Children's Home run by 1848 Ltd in Somerset

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650345 1 Registered provider: 1848 Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private provider and offers care for up to two children with social and emotional difficulties. Two children live in the home, one having lived there at the time of the last full inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager position is currently vacant. Plans are progressing for a newly recruited manager to join the organisation in February 2025. The responsible individual was available throughout the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: Requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: None

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 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: 2650345 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

There were two children living in the home at the time of the inspection. The inspector spent time with both children and observed their interactions with each other and with the manager and staff. The children are making progress and enjoying positive experiences supported by the staff and manager.

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Findings from the inspection

The home is cosy and well maintained with lovely decor, and the bedrooms are personalised. The rural setting and outside gardens provide additional space to play and explore. The children move around the spaces freely and are comfortable in the home. The culture is one of openness and transparency, with staff sharing and communicating their individuality and personalities in a way that supports the children to see difference positively.

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Findings from the inspection

The leaders and staff have high aspirations for the children as champions and advocates. One child has recently been re-engaged in formal education in a setting that is in accordance with their development and specialist plans. The staff and leaders are proactive in supporting the educational provision, and there is effective communication within the professional network.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager and staff have made efforts to support the children’s relationship with each other. However, their different ages, needs relating to their neurodiversity nd history mean they do not always get along. Currently, the children co-reside, and although there continues to be incidents between them, these are reducing and are increasingly better managed by staff. There is improved focus by staff on planning activities for the children to give them both the positive experiences and time apart. Consequently, restraint is only used in exceptional circumstances and is seen as a last resort.

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Findings from the inspection

The individual physical and emotional safety of each child is a priority to the staff, who are empathetic, warm and nurturing in their responses to children. Positive interactions were observed for both children with the staff. There have been no safeguarding referrals, and the leaders know the protocols and procedures to follow should concerns arise.

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Findings from the inspection

The leaders produce well-written and informative plans to ensure that staff understand the risks for children and the individual behaviour management strategies. However, staff have not yet acquired the skills to consistently recognise and escalate all incidents of safety. The management oversight has been impacted by the gap in manager and all issues are not yet being consistently recorded and identified.

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Findings from the inspection

The leaders and staff respond to incidents of children going missing from home in line with protocol and guidance. One child has been supported to identify risks and Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650345 3 their vulnerability when missing from home. The actions are captured in plans that support independence, with risks fully analysed. This focus has successfully contributed to a reduction in missing-from-home episodes for the child and increased communication by them when out in the community independently.

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Findings from the inspection

The leaders and staff encourage the children to access the complaints procedures, and when they do, the complaints are investigated. Actions taken and desired outcomes and solutions to issues are discussed with the child, who receives both verbal and written feedback from leaders. In one incident, all points to the complaint were not adequately addressed and recorded.

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Findings from the inspection

The leaders respond to whistle-blowing and incidents appropriately. Investigations are thorough and in line with HR expectations and advice. Staff performance is monitored in more timely supervision sessions delivered by individuals who are appropriately trained and experienced. The quality of supervision is improving, and there is evidence of reflection and challenge. One member of staff shared their enjoyment of supervision and the impact on their working with children and colleagues.

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Findings from the inspection

The findings in the last Ofsted inspection have been taken seriously by the leaders in the organisation and the staff. There is a professionally written and informative development plan with actions set against all requirements. The progress made in respect of the four requirements is sufficient to deem them all as being met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650345 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

07/08/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 19/04/2023 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650345 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that they consistently review safeguarding records and complaints, particularly ensuring that all issues are adequately recorded and addressed. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 55, paragraph 10.23)  The registered person should ensure that learning from incidents is shared with all staff to improve practice. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 55, paragraph 10.24) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650345 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Old Bank Buildings, East Street, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0AJ

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Inspector

Ashley Arkless, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2650345 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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Inspector

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