Children's Home run by Trafford Borough Council in Trafford

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC032475 1 SC032475

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Registered provider: Trafford Borough Council

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by a local authority. The home provides care for up to five children who may experience social and emotional difficulties or a learning disability.

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this children’s home

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this children’s home

 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: SC032475 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

This inspection took place to look at escalating concerns that were notified to Ofsted. The inspector evaluated how children were affected and assessed the actions of leaders and staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have been able to develop positive relationships with staff working in this home. Children are cared for by an experienced and consistent staff team that knows them well. Many staff working at the home have been there for a number of years.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, improvements have been made to the environment. The home has had new windows fitted throughout, and further work is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. As a result, this is a nicer place for children to live.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff liaise with health professionals to ensure that children’s health needs are met. This includes working with other agencies to support children with their emotional well-being. Children are appropriately encouraged and supported to attend routine medical appointments.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are given opportunities to share their views on their care and the daily routines of the home. The registered manager responds to children individually, so that they know their opinions are valued.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager recognises the importance of well-considered transitions for children moving into and on from this home. One child has recently returned to live with their family, and there are plans in place to support another child to move into their own accommodation.

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Findings from the inspection

Incidents are well managed. Staff work hard to try and de-escalate challenging behaviour, acting on any concerns relating to children to ensure that they are kept safe. This includes working with other agencies and professionals. Individual key- work sessions focus on children’s specific needs and vulnerabilities.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager undertakes regular monitoring and oversight of the home. The registered manager reviews incidents to ensure that any follow-up actions are completed and seeks to identify patterns and trends in children’s behaviours.

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Findings from the inspection

There has been an incident where one child has gone missing from this home. Staff have taken appropriate action to find the child and encourage them to return home. The child had access to an independent return home interview.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff, including agency staff, receive regular supervision to support them in their role. Staff report that during recent challenges, the registered manager, responsible Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC032475 3 individual and head of service have provided reassurance and support, which is reflected in their continued dedication to their roles.

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Findings from the inspection

Assessments are undertaken before children move into the home. The registered manager considers the needs of the children already living in the home and if they can meet the needs of the child being referred. However, for one child, the assessment did not evidence that all information had been fully explored before their admission.

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Findings from the inspection

The remaining requirement raised at the full inspection was not looked at during this visit. Therefore, it remains until the home’s next inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC032475 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/04/2024 Full Good 31/10/2023 Full Good 06/12/2022 Full Good 12/10/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC032475 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person 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 must comply within the given timescales.

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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—

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Requirement Due date

helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and

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Requirement Due date

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

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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.

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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)(h))

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Requirement Due date

This specifically relates to the registered manager ensuring that all relevant information is included within records, such as pre-admission assessments. 17 January 2025

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain records (“case records”) for each child which—

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Requirement Due date

include the information and documents listed in Schedule 3 in relation to each child; and

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Requirement Due date

are kept up to date. (Regulation 36 (1)(a)(b)) 17 January 2025 Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC032475 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Trafford Borough Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, Manchester M32 0TH

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Inspector

Genevieve O’Reilly, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC032475 7 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.

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Inspector

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