Children's Home run by Shropshire Council in Shropshire

Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2558682 1 Registered provider: Shropshire Council

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

A local authority operates this children’s home. The home provides care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties who may also have had adverse experiences.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in December 2022 and is suitably qualified and experienced. However, since the last full inspection, the registered manager has been absent from the home. An interim manager is currently overseeing the day-to- day running of the home. This arrangement was due to stop at the end of September 2024.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, there was one child living in the home. The child spoke to the inspector during the visit.

p.1

This monitoring visit

A full inspection of the home was carried out on 26 June 2024. The home was judged to be inadequate, as inspectors identified significant shortfalls relating to the leadership and management of the home. As a result, Ofsted issued a notice restricting accommodation and a compliance notice under regulation 13 of the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015.

p.1

This monitoring visit

A monitoring visit took place on 19 August 2024 to review adherence with the restriction notice and to assess the progress the provider had made towards meeting the steps in the compliance notice. The provider had adhered to the restriction notice, as no new children had moved into the home. Additionally, the provider had taken sufficient action to address the steps outlined in the compliance notice.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to review adherence with the restriction notice and assess the progress the provider has made towards meeting the four requirements Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2558682 2 made at the full inspection. The provider has adhered to the restriction notice. Additionally, the provider has taken sufficient action to address the four requirements made at the full inspection.

p.1

This monitoring visit

The responsible individual, interim manager and deputy manager have worked to a clear action plan to ensure the four requirements made at the full inspection are met.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Over the summer, the interim manager continued to support the staff team to develop their practice. This has strengthened staff’s relationships with the child living in the home. As a result, the child has been actively involved in planning and participating in activities, contributing to decisions made in the home and plans for their future.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The child feels that their wishes and feelings are being listened to. They now have an advocate and have daily discussions with the interim manager. The advocate and interim manager are working in close partnership with the child’s placing authority and there are clear plans in place to support the child moving forward.

p.2

This monitoring visit

Staff take appropriate action to keep the child safe. When de-escalation has not been effective in managing incidents, restraint is used as a last resort and is proportionate. Incidents are monitored by the interim manager and responsible individual and have reduced over the last month.

p.2

This monitoring visit

The interim manager has continued to make improvements to the environment, and the home feels welcoming and comfortable. The child’s bedroom is clean and tidy. A second children’s bedroom is currently not in use. There is a plan to decorate and fit a new carpet before this room is used again.

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

26/06/2024 Full Inadequate 26/04/2023 Full Good 03/05/2022 Full Good 27/07/2021 Full Good Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2558682 3

p.2

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

p.3

Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2558682 4

p.3

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND

p.4

Inspector

Dawn Bennett, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home - monitoring visit: 2558682 5 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.4

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.5

Inspector

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

p.5

Inspector

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

p.5