Children's home run by Solace Care East Ltd

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2739006 1 Registered provider: Solace Care East LTD

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately run children’s home provides care for up to five children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There was one child living in the home at the time of this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in October 2023. The registered manager was appointed in May 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has 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: 2739006 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not find any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the full inspection in April 2024, one child has moved out of the home and one child has moved in. The registered manager has implemented an action plan to address the shortfalls noted at the previous inspection. As a result, the four requirements raised at that time are now met.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff know how to report children missing from the home if needed and follow procedures well. Incidents are clearly recorded, and children’s plans are adhered to. Staff work with colleagues in other agencies to address the vulnerability of the child they care for and to assess the risk they are exposed to.

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Findings from the inspection

Children receive individualised care and support. Staff use a range of approaches to engage children and build relationships. Key-work sessions are used as an opportunity to ensure that children’s views are captured in their plans and to discuss the things that are important to them. This leads to staff being clear about how they can support children while they live at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff value children’s views. Staff support children to express themselves in children’s meetings and individual work sessions so that their opinions can be reflected in decisions made in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff help children to plan their week. This includes time for activities and education. This is one way that staff enable children to be part of their decisions, and it is noted in their planners, so children know what is happening for the week ahead. Staff use activities to build relationships with children. They also provide various incentives to encourage good engagement with education and household tasks. This helps children to see their achievements.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers work proactively and positively with other professionals. This constructive collaboration between staff and other agencies ensures that children have consistent responses and care. Family members are happy with the care their children receive.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers ensure that the staff team is supported with its professional development. Staff receive good-quality, regular supervision. The manager has good oversight of training and ensures that staff complete their mandatory training as required.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers are working to develop the service. This is reflected in their approach to learning and practice. For example, the manager considers the needs of children who may come to live in the home well. He seeks additional information about children so that he can be assured that their needs can be met by staff. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2739006 3 Staffing in the home has improved. A new responsible individual was appointed in July 2024. The manager has now recruited a full staff team of permanent support workers. This has added stability to children’s care and experience. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2739006 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/04/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2739006 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Solace Care East LTD

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Solace Care Group, Unit 2a, 420 Eastern Avenue, Ilford IG2 6NQ

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Inspector

Helen Daniel, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2739006 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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

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