Children's Home run by Homes for Support in Cheshire East

Inspection report for children’s home: 2540073 1 Registered provider: Homes for Support 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 is owned and managed by a private provider. It provides care for up to four children who may experience emotional and/or social difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted on 14 October 2019. The manager registered on 4 November 2022.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, three children were living in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2540073 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

19/03/2024 Full Good 05/07/2022 Full Good 03/11/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2540073 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have positive relationships with the staff, who have a good understanding of the children’s individual needs. One child said, ‘The staff are lovely. I have been in a few places and this is the best one.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children are in good health. The staff support children to attend all health appointments. Managers advocate on behalf of the children to ensure that they have the support in place to meet their individual needs. This support enables the children to achieve good health outcomes.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children attend education. The registered manager and staff encourage children to fully engage in education. One child returned to education after a long absence and subsequently achieved GCSEs. There is effective communication between staff and the children’s education providers. This approach supports the children’s educational attainment.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have individualised independence plans in place, in line with their age and understanding. Plans are thorough and include support with budgeting, shopping and managing anxieties. One child recently moved into semi-independent living, with the support of the staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Specialist help is available to meet the needs of the children. A therapist visits weekly and collaborates with the staff to understand the needs of the children. The staff use strategies learned from the therapist to respond to the children in a way which supports them to manage their feelings and behaviour.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The inside of the home is clean and tidy. There is artwork on the walls created by the children. However, the path to the property is littered and gives a negative image of the home.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children say that they feel safe and protected. They have developed trust in the people who care for them. Children say that they find staff approachable and feel that staff and the managers care for them well. This supports children to share any worries or fears they may have.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The number of missing-from-home incidents has reduced significantly for one child. Staff understand and follow the home’s missing-from-home policy. Staff are proactive in seeking the safe return of children. When children return to the home, they are welcomed warmly by staff. Inspection report for children’s home: 2540073 4 The staff support children to safely participate in a range of planned activities inside and outside the home. Activities include cycling, swimming, independently visiting the park, using a dinghy on the lake and roller skating. Staff are creative in suggesting activities for the children.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff promote positive behaviour in the home. Positive rewards far outweigh consequences. Children have individualised reward charts which are achievable and they are involved in the planning of their short-term and long-term goals.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Children’s care plans and risk assessments are individualised to their specific needs. The registered manager updates plans monthly or following a significant incident. This ensures that staff understand how to respond effectively to the children’s needs.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Physical intervention is used as a last resort to keep children safe. Staff are trained in physical intervention and de-escalation techniques. The registered manager evaluates all holds used in the home and has assessed them as being appropriate and proportionate.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The children’s views are regularly sought in different ways. Children engage in monthly consultation dependent on their age and understanding. Staff then provide feedback to the children on their specific requests. There is now a games room in the home following a request from a child. This supports the children to feel listened to and valued.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff complete the provider’s mandatory training as well as training specific to the children’s needs. This ensures that staff have the skills and knowledge to support children’s individual needs.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is managed by a suitably qualified and experienced registered manager. She is supported by an experienced deputy manager. They manage the home effectively and promptly address any shortfalls in staff practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The leadership team supports the staff well. The managers have an open door policy and are readily available for staff. The staff say that they can speak to the managers at any time if they need support. One staff member said, ‘The support they offer is amazing.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have a thorough induction and probation process. There is a 12-week induction programme which includes the provider’s mandatory and non-mandatory training. Staff complete shadow shifts before starting work. They also work in the same staff team on each shift, which provides consistent and mutual support. This enables effective care for the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Relationships with external agencies and professionals are effective and positive. The registered manager collaborates closely with external professionals to ensure that the children receive the right support. Significant events are shared appropriately. One professional said, ‘They can’t do enough for the children, and I don’t say that lightly.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2540073 5 Staff receive monthly supervision as well as attending monthly staff meetings. In addition, staff have monthly sessions with the home’s therapist. However, supervision records do not show reflective discussions around staff practice and professional development. Inspection report for children’s home: 2540073 6

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the setting provides a welcoming environment. Specifically, that outside areas are kept clear of litter and rubbish. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 15, paragraph 3.7)  The registered person should ensure that staff supervision enables staff to reflect and act on how they are feeling, specifically, how they may be affected by the behaviour of the children they care for. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 39, paragraph 8.15)

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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: 2540073 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Homes for Support Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Northern House, 3 Kennerleys Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5EQ

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Inspector

Debbie Dawson, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2540073 8 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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