Swanwick Lodge

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 1 Swanwick Lodge Hampshire County Council Glen Road, Swanwick, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 7HD

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this secure children’s home

This secure children’s home is managed by a local authority. It is approved by the Department for Education to restrict children’s liberty.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home can accommodate up to 10 children who are aged between 10 and 17. At the time of the inspection, six children were living in the home.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home cares for children placed by local authorities under section 25 of the Children Act 1989. Admission of any child under section 25 of the Children Act 1989 who is under 13 years of age requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The commissioning of health services in this home is the statutory responsibility of NHS England under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Education is provided on site.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The manager of the home has been registered with Ofsted since March 2022.

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Information about this secure children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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Information about this secure children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 2 Inspectors have 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: SC038719 3

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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

Children say that they have positive, supportive relationships with staff. They can all identify a trusted adult who they would talk to if they had worries or concerns. Staff are empathic in their approach. They engage warmly with children and help to allay any fears that they may have.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff take a risk-informed and child-centred approach when considering their responses to complaints made by children. Complaints made by external parties are also well managed. There is effective managerial oversight that helps to ensure that responses are timely, considerate and clear. When complaints are upheld, apologies are offered, and actions are taken to help ensure that errors in practice are not repeated.

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Findings from the inspection

When children make allegations about staff, leaders and managers respond effectively to make sure that children are kept safe. All known information is shared with appropriate agencies in accordance with statutory guidance, and a thorough investigation takes place. This ensures that only staff who are safe to do so work in the home and children are protected from harm.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff make the most of the facilities available in order to provide activities for children that are in with their interests, for example barbering and bicycle maintenance. At the time of the inspection, there was excitement about an upcoming pantomime. This was a collaborative effort between children and staff, and an opportunity to collectively celebrate.

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Findings from the inspection

Use of physical restraint is frequent. However, records demonstrate that restraint is always used as a last resort and there is good management oversight. The members of the health and well-being team ensure that they speak with the staff and children involved in any incident that results in physical restraint so as to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

Where children have specific support needs, expert advice and input is sought appropriately to develop plans that give clear guidance for staff to follow and keep children safe and protected from harm. Children make good progress while living in the home, which helps to prepare them for leaving the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The recommendation in relation to children’s education and learning made at the full inspection in April 2024 will be considered at the next full inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/04/2024 Full Outstanding 25/04/2023 Full Good 05/04/2022 Full Good 22/02/2022 Interim Sustained effectiveness Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that the ethos of the home supports each child to learn. Leaders should ensure that the science curriculum is planned and taught in a way that meets the needs of the children. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 29, paragraph 5.18) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 6

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider: Hampshire County Council

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider address: Hampshire Council, 3rd Floor, Elizabeth II Court North, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG

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Inspectors

Gary Turney, Social Care Inspector Tash Williams, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC038719 7 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.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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