create a bespoke timetable of attendance. This has helped the child to overcome their anxiety and they now look forward to going to school.

p.3

improvement to be good

Staff support children to improve their relationships with each other. Staff understand that sharing space and staff attention can be difficult for children. Staff plan activities that they know children will enjoy as a group. Staff help children to develop their social skills.

p.3

improvement to be good

Staff help children to stay in touch with their families. Staff understand that this can be a positive experience but may also be upsetting for children. Staff spend time with children and ask how they feel and help them to understand difficult emotions. Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 4

p.3

improvement to be good

One child alleged that a staff member had hurt their finger. The clarity of records and accessibility of information during the inspection was poor. It was unclear what actions had been taken by the manager to safeguard the child. After several requests, the manager evidenced that appropriate responses were made. However, lack of clear records does not enable effective oversight of allegations.

p.4

improvement to be good

Two social workers said that although they had been concerned about recent incidents, they were reassured by the registered manager, who acted without delay to notify the relevant agencies promptly. Both social workers said that their children are safe living at the home.

p.4

improvement to be good

Physical interventions are only used as a last resort and to keep children and staff safe. Records evidence the use of de-escalation and distraction and providing space before using a hold. The manager meets with staff and children after any incident. Staff can reflect on their actions and the incidents and children can talk about their experience.

p.4

improvement to be good

Since the last inspection, children have not left the home without permission. Plans are in place in the event such an incident occurs. Staff understand their roles and responsibilities to find children and report them as missing.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Managerial oversight of the safeguarding culture at the home needs improvement. After an initial concern was raised about staff practice, an external consultant was appointed to talk with staff about safeguarding procedures. However, this was not effective, and safeguarding concerns about staff practice continued to occur until managers directly spoke to staff, three months after the initial concern, about their safeguarding expectations.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The home’s statement of purpose describes the organisation’s preferred models of care. However, the approaches are not yet fully embedded in staff practice and therefore children do not benefit from consistency from staff.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The registered manager is aware of safer recruitment procedures and the importance of staff being fully considered for their roles. However, previous employers are not asked why staff left their previous care roles with vulnerable children. This means that full employment information has not been considered when appointing staff.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The registered manager is experienced and is working towards a relevant level 5 qualification in timescales. A responsible individual supports the registered manager. They know the children and staff well. Staff said they feel supported by the registered manager. Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 5 All staff move through a detailed induction and probation. The manager meets with new staff regularly to review their progress. New staff are helped to understand their roles and responsibilities.

p.4

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Staff have regular and supportive supervision sessions with the registered manager. Staff are encouraged to reflect on children and discuss any concerns. The manager focuses on staff well-being and development. This helps staff to reflect, feel invested in and listened to.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Staff are either qualified or working towards a relevant level 4 diploma within timescales. Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 6

p.5

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 within the given timescales.

p.6

Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

p.6

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.6

Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare; and

p.6

Requirement Due date

that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(vi)(d))

p.6

Requirement Due date

act promptly to identify lessons learned and to address professional boundaries and the safeguarding culture following incidents at the home; and

p.6

Requirement Due date

make improvements to the environment. 9 August 2024

p.6

Requirement Due date

The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

p.6

Requirement Due date

understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children;

p.6

Requirement Due date

use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential.

p.6

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to— 16 August 2024 Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 7 understand and apply the home’s statement of purpose;

p.6

Requirement Due date

understand and apply the home’s statement of purpose;

p.7

Requirement Due date

protect and promote each child’s welfare;

p.7

Requirement Due date

treat each child with dignity and respect;

p.7

Requirement Due date

provide personalised care that meets each child’s needs, as recorded in the child’s relevant plans, taking account of the child’s background. (Regulation 6 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv))

p.7

Requirement Due date

follow agreed approaches in children’s plans;

p.7

Requirement Due date

treat children with respect and dignity;

p.7

Requirement Due date

understand and implement approaches as agreed in the home’s statement of purpose.

p.7

Requirement Due date

The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety.

p.7

Requirement Due date

employ an individual to work at the children’s home;

p.7

Requirement Due date

if the individual satisfies the requirements in paragraph (3).

p.7

Requirement Due date

full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. (Regulation 32 (1) (2)(a) (3)(d)) 23 August 2024

p.7

Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

p.7

Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

p.7

Requirement Due date

promotes their welfare. 30 August 2024 Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 8 In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

p.7

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff work as a team where appropriate;

p.8

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

p.8

Requirement Due date

understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(b)(c)(f))

p.8

Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that leaders and managers act without delay to address concerns in the staff team and to ensure that staff are trained in the organisation’s preferred models of care.

p.8

Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This 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’. Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 9

p.8

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Pathways Care Group Limited

p.9

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Minton Place, Victoria Street, Windsor SL4 1EG

p.9

Inspector

Mandy Start, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2613649 10 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.

p.9

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

p.10

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk.

p.10

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.10

Inspector

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

p.10