Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Bedford

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC412953 1 SC412953

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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 run and offers therapeutic support, education and care for up to four children who may have experienced neglect, abuse or trauma that has left them vulnerable.

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Information about this children’s home

Education is offered at a linked provision on a different site. The inspector only inspected the social care provision.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2023 and is currently working towards qualification.

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Inspection date: 27 January 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 27 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: SC412953 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 is currently one child living in the home and they are the only child to do so since the last inspection. The child was spoken with and seen during the inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

The child lives in a large home that has plenty of space for them to play and relax. Their artwork and Lego are displayed around the home. This contributes to the warm, family-like environment of the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The child says they feel cared for and safe. They spoke of staff as their ‘family’ and the manager as ‘like a mum to me’. The child said this was ‘the most at home I’ve ever felt’.

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Findings from the inspection

The child is due to move out of the home. Staff have managed this well. They have acknowledged and accepted the loss which the child feels. This has helped them to have sensitive conversations with the child and to plan the child’s move together. This has helped the child to feel less rejection.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff support the child well with independence skills. They talk to the child about what they are worried about. This helps the child to better understand how to keep themselves safe and is an important independence skill.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff provide the child with appropriate consequences and rewards. When concerns arise, staff respond thoroughly and effectively. This helps the child to know that the staff team care about them.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has made progress since they moved in. Their attendance in education has greatly increased and some risks have decreased significantly.

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Findings from the inspection

Senior leaders have implemented a serious incident review process since the last inspection. This has ensured that all incidents which meet threshold for Ofsted notification have been identified and escalated appropriately. Incidents are also better and more holistically managed, as the reviews are attended by therapeutic and safeguarding staff, as well as being chaired by a senior leader. This level of oversight has helped ensure that the child has been kept safe since the last inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is suitably experienced and qualified for the role. Staff speak of her with respect and admiration. One member of staff said ‘she is inspiring, she motivates us and is a great leader’.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive support and say that supervision and team meetings provide them with an opportunity to reflect on their practice. Managers ensure that staff have the Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC412953 3 training they need to meet the needs of the child. Staff are provided with opportunities to develop their skills and progress in their careers.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has met all of the requirements and recommendations from the previous full inspection. No requirements or recommendations were raised at this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC412953 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

10/06/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 25/09/2023 Full Good 16/08/2022 Full Good 26/01/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC412953 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Coach House, White House Court, Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1FD

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Claudette Rudman

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Inspector

Majella Russell, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC412953 6 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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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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