The London City Care and Support Services Limited

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The London City Care and Support Services Limited The London City Care and Support Services Limited

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Registered provider: The London City Care and Support Services Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

The London City Care and Support Services Limited registered with Ofsted on 16 August 2023 to provide non-ring-fenced supported accommodation.

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provider

The roles of the registered service manager and the nominated individual are held by the same person.

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provider

At the time of registration, the provider had two properties offering supported accommodation for up to 10 children. At the time of this visit, the provider had five properties registered as open, offering supported accommodation for up to 20 children.

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provider

This visit was announced approximately one hour in advance. On the day of this visit, nine children from five different local authorities were placed with this provider.

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provider

The inspectors visited four properties and spoke with two children, the nominated individual/registered service manager, the director, the human resources, and safeguarding director, two house managers and a support worker.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted carried out monitoring visits on 19 June and 10 July. The purpose of this visit was to reassure Ofsted that the provider is taking significant steps to realign the service to comply with the Supported Accommodation Regulations. The provider demonstrated that the enforcement action has been taken seriously. A significant amount of work has been undertaken to improve the service. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The London City Care and Support Services Limited The provider has addressed the issues highlighted in the proposed cancellation notice effectively. The provider also evidenced compliance with the notice restricting accommodation. No new children have moved into the properties. Six children and two young people aged 18 and a parent and child have moved out of the properties.

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This monitoring visit

The provider is no longer providing a single occupancy placement. This property is no longer in use. The provider is also no longer providing an unregistered family centre. The provider explained that these provisions were unintentional and were used to provide accommodation in response to a child and a young parent’s increased level of needs. A new referral system ensures greater consideration of risks and whether staff can meet 16- and 17-year-old children’s identified support needs.

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This monitoring visit

The organisation benefits from a strengthened senior management structure. The provider has introduced new layers of senior leadership. This includes a human resources and safeguarding director and a quality assurance consultant. Leadership and management training is scheduled, and the competency of senior staff is under review.

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This monitoring visit

Safeguarding is now at the forefront of the organisation. A safeguarding register has been introduced and the safeguarding policy has been updated. Staff have completed advanced safeguarding training. A staff member highlighted how this training has enhanced their awareness and their ability to manage risks and sensitively engage with children and protect them.

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This monitoring visit

The implementation of a new safer recruitment system aims to safeguard children. Staff are unable to work without the required checks, and employment has been terminated where necessary. There is a current freeze on staff recruitment until relevant staff have completed safer recruitment training.

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This monitoring visit

Children will benefit from being supported by staff who have undergone a wide range of training. Training includes a comprehensive induction. Staff are receiving an extensive range of support. Staff benefit from improved communication and guidance through weekly meetings and updated policies and procedures.

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This monitoring visit

The approach is for transformational leadership; to empower staff, improve their confidence, promote an open whistle-blowing culture, and embed the new policies, procedures, and ways of working. A staff member highlighted that they have ‘learned a lot’ over the past four weeks.

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This monitoring visit

The support to children is continuing to improve. Both children highlighted that they are happy and well supported. There are plans to introduce workshops, mentoring and an independent living skills programme for children. Children’s well-being is being promoted through the introduction of chill out/sensory rooms. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The London City Care and Support Services Limited Two shortfalls were found during this visit. The updated statement of purpose does not include all the required information. It does not include the medication arrangements and how the child protection policy can be accessed.

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This monitoring visit

A restrictive practice was noted, which relates to locking the front door of one of the properties. Children are not able to leave their home freely. Children are dependent on staff to let them out of the property.

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This monitoring visit

The provider is on a good journey for improvement. If all the training, learning and practice are embedded, there is potential for the provider to further progress, which will ultimately benefit children. Senior leaders have worked exceptionally hard to enhance each staff member’s knowledge and skills. Senior leaders are aspirational for children and have high expectations of staff.

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This monitoring visit

The notice of proposal to cancel this provider has been withdrawn by Ofsted. The notice restricting accommodation remains in place and Ofsted will continue to monitor this provider. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The London City Care and Support Services Limited

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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, The Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the ‘Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The accommodation standard is that children experience a comfortable and secure living environment.

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the premises used as supported accommodation—

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Requirement Due date

are suitable for the purposes of supported accommodation and are accessible and are maintained to remove avoidable hazards which could pose a health and safety risk to children.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure the front door is not locked to enable children to independently leave their home. (Regulation 6 (1) (2)(b)(vi)(ix)) 13 September

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must compile a statement (“the statement of purpose”) which covers the following matters in respect of the supported accommodation undertaking—

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Requirement Due date

the arrangements for medication handling, recording and safekeeping;

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Requirement Due date

details of how a person involved in the support or protection of a child can access the supported accommodation undertaking’s child protection policies. (Regulation 9 (1)(n)(r)) 13 September Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The London City Care and Support Services Limited

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to follow up information received by Ofsted and/or to ensure that the supported accommodation provider was complying with regulation.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The London City Care and Support Services Limited

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider: The London City Care and Support Services Limited

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider address: 1/5 Codrington Hill, London SE23 1LR

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager: Yvonne Urhobo

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Inspectors

Sharon Payne, Social Care Inspector Julie Cresswell, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The London City Care and Support Services Limited 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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