Children's home run by Waves Care Ltd

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2748089 1 Registered provider: Waves Care Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned children’s home provides care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties and associated complex needs.

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Information about this children’s home

The home and manager were registered with Ofsted in March 2024.

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Information about this children’s home

One child was living at the home at the time of the inspection. Another child had recently moved out.

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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. 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: 2748089 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. Previous requirements and recommendations set have been met. A further requirement and recommendation have been raised from this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

The child living at the home at the last inspection has moved on and another child has recently moved in. The manager and staff are beginning to build secure and trusting relationships with this child. The staff ensure the children’s needs are well met. One commissioner stated, ‘Our young person is progressing and happy.’

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Findings from the inspection

The child feels able to express their wishes and feelings. One child produced a presentation for the manager about the benefits of a house pet. The manager listened to the child’s views, and two rabbits have now been purchased for the home. The child is encouraged to meet the rabbits’ day-to-day care needs with support from staff. One social worker said this has added a therapeutic layer of support for the child.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager understands the child’s risks and behaviours. They support the staff to understand and manage any presenting risks to the child. There are clear risk assessments in place to help guide staff. These are reviewed when there is an identified concern or change in behaviour. Children’s placing authorities are consulted when there is an escalation of risks.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager proactively advocates for the child and challenges decisions made by other professionals when they believe that those decisions are not made with the child’s best interests in mind.

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Findings from the inspection

There was a period of instability at the home, which had an impact on staff retention. The management structure has since been strengthened. Both a new responsible individual and independent person are now in place.

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Findings from the inspection

The home currently has a full complement of permanent staff. The manager has reviewed the workforce development plan and is revising this to ensure that staff have a clear pathway for development and progression. Induction processes for new recruits have also been reviewed. However, these are not yet fully embedded at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are well supported by the manager and the responsible individual. They have regular supervision. Staff receive useful and relevant core training. Additional courses are sourced, which respond to children’s presenting needs.

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Findings from the inspection

Safer recruitment practices have improved. However, on one occasion, checks for staff who had previously lived overseas were not sufficiently explored. This was a missed opportunity to ensure that robust safer recruitment processes are in place. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2748089 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/07/2024 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2748089 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that an independent person visits the children’s home at least once each month.

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Requirement Due date

The independent person must provide a copy of the independent person’s report to—

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Requirement Due date

HMCI. (Regulation 44 (1) (7)(a)) 31 March 2025

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Recommendation

 The registered person should maintain good employment practice and ensure that recruitment of staff safeguards children and minimises potential risks to them. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2748089 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Alpha House, 296 Kenton Rd, Harrow HA3 8DD

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Inspector

Cassie Martin, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2748089 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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