Children's Home run by Abundantia Care Limited in Doncaster

Inspection report for children’s home: 2710734 1 Registered provider: Abundantia Care Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and operated by a private provider. It is registered to provide care for up to two children who may have emotional or social difficulties. The home is currently operating as a solo placement and is providing care for one child.

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Information about this children’s home

The home and manager were registered with Ofsted in May 2023.

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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: 2710734 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

05/03/2024 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2710734 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has continued to make progress while living in the home. They have continued to experience stability which increased predictability and safety. The child expressed they are happy living in the home and get on with most of the staff. They were observed to have good relationships with staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has achieved a qualification in hair and beauty. They were supported to engage in exams in the home, but the results are not yet known. The child has expressed a desire to engage in an apprenticeship, however there has been some confusion about the process of achieving this. This means it is unlikely they will be able to start at the beginning of the academic year. The manager has extensively liaised with the virtual school and education team to support a timely resolution.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff have tried to support the child with their physical health needs through conversations, however this has not always been successful. There has not been appropriate consultation with health professionals regarding concerns about the child’s physical health and well-being. This has prevented focused plans from being developed to address the child’s health needs. The identified health needs impact the child’s emotional well-being.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child enjoys spending time with staff and activities in line with their age are encouraged. During the inspection, the child was able to spend the day at a theme park with a friend, supported by staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Positive relationships between friends and family are promoted and supported by staff. Staff understand the importance of these relationships. The child’s parent felt that communication from the home could be better.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is well maintained although a couple of minor issues around wear and tear were visible. The child’s room was not well maintained, leading to an unpleasant smell. This was in part because the child does not wish for staff to clean. However, staff have not role-modelled bedroom maintenance.

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

The child has continued to experience supportive and trusting relationships with staff. They will seek support from staff when needed. Staff have grown increasingly attuned to the child’s needs. This has improved stability and resulted in a decrease in self-harm.

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

Staff use their positive relationships and understanding of the child to support her when she is experiencing a crisis. A professional commented that staff offer a high level of nurture alongside clear boundaries. This approach has meant physical intervention has not been needed. Inspection report for children’s home: 2710734 4 The child rarely goes missing but when they do, staff follow them and make every attempt to safely locate them. Staff contact the police when required and ensure the relevant people are aware. Return home interviews are attempted but the child does not usually participate in these.

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

The child does not have a clear independence plan in place, however the child’s social worker confirmed they will complete a needs assessment over the coming months which will help to inform a focused plan. Staff in the home have started to promote some independence but this requires further development.

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

Risk assessments are updated, however they are not always shared with staff. Documents contain historical context to risks which can be confusing and misleading. Staff who have worked in the home since the child moved in understand her well enough to respond to risks. However, if new or unfamiliar staff were to work in the home, it would be difficult for them to understand the right strategies to support the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is a permanent and effective manager in post. She is reflective and continues to have a good understanding of the child’s experiences and how this impacts behaviour. Professionals shared that the manager ensures that the child’s voice is heard.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is a full staff team in post. There have been changes in staff throughout this period. Staff are supported through regular, reflective supervision from the manager. Staff training is up to date and new staff receive effective inductions. The professional development of staff is prioritised, including the achievement of the relevant qualifications.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

When new staff are recruited, appropriate checks take place in line with safer recruitment. Shadow shifts take place to ensure new staff are familiar with the home and the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Complaints and concerns relating to the conduct of staff are dealt with swiftly and appropriately. Investigations are thorough and recommended actions take place. This ensures development and learning take place. Staff are supported appropriately and sensitively throughout investigations.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager shares notifications with Ofsted in a timely way. However, when the manager was not at work, one notification of a serious event was late. This prevented Ofsted from having timely oversight of safeguarding concerns within the home. Inspection report for children’s home: 2710734 5

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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, 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.

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Requirement Due date

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

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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

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child's relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child; (Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(i))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that risk assessments are updated, clear about current risks and shared with all staff who are working in the home. 30 September 2024

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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

understand the child's health and well-being needs and the options that are available in relation to the child's health and well-being, in a way that is appropriate to the child's age and understanding;

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Requirement Due date

take part in activities, and attend any appointments, for the purpose of meeting the child's health and well-being needs; and 30 September 2024 Inspection report for children’s home: 2710734 6 understand and develop skills to promote the child's well-being; (Regulation 10 (1)(a)(b)(c) (2)(a)(ii)(iii)(iv))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that children's health needs are discussed with relevant health practitioners so they can receive individualised care and support to manage their needs to be healthy. This includes support to maintain good hygiene in relation to health-related issues.

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Recommendations

 The registered person should have a system in place so that all serious events are notified, within 24 hours, to the appropriate people. The system should cover the action that should be followed if the event arises at the weekend or on a public holiday and include a system to ensure notifications take place in these timescales, even when the manager is not present in the home. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 63, paragraph 14.13)  The registered person should ensure that the outside of the home is personalised in line with children’s wishes so that the space is welcoming, usable and meets children’s needs. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.7)

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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: 2710734 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Abudantia Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Office 43, The Cobalt Building, 1600 Eureka Park, Lower Pemberton, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BF

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Michael Reynolds

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Inspector

Joanna Beal, social care inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2710734 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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