Children's Home run by My Future Matters Ltd in East Sussex

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736855 1 Registered provider: My Future Matters 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 was registered with Ofsted in April 2024. The home can provide care for up to three children who may have social and emotional difficulties. At the time of the inspection, two children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The home has not had a registered manager since 13 June 2024. The new manager has submitted an application to register with Ofsted.

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Inspection date: 23 January 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 23 January 2025

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: 2736855 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

The quality of care provided to children has improved since the last inspection in August 2024.

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Findings from the inspection

There is a stable and consistent staff team whose members are providing the children with positive care that supports them with their progress and development.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager advocates for children to ensure that they have suitable educational placements. She works closely with professionals to find the right school or college for children that meets their needs. Both children have an education placement and staff sensitively support them to engage and attend.

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Findings from the inspection

Children can share their thoughts and views with staff and know that staff will take them into account. Key-work sessions demonstrate that children’s views are considered, and their thoughts and feelings are discussed.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand children’s risks and behaviours. There are clear risk assessments and positive behaviour support plans for them to follow. These guide staff on approaches to support the children. These are updated regularly when there is an identified concern, or a change of approach is needed.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are alert to, and skilled at supporting children who may harm themselves. Strategies are in place to keep children safe. Due to the positive relationships between the children and staff, children can seek support from staff when they may be struggling with their emotions.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, a new child has moved into the home. This was well planned, and consideration was given to the impact on the child already living in the home. Both children are settled and living together without any concerns.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has been in post since November 2024 and is supported by a deputy manager and the responsible individual, who continues to have good oversight of the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are well supported by the manager and responsible individual. They have regular supervision, their well-being is regularly monitored, and they have regular therapeutic sessions to discuss practice and their responses to the children.

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Findings from the inspection

Overall, staff have suitable training to meet the children’s needs. However, training has not been completed in supporting children with bereavement. In addition, agency staff who are used consistently in the home have not completed some training that would further support them in meeting the children’s needs. This has Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736855 3 not impacted on the quality of care provided to children as agency staff are always on shift with permanent staff who have had the relevant training.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has a workforce development plan in place to monitor the training needs of staff. The responsible individual is in the process of completing a quality of care review. However, there has been a delay in completing this and submitting it to Ofsted.

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Findings from the inspection

The previous requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736855 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

06/08/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736855 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should complete a quality of care review at least once every six months. The report should be sent to Ofsted. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 65, paragraph. 15.3)  The registered person should ensure that staff, including agency staff, have appropriate training. The registered person should understand the key role they play in the training and development of staff in the home. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 53, paragraph 10.11) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736855 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: My Future Matters Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Lytchett House, 13 Freeland Park, Wareham Road, Poole, Dorset BH16 6FA

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Inspector

Lisa O’Donovan, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2736855 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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Inspector

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

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