Children's Home run by Therapeutic Care Limited in Lancashire

Inspection report for children’s home: 2771219 1 Registered provider: Therapeutic Care Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private provider and provides care for up to two children who may experience social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At time of this inspection, two children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in June 2024.

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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 good

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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: 2771219 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Two children have moved in since the home was registered. The children are developing good relationships with the staff, who are attuned to their needs. One child said, ‘I really like it here and the staff are sound.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is safe and well maintained. The children have been encouraged to personalise their bedrooms, and there are family photos displayed around the home. This gives children a sense of belonging and ownership.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

For one child, the move in was planned and managed in a child-centred way. Another child moved in two weeks before the inspection. This move was completed with no time to plan due to the child’s circumstances. This meant that there was insufficient consideration given to the impact on the child already living in the home, and they have become somewhat unsettled. Staff are supporting the children to build a positive relationship as they get to know each other.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support the children’s individual health needs and they are registered with all the relevant health services. Referrals to specialist services are made when required, and the manager has been proactive in pursuing these.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Education is promoted in the home, and both children are making progress. Children attend alternative provision that is tailored to their needs. The manager is working with other professionals to re-integrate one child back into a mainstream school and allow the child to develop their social skills and form relationships with peers.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Family time is promoted by staff and the manager. Staff transport children to see those who are important to them, and family members are encouraged to visit the home. Keepsakes are kept for the children, and they are supported to understand their family history; this aids their sense of identity.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children take part in a range of leisure activities and are encouraged to develop new interests. Children’s feelings and wishes are sought using a variety of techniques, and as a result, children feel listened to.

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

There are plans in place that help the staff to understand how to meet each child’s individual needs and keep them safe. Incidents are well managed, and staff are trained and skilled in de-escalation techniques. There is a calm environment with a positive and non-confrontational culture in the home.

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

There is a consistent staff team, which means that the children have support from staff who know them well. Staff recruitment is done safely to ensure that only suitable Inspection report for children’s home: 2771219 3 individuals work with children. Staff have a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures and know how to escalate safeguarding concerns. One parent said, ‘[Name of child] has everything he needs. The staff seem to be well trained and qualified. They are perceptive and pick up on things.’

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

Staff take a therapeutic approach, and positive behaviour is promoted through rewards and incentives. Children are given regular praise and respond well to this. Negative consequences are rare, and when they are used, they are usually a natural consequence that is proportionate and fair.

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

There have been some missing-from-home episodes for both children. Staff follow the protocols and guidance in the risk assessments. Staff actively search for children and ensure that all relevant parties, including parents, are informed. When children return, they are offered an opportunity to speak to a person independent from the home. This allows for reflection and learning from the incident for both children and staff.

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

Medication is managed safely, and comprehensive records are kept. There have been some occasions when staff have suspected cannabis use by one child and have not sought medical advice. There is no multi-agency agreement in regard to when medical advice should be sought for the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is suitably experienced and is completing the relevant management qualification. His practice is child-centred and meets the child’s needs. The manager has good oversight of the home and employs a range of effective monitoring systems to review the care that is provided to children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Some staff are qualified and experienced in childcare. New members of staff complete an induction before being enrolled to attain a recognised childcare qualification. Staff have access to a wide range of training. The manager has ensured that staff have the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of each child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff say that they feel well supported by the manager and the company as a whole. There are opportunities in the company for staff to progress. This promotes staff retention, which in turn gives greater consistency for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular supervision, which allows them to reflect on their practice. Team meetings are used as a forum for discussion and learning and are held regularly.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff and the manager work effectively with other agencies and family members. The manager challenges other professionals when required. They ensure that they attend all relevant meetings and advocate for the child when necessary. Inspection report for children’s home: 2771219 4

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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 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.

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Requirement Due date

The care planning standard is that children— receive effectively planned care in or through the children’s home. (Regulation 14 (1)(a)) In particular, the registered person must ensure that when accepting new children into the home, the impact on children already living in the home is fully considered. 15 January 2025

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Recommendation

 The registered person should convene a multi-agency meeting in order to formulate an agreed plan in relation to low-level substance misuse by children living in the home. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 34, paragraph 7.7)

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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: 2771219 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Therapeutic Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Errigal House, Avroe Crescent, Blackpool FY4 2DP

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Children’s home details

Registered manager: Christopher Grindrod

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Inspector

Eve Ostridge, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2771219 6 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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