Children's Home run by Kite Children's Services Limited in East Riding of Yorkshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2770973 1 Registered provider: Kite Children’s Services Ltd

p.1

Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is owned and managed by a private provider. The home provides care for children with social and emotional difficulties It provides care for one child.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection, there was one child living in the home.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

A new manager has been appointed and their application to register with Ofsted is being processed. The manager and the responsible individual were contacted by telephone during the inspection.

p.1

Inspection date: 21 January 2025

Date of last inspection: 3 September 2024

p.1

Inspection date: 21 January 2025

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

p.1

Inspection date: 21 January 2025

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

p.1

Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

p.1

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: 2770973 2

p.1

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.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, one child has moved out of the home and one child has moved in. The child who moved out has moved to a more appropriate placement to meet their needs. Despite this being an emergency move, staff ensured they were able to visit the child in their new placement to say a proper goodbye.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child currently living in the home moved there in November 2024, earlier than planned, but at the child’s request. Already, they are making great progress. The child did not wish to speak with the inspector but was seen happily playing, doing their artwork, talking to staff and having a fun time. There was much laughter and joking and the child obviously has good relationships with staff.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child is currently not in education. Staff say that the experience of coming into care and changing school at the same time was too much for the child. The manager is advocating with the headteacher of the virtual school to secure a different education provision. Staff provide educational activities during the day. The child wants to learn, wants the structure of going to a school and is keen to return to education as soon as possible.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child’s health has improved. They eat healthily, have gained appropriate weight and take care of their personal hygiene. Staff are helping the child to understand the importance of vaccinations and helping them with their fear of needles.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff make sure the child participates in decision-making about their care. The child has chosen decor for their bedroom and other parts of the house. The child now enjoys spending time in their bedroom, and sleeps well, having previously only wanted to sleep on the sofa. They have been involved in recruiting new members of staff. Staff encourage the child to speak with their social worker, to share their views on education, time with friends and activities. This has improved the time they spend with their family and their friends.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

Staff keep the child safe. They understand how to manage and reduce any risks for the child and support the child to keep themselves safe. Staff have asked the child what they perceive as risk, as it may differ from staff perception. This has helped staff know what the child needs to feel safe. The number of incidents has reduced significantly as the child builds relationships with staff.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The child has not gone missing since moving into the home. Staff are aware of any potential triggers that may result in the child going missing from the home or visits to family or friends. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2770973 3 The manager recognises that the child struggles with a particular member of staff, due to a past trauma. The manager is supporting both the child and the member of staff and is planning restorative work to build a more positive relationship.

p.2

Findings from the inspection

The manager has been in post since November 2024 and has applied to register with Ofsted. A new responsible individual has also been appointed.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Staff say they have already seen improvements since the manager and the responsible individual took up post, especially in the frequency and quality of supervision. Staff say team meetings provide opportunities for reflection and learning. Meetings are more structured, and staff focus on the child and their needs. One member of staff said: ‘Things are on the up. The child is safe and happy, and we feel better supported.’

p.3

Findings from the inspection

The manager has recruited new staff. The quality of induction has improved, and all staff receive good-quality training, specific to the needs of the child.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

The manager has met all the requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection. Staff have reflected on their responses to incidents with the child previously living in the home. They have improved their understanding of how to implement risk assessments, manage behaviour effectively and keep children safe.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

The manager has improved internal monitoring processes and has a good understanding of the quality of care provided, the experiences the child has and the progress they are making.

p.3

Findings from the inspection

Some staff use language that is institutional and not helpful for the child should they read their reports. Use of words such as ‘heightened’ and ‘regulated’ do not give a clear indication of what is happening. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2770973 4

p.3

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

03/09/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2770973 5

p.4

Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that information is recorded in a way that will be helpful to the child and that staff use language that is not stigmatising or institutional. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 62, paragraph 14.4) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2770973 6

p.5

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Kite Children’s Services Ltd

p.6

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Majors Chartered Certified Accountants, The Bloc, 38 Springfield Way, Anlaby, Hull HU10 6RJ

p.6

Inspector

Judith Longden, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2770973 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.

p.6

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspector

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.7

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Inspector

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

p.7