Children's Home run by Quality Protects Children Ltd in Sheffield

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC066010 1 SC066010 Registered provider: Quality Protects Children 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 is owned and managed by a private provider. It provides care for up to four children who may experience social and emotional difficulties. There was one child living in the home at the time of this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

There has been no registered manager since 21 October 2024. The current manager has made an application to register with Ofsted.

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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 these inspections, 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: SC066010 2

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Findings from the inspection

Ofsted did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection. An assurance inspection was carried out due to concerns in escalating safeguarding notifications to Ofsted relating to one child who presented with numerous risks. At the time of the inspection, this child had left the home and another child had moved in.

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Findings from the inspection

There had been safeguarding concerns about the child who was residing in the home. The manager and staff were aware of these risks and how to manage them safely, while also offering support for the child. However, there was a lack of outreach to external agencies and the child moved out of the home as staff were unable to keep them safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have the relevant skills and knowledge to support children when they are in crisis and unable to manage their emotions or behaviour. Each child has a comprehensive risk assessment and behaviour management plan, which staff utilise when supporting children. Staff’s recordings of incidents are detailed, with strong management oversight to ensure that appropriate steps are taken by staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have procedures to follow when a child goes missing from home. Staff make attempts to prevent the child from going missing. When this happens, staff make all reasonable efforts to locate the child and support them. These are captured in staff’s recordings, which have good management oversight. The child is spoken to when they return to the home, to try to identify the reason for them leaving.

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Findings from the inspection

Regular discussions and meetings with children ensure that their voices are heard and acted upon. Staff talk to the children about areas of their life that impact them, and staff work alongside children to support them to make positive change.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff demonstrate a strong therapeutic approach to their care of the children and use their skills to build stable bonds with them. The child living in the home enjoys spending time with staff, and it is clear that the staff also enjoy spending time with the child.

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Findings from the inspection

There have been barriers to education for the children. The manager understands what these barriers are and ensures that he liaises with a range of professionals to support the children to access education that meets their needs. When children refuse to attend education, staff engage them in alternative educational activities to promote their overall learning and development.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has a strong vision for the home and the positive experiences that he wishes children to have while living here. He is a positive role model for his staff team, who speaks of him highly. The manager has a consistent, high level of oversight of the home. A range of auditing tools are used to ensure that children are having positive experiences in the home and to identify any areas for further Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC066010 3 development. The manager is reflective in his approach and has plans to develop the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff morale and team working abilities have improved since the last inspection with the support of a dedicated management team. Changes to the rota have contributed to this improvement as staff are no longer expected to work more hours than is practical. There have been numerous positive changes since the last inspection, which have been a direct result of the commitment of the management team. This includes all the requirements and recommendations being met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC066010 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/04/2024 Full Good 25/07/2023 Full Good 20/04/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good 28/07/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC066010 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should identify and liaise with external agencies who can offer professional support to the child that is specific to their needs. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 12, paragraph 2.4 and 2.7) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC066010 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Quality Protects Children Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Hill House, Archway Road, Huyton, Liverpool L36 9XB

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Inspector

Ladean Wilson, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC066010 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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