Children's home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Stockport

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC450992 1 SC450992

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Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

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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 privately owned and forms part of a large social care organisation. It provides care for up to six children who may experience complex social and emotional difficulties because of their childhood experiences or previous trauma.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been in post since 5 February 2024 and is registered with Ofsted. The manager is suitably experienced and holds the relevant qualification.

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Inspection date: 17 December 2024

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 17 December 2024

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: SC450992 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

Two children live in the home, and both were spoken to during the inspection. No children have moved out of the home since the last inspection. One child has moved into the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Significant improvements have been made to the home environment, which is now a child-friendly, warm and cosy place for children to live. The registered manager has addressed most of the actions in their home improvement plan. Staff listen to children’s wishes and feelings. This is evident in the decor and furnishings of the home. Children feel comfortable and relaxed and like living in their home.

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Findings from the inspection

At the time of this inspection, the magic of Christmas was well and truly alive in the home. Children and staff were enjoying an array of Christmas activities. Children have positive experiences, and the home is decorated to a high standard.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s needs are well considered before children move into the home. Staff plan their care well to help them make progress and have their needs met. Staff understand what help and care children need. Good partnership working with other agencies is in place. For example, good communication with schools promotes children’s engagement in education. Staff also ensure that children attend health services for routine and specialist care.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the full inspection, both children have started new schools. One child had not attended school for a year. They have made new friends, who have visited them in their home, and they have gone to their friends’ homes. The registered manager advocates for children’s best interests. They have worked well with the child’s advocate to ensure that the child’s school was able to meet their needs. This included consulting with the children’s commissioner.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff encourage strong and caring relationships between children. Children have a sibling-like relationship and are both very fond of one another. One child is helping a younger child to learn how to write their name. Both children speak of their fondness of one another. Interactions between children are warm and positive.

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Findings from the inspection

One child is now spending time with their friends independently in the community. They have developed confidence, and their anxiety has reduced. The child said that the registered manager has helped staff to understand how to care for them. They said this was what had mattered most to them since the last inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s comprehensive care plans and risk assessments support their needs and safety. There have been no incidents of missing from care, complaints or allegations. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC450992 3 There has been one incident involving the use of physical intervention. However, this was as a last resort to keep the child safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff support children to develop positive emotional well-being. They help them to recognise and understand their feelings safely. Children are better able to use words to express how they are feeling. They are also using new strategies to communicate their feelings to staff. As a result, children are better able to self-regulate and incidents of self-harm are reducing.

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Findings from the inspection

Records of incidents clearly detail events and the actions taken by staff to keep children safe. However, one record states that a staff member obstructed a child from entering the kitchen. The record does not evidence why they did so or if this was a last resort.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager understands the strengths and areas for development at the home. They are well supported by senior leaders. The manager has good oversight of the home and is organised in her approach to this.

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Findings from the inspection

Professionals provided unanimous positive feedback.

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Findings from the inspection

The requirements and recommendation raised at the previous inspection have all been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC450992 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/04/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 19/07/2023 Full Good 22/06/2022 Full Good 12/01/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC450992 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that incident records clearly identify the rationale for restricting children’s movements. Records should include why this has been deemed necessary and proportionate to keep a child safe. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 47, paragraph 9.42) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC450992 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Metropolitan House, 3 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar EN6 1AG

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Inspector

Sarah Berry, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC450992 7 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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