Children's home run by Rockhopper Children’s Services Limited

Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 1 Registered provider: Kedleston (Wood Grove Childcare) Limited

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in July 2023 and is owned by a large private provider. It offers care for up to five children who may experience social and/or emotional difficulties. At the time of this visit, three children were living at the home.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The registered manager has been in post since the home registered in July 2023.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

requires improvement to be good

How well children and young people are helped and protected requires improvement to be good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

The children’s home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

p.1

requires improvement to be good

Overall judgement at last inspection: inadequate

p.1

Enforcement action since last inspection:

A restriction of accommodation notice was served following the last full inspection in June 2024. This means that no new children can move into the home while the notice is in place. The restriction of accommodation notice was monitored on 11 July 2024 and remained in place. Following this visit the restriction of accommodation was lifted. Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/06/2024 Full Inadequate 16/01/2024 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 3

p.2

improvement to be good

The provider has made some improvements in relation to the areas of concerns raised at the last full inspection in June 2024, and children are no longer at risk of harm. There remain some significant shortfalls that mean that the care provided to children is not yet good enough.

p.3

improvement to be good

Leaders and managers have reflected on children’s moves into and out of the home. They have adjusted their assessment processes and are taking lessons learned on board to inform decisions around children moving into the home. However, this is yet to be put into practice.

p.3

improvement to be good

The home has been more settled since August 2024. One child moved out in an unplanned way. Staff were unable to keep the child safe, and the child expressed they no longer wanted to live in the home. Children who still live in the home say they feel that things have improved and that they feel safe. Relationships between the children are better, and there are no longer concerns about bullying in the home. One child reported feeling unhappy as they do not like group living.

p.3

improvement to be good

Some staff have left the home since the last full inspection, one left unexpectedly. This means not all staff have not said goodbye to the children in a planned way. One child said that the staff they had built trusting relationships with have left. Remaining staff and new staff have done their best to support the children’s emotions. Children have enjoyed many days out over the summer, which has helped promote positive relationships between the children and staff.

p.3

improvement to be good

Induction processes for new staff are focused on ensuring that staff have the relevant training to meet the children’s individual needs. This indicates that new staff are being equipped with the necessary training to help them build relationships with children and manage their behaviours, and they generally understand the children’s vulnerabilities. However, one child’s key worker, was unaware of some known risks relating to the child. Despite this, staff did ensure that this child received appropriate support from relevant external agencies.

p.3

improvement to be good

Children can access more spontaneous activities with staff due to the increased staff numbers. These have included boat trips, trips to the beach and an escape room experience, which have been enjoyed by staff and children. Children have also gone on individual holidays with staff of their choice.

p.3

improvement to be good

Two children are in education. Staff have advocated well for another child to obtain a place on their chosen course in college. However, one child missed one of their GCSE exams as there was a lack of staff oversight around the time of the exam. Staff do not Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 4 have this child’s new academic timetable, meaning they are not able to support this child effectively in making good progress in their education or with their time management.

p.3

improvement to be good

One child is making good progress in developing their independent living skills. However, it is not clear how staff support and encourage the other children to look after their personal space and keep it tidy in preparation for them living on their own.

p.4

improvement to be good

Staff do not promote and support children’s basic oral health hygiene. Staff did not buy the appropriate products for a child, which had been recommended by their dentist to maintain their oral health.

p.4

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

Leaders and managers have failed to share information with staff about the children’s needs or ensure that when the information is available, staff have read and understood this. This has led to staff being unaware of significant information to help them meet the children’s needs. There is a theme of important information not being disseminated, and this creates vulnerabilities in terms of staff having all the information they need to promote the safety and well-being of children.

p.4

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

There remains a concern in relation to allegations being managed in a timely way. On two occasions, although allegations were dealt with and shared appropriately with relevant safeguarding agencies, there was an unnecessary delay in sharing these concerns. The provider has identified what went wrong on these occasions and has taken steps to address this to prevent a reoccurrence.

p.4

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

Staff carry out health and safety checks on children’s bedrooms. However, it is not clear what actions are taken by staff if they find inappropriate items in their rooms as this is not documented consistently. There is no record to indicate whether staff have removed items from children’s bedrooms during these checks or discussed the concerns with the children.

p.4

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

Staff have ensured that all the children have been given appropriate education around the dangers of fire and safety in the home. The local fire department has visited the home to speak with the children about risks associated with fire. This has been followed up in conversations with the children and after safeguarding events have arisen. This has enabled some children to understand risks better and take personal responsibility in making sure they don’t place others at risk.

p.4

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

Incidents of missing from home have significantly decreased since the last inspection, which indicates that children are more settled and better engaged with the support provided by staff. Staff respond appropriately by encouraging children’s safe return to the home and contacting appropriate professionals. Staff advocate well for children to ensure placing social workers meet with children when they return home. This helps Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 5 staff to better understand why children have been absent from the home and where they have been.

p.4

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

Physical interventions have been used on some occasions when children or others are at risk; these are now only undertaken by staff who are trained to do so. When consequences and rewards are used, children’s comments are sought. These are monitored by the manager to ensure responses to behaviour are effective and proportionate.

p.5

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

There were no concerns raised from the social workers who were spoken to during this inspection. A social worker that was spoken to on the previous inspection stated that, ‘Improvements have been made and [name of child] feels settled and happy in the home.’

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Staffing levels in the home have improved since the last inspection, although there are still some vacancies to recruit to. The registered manager has worked hard to recruit and develop staff and has ensured that existing staff have received refresher training. Additionally, relevant training has been delivered to new staff to enhance the skills within the team. In addition, a team away day has been arranged, which will further boost staff morale and build confidence in working together as part of a reformed team.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The registered manager is inconsistent in notifying the regulator of serious events and detailing what action has been taken. Not all notifications are being received by the regulator in a timely manner. This demonstrates that there is still a vulnerability in the registered manager’s oversight in making sure that the regulator is notified appropriately when serious incidents occur.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The registered manager’s internal monitoring systems have not been effective in making sure that all the necessary documents are available to staff. For example, two looked after review meeting reports were not available. There was also a failure to ensure that staff were engaging with one child’s professional network to follow up on their referral for mental health support.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Staff conduct was raised in the last inspection and there has been an improvement in the way this is being addressed with staff. However, several outcomes of internal investigations have been delayed following allegations against staff due to the appointed investigators availability. This means that children do not receive an outcome response in a timely manner, which conveys that their voice is not important and is unheard.

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Some improvements have been made to recruitment practices. Staff recruitment now includes obtaining the necessary references, and reasons for leaving previous employment are explored. This demonstrates that managers are addressing previous shortfalls in this area. Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 6 Staff and managers say they feel supported and have time to reflect on their practice. They have also started to have some focused and reflective ‘child in mind’ sessions with the home’s linked therapist. This enables staff to come together to discuss behaviours in the home and the team to collectively think about their approaches in supporting the children. Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 7

p.5

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The 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.

p.7

Requirement Due date

The positive relationships standard is that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships based on—

p.7

Requirement Due date

an understanding about acceptable behaviour; and

p.7

Requirement Due date

positive responses to other children and adults.

p.7

Requirement Due date

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

p.7

Requirement Due date

meet each child’s behavioural and emotional needs, as set out in the child’s relevant plans;

p.7

Requirement Due date

help each child to develop socially aware behaviour. (Regulation 11 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(i)(ii))

p.7

Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that relevant information in relation to children’s needs is shared and used to inform relevant plans and care practice.

p.7

Requirement Due date

This requirement is repeated. 14 November2024

p.7

Requirement Due date

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

p.7

Requirement Due date

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

p.7

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; 14 November 2024 Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 8 have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

p.7

Requirement Due date

understand the roles and responsibilities in relation to protecting children that are assigned to them by the registered person;

p.8

Requirement Due date

take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare; and

p.8

Requirement Due date

are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(iii)(v)(vi)(vii))

p.8

Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that allegations are acted on without delay and that concerns relating to staff conduct are promptly investigated. This requirement is repeated.

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

p.8

Requirement Due date

a child is involved in or subject to, or is suspected of being involved in or subject to, sexual exploitation;

p.8

Requirement Due date

an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious;

p.8

Requirement Due date

there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there;

p.8

Requirement Due date

a child protection enquiry involving a child —

p.8

Requirement Due date

(concludes (in which case, the notification must include the out- come of the child protection enquiry); or

p.8

Requirement Due date

there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(a)(b)(c)(d)(i)(ii)(e))

p.8

Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that notifications are made to the regulator and done so in a timely manner.

p.8

Requirement Due date

This requirement is repeated. 14 November 2024 Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 9 The quality and purpose of care standard is that children receive care from staff who—

p.8

Requirement Due date

understand the children’s home’s overall aims and the outcomes it seeks to achieve for children;

p.9

Requirement Due date

use this understanding to deliver care that meets children’s needs and supports them to fulfil their potential.

p.9

Requirement Due date

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

p.9

Requirement Due date

understand and apply the home’s statement of purpose;

p.9

Requirement Due date

protect and promote each child’s welfare;

p.9

Requirement Due date

treat each child with dignity and respect. (Regulation 6 (1)(a)(b) (2)(b)(i)(ii)(iii))

p.9

Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that staff are in receipt of all the necessary information to enable them to appropriately support the children and to support them with developing their independent living skills.

p.9

Requirement Due date

This requirement is repeated. 14 November 2024

p.9

Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

p.9

Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

p.9

Requirement Due date

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

p.9

Requirement Due date

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose; 14 November 2024 Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 10 ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

p.9

Requirement Due date

ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child;

p.10

Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child;

p.10

Requirement Due date

understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home;

p.10

Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(c)(d)(e)(f)(h))This requirement is repeated.

p.10

Requirement Due date

The care planning standard is that children—

p.10

Requirement Due date

receive effectively planned care in or through the children’s home; and

p.10

Requirement Due date

have a positive experience of arriving at or moving on from the home. (Regulation 14 (1)(a)(b))

p.10

Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that children’s needs and risks are appropriately considered in addition to making sure staff have the skills to manage all children’s behaviour effectively. This requirement is repeated. 14 November 2024

p.10

Requirement Due date

In meeting the quality standards, the registered person must, and must ensure that staff—

p.10

Requirement Due date

seek to involve each child’s placing authority effectively in the child’s care, in accordance with the child’s relevant plans;

p.10

Requirement Due date

seek to secure the input and services required to meet each child’s needs;

p.10

Requirement Due date

if the registered person considers, or staff consider, a placing authority’s or a relevant person’s performance or response to be inadequate in relation to their role, challenge the placing authority or the relevant person to seek to ensure that each 14 November 2024 Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 11 child’s needs are met in accordance with the child’s relevant plans; and

p.10

Requirement Due date

seek to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with such persons, bodies or organisations as the registered person considers appropriate having regard to the range of needs of children for whom it is intended that the children’s home is to provide care and accommodation. (Regulation 5 (a)(b)(c)(d))

p.11

Requirement Due date

In particular, make sure that actions on children’s reviews are followed through by their respective local authority and are challenged appropriately if needed.

p.11

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: 2729532 12

p.11

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Kedleston (Wood Grove Childcare) Limited

p.12

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Unit 8, Brook Business Centre, Cowley Mill Road, Cowley, Uxbridge UB8 2FX

p.12

Inspector

Karen Flanagan de Martinez, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2729532 13 regulates and inspects 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.

p.12

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.13

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.13

Inspector

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

p.13