Children's home run by Channels and Choices Kent LLP in Dover

Inspection report for children's home: SC062931 1 SC062931 Registered provider: Channels & Choices Kent LLP

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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 by a private company and is registered to provide care for up to four children who may have social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection, four children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered since May 2023.

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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: 27 February 2024

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: SC062931 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

27/02/2024 Full Good 07/03/2023 Full Good 22/03/2022 Full Good 31/07/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children's home: SC062931 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is well maintained and homely. The manager and staff are proud of the children’s achievements and children are rewarded for their efforts. Certificates of children’s celebrations and achievements are displayed alongside photos and memorabilia. The children are settled and are well supported by the staff. One social worker said, ‘The staff provide excellent care…and go above and beyond.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff give children information about any plans for them moving in or moving on. These plans explain the arrangements for them. Children’s needs are well thought out and, when possible, bedrooms are personalised before children move in. The manager considers how children will live alongside each other. Staff have a clear understanding of children’s needs, including those of children who have recently moved in, and are responsive to them. This approach helps children to settle well. Staff create memory books for each child which capture memories and document their time in the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff provide children with opportunities to have their views, wishes and feelings heard. They promote children’s engagement in ongoing consultation and the manager listens and responds. Children participate in daily meetings and staff engage them in individual conversations. The children have chosen to support a charity and have a fundraising event each month for a dog they have sponsored.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The stable and permanent staff team supports the continuity of care for children. Staff and children interact in a natural way and there is warmth in their relationships. Children regularly seek out staff for comfort and reassurance.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are encouraged to maintain relationships with those people who are important to them. Staff advocate for children to reconnect with family members and have increased access to them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff work collaboratively with other professionals. School staff report positive collaborative working. Staff maintain frequent communication to support children to access their education and ensure children are prepared for learning. Children have good attendance at school. A headteacher said, ‘By working together we have seen a significant impact on [name of child]’s well-being. [Name of child] is now much more settled and is now engaging in learning at school and home.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff ensure that children’s health needs are met. They encourage the children to engage in a range of activities that promote their individual hobbies and interests. This supports children to develop friendships in the wider community. Inspection report for children's home: SC062931 4

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

The home is settled and there are few serious incidents. There have been no allegations, complaints or incidents of bullying. Children do not go missing from this home and safeguarding incidents are rare. When safeguarding incidents do occur, these are responded to and recorded appropriately. The manager ensures any necessary agencies are informed and consulted with. This adds a level of external scrutiny.

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

Staff understand the children and their vulnerabilities. They understand how to keep children safe and manage risk. They carry out direct work with children to help them understand and manage risk.

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

Door alarms are used overnight on children’s bedrooms, and the need to use these is regularly reviewed by managers and the placing authority. Children are consulted on the use of door alarms and understand why these are in place.

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

Staff are trained in the home’s model of de-escalation and restraint. Staff use the least restrictive methods to support and manage any behavioural incidents. Staff have developed strong relationships with the children. They help them develop the skills to manage their emotions and difficult feelings. This is reflected in the low levels of physical intervention. When physical intervention is used, records of the incident are detailed and clear. Staff and children have the opportunity to reflect and debrief.

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

The manager ensures that the home is safe and well maintained. Medication is securely stored and administered as directed by trained staff.

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

The manager ensures suitable safer recruitment practices are followed. This helps to ensure that only appropriate adults work with the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has a good understanding of the children, their needs and the home. He has a clear vision for the home and ensures the development plan is regularly reviewed and responds to any emerging themes or patterns.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff retention is good, and the home has a full complement of permanent staff. Staff feel well supported and are provided with opportunities for professional growth and development. One member of staff said, ‘I have confidence in the manager to support me to achieve what I want to achieve.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff have the training they need to meet the needs of the children. The manager ensures that external courses are sourced when these are not available internally. One member of staff is qualified to teach staff about the home’s model of de-escalation and restraint.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff receive regular reflective supervision which supports their practice. Senior leaders regularly check staff well-being, together with operational and practice targets. Team Inspection report for children's home: SC062931 5 meetings take place regularly and minutes of these are recorded and distributed. They are well attended, and staff have input. Staff have opportunities to reflect on specific areas of practice or behaviours through additional meetings which are facilitated by a therapist.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Records are generally well maintained and up to date. However, some files lack attention to detail, including an incorrect name on one child’s record and inconsistent information regarding a child’s potential allergy. Inspection report for children's home: SC062931 6

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record-keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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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: SC062931 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Channels & Choices Kent LLP

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Atlas Chambers, 33 West Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2RE

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Inspector

Cassie Martin, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: SC062931 8 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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Inspector

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