Children's Home run by Coven Care Homes Ltd in Staffordshire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2775397 1 Registered provider: Coven Care Homes Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home registered with Ofsted on 11 March 2024 and is operated by a private company. It provides care for up to two children with mild learning disabilities and who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

There is a permanent registered manager in post, who is suitably experienced and qualified.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, one child was living at 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 outstanding

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good

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

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good

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2775397 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child living at this home was present during the inspection and spoke with the inspector. The child is thriving and making good progress. The child moved into the home from the organisation’s other home. This was well planned, and familiar staff also moved with the child. This helped the child to settle in very quickly. The move has been highly beneficial to the child and has expedited their progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

A key focus of the child’s care is promoting their independence in preparation for adulthood. Staff understand the child’s targets and use incentives for encouragement. The child is making measurable progress with their independence skills, such as being responsible for cleaning and tidying their bedroom, using the washing machine and cooking meals.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff help the child to enjoy a range of activities and support their love of football by taking them to matches regularly. The child’s highlight of the summer holidays was going on holiday. A book has been produced with photos and memories from this highly valued experience.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff consult with the child in a variety of ways, which enables them to make choices and provide feedback about their experiences living at the home. This includes a daily opportunity to view records and contribute, using words or emotion images. On one occasion, the child raised a grumble about staff actions. This was taken seriously, explored thoroughly, and feedback was given to the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

There is a consistent staff group at the home. This has meant that the child has built up trusted relationships with familiar staff. Staff have advocated for the child. For example, they have escalated a complaint to the GP due to a delay in making health referrals.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff are proactive in helping the child to attend and make progress at college. The child has achieved 100% attendance in the last academic year. Staff liaise with college staff frequently and ensure that they have all the information needed to support the child’s education. For example, the child’s timetables and kit lists are displayed at the home.

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

Staff talk to the child about important topics, such as online safety, to help them learn how to keep safe. There is diligent planning about what topics need to be raised to address the child’s specific needs and risks.

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

The staff give the child clear guidance and boundaries. They are patient and calm in their communication and interactions. They understand the child’s needs and so provide reassurance, repeat information and allow time for the child to process information. This Inspection report for children’s home: 2775397 3 is effective at helping the child to manage their anxieties. Furthermore, staff have helped the child to develop and use strategies to manage their own emotions more effectively. This is significant progress for the child.

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

Staff help the child to spend time with their friends in a safe way. They consider the risks and balance these with promoting the child’s independence, for example gradually increasing the time spent without staff supervision, with clear monitoring arrangements.

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

Staff have received training in a range of safeguarding topics. They are confident about what actions to take in the event a child makes an allegation or goes missing.

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

There is a vigilant approach to safeguarding at the home. For example, a new visitor was refused entry due to having no identification. Likewise, managers ensure that staff are safely recruited with all relevant checks being carried out.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is dual registered. This is managed efficiently through a planned and organised approach. The manager is present in both homes and consistently maintains diligent oversight. This ensures that there are no shortfalls in the quality of care provided at the home. The manager and responsible individual work cohesively to ensure that a consistent approach is maintained.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Managers have high expectations for the quality of care and experiences afforded to the child at the home. They have developed a strong ethos and culture in line with these expectations. Any practice issues that arise are promptly addressed with staff in a sensitive yet effective way.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Managers lead very much by example and are excellent role models for staff, such as in their nurturing interactions and discussions with the child. Managers also actively listen to staff and encourage them to generate ideas to enhance the child’s progress and experiences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There is a staff training programme at the home, which covers a broad range of topics. Managers are innovative and creative in embedding this learning and assessing staff competence, for example through discussions in team meetings, ‘how to’ videos and workshops to consolidate learning. These methods appeal well to a range of learning styles. This prepares staff well for their roles and ensures their continual development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Managers are nurturing to staff and encourage their progression at their individual pace. For example, one staff member started with the organisation as a casual worker and has flourished in the role and recently been appointed as deputy manager. Staff say they feel remarkably well supported in their roles.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There is a real ethos of striving for continual progress for the child at the home. No requirements or recommendations have been made at this inspection. Inspection report for children’s home: 2775397 4

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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: 2775397 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Coven Care Homes Limited

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Inspector

Alison Snell, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2775397 6 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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