Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Central Bedfordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC421531 1 SC421531 Registered provider: Oracle Care Limited

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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 company. It provides care and clinical support for up to three children who experience social and emotional difficulties. One child was living at the home at the time of this inspection and was spoken to.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted on 2 November 2021.

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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. 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: SC421531 2

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Findings from the inspection

We identified no 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

One child was living at the home at the time of this inspection. No children have moved in or out of the home since the last inspection. One child briefly spoke with the inspector.

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Findings from the inspection

Positive and warm interactions were observed during the inspection. The child appeared to be relaxed and content in the company of the staff.

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Findings from the inspection

The child is making educational progress. When the child has experienced challenges, the staff have advocated for them and worked well with external agencies to ensure that they are provided with support that is tailored to their needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff enable the child to take part in activities, hobbies and leisure interests. The staff support the child to maintain links with those who are important to them.

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Findings from the inspection

Overall, the home, including the garden area, is tidy, well maintained and nicely decorated. The child’s bedroom is personalised and decorated to their tastes and liking.

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Findings from the inspection

There have been no missing-from-care incidents, physical interventions or allegations since the last inspection. When incidents have occurred, they have been managed well by staff. A child made one complaint; this was managed effectively, without delay.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have a good understanding of the child and risks posed to them. They are sensitive in how they approach and support the child to identify and understand these.

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Findings from the inspection

Professionals spoke positively about how the child is safeguarded. A social worker said, ‘They [the staff] are very good at assessing risk against independence; they make sure everyone is working together to ensure independence is promoted but managed safely.’

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has been registered since November 2021. They were not present during this inspection. They have applied to de-register with Ofsted. The registered manager spent a significant period out of the home prior to applying to de-register with Ofsted. During this time, the home was managed by a suitably experienced and qualified interim manager. However, records in the home, including the statement of purpose, do not reflect these management arrangements. The interim manager was present during this inspection and was supported by the proposed responsible individual. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC421531 3 Feedback from professionals was positive about the management team. One social worker said, ‘the manager and staff are very good advocates for [child’s name]; I have seen so much growth and development in [child’s name].’

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Findings from the inspection

Staff benefit from regular team meetings, group supervisions, one-to-one supervisions and annual appraisals. This gives staff the opportunity to reflect on and develop their practice.

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Findings from the inspection

Consultations regularly take place with the home’s allocated psychologist. They offer therapeutic insight into the children’s needs and suggest ways for the staff to individualise their practice with the children. This has aided staff to have the tools and knowledge to provide individualised care. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC421531 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/10/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 03/10/2023 Full Good 06/06/2022 Full Good 25/05/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC421531 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the following elements of the workforce plan are included in the statement of purpose: (in accordance with Schedule 1 (paragraphs 19 and 20)) the staffing structure; experience and qualifications of staff; and arrangements for supervision of staff practice. In particular, the registered person should ensure that the statement of purpose accurately reflects the staff working at the home, including the person in charge of the day-to-day management of the home. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.10) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC421531 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Oracle Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Suites 1 & 5, Riverside Business Centre, Foundry Lane, Milford, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 0RN

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Samantha Mitchamson

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Inspector

Anver Rose, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC421531 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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

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