Children's Home run by Area Camden Limited in Camden

Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2535376 1 Registered provider: Area Camden Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

The home registered with Ofsted in August 2019 and provides care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

The manager registered with Ofsted on 24 July 2024.

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Information about this children's home

One child was living in the home at the time of this inspection.

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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(s) 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: 2535376 2

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Findings from the inspection

This visit was conducted to address specific concerns received by Ofsted.

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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

Allegations against staff members are managed appropriately. The provider appropriately reports safeguarding concerns to the relevant agencies and takes effective action to ensure that children are safeguarded.

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Findings from the inspection

Internal investigations are robust. Discussions with children take place to allow them to share their experiences. Leaders and managers show professional curiosity and review previous incidents and allegations against staff to explore any patterns or gaps in practice. Leaders and managers take appropriate action following internal investigations to improve staff practice. Where appropriate they discuss concerns in team meetings and individual staff supervision. Risk assessments are completed during the investigations to ensure that children are protected.

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Findings from the inspection

Safer recruitment practices are followed. Leaders and managers consistently explore gaps in staff employment and the reasons staff left previous employment. They respond well to new information from relevant agencies including the police. Leaders and managers have reviewed their recruitment processes to ensure that there are robust procedures to assess the suitability of staff to work with children.

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Findings from the inspection

The systems in place to review the quality of care provided to children are effective. Leaders and managers show appropriate understanding of the home’s strengths and areas for improvement. They conduct regular audits to evaluate the quality of care and children’s outcomes. They respond appropriately to external scrutiny including the independent person’s reports and recommendations from their visits.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand child protection procedures and know who they need to speak to if there are concerns. Staff benefit from a variety of training that is relevant to the children’s needs. Safeguarding procedures, including whistleblowing, is embedded in staff supervision and team meetings. Staff say that they enjoy working at the home and are supported effectively by managers who are always available. One member of staff said, ‘This is the best place I have worked in; managers listen and always there to help.’

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Findings from the inspection

One new child living in the home has been welcomed sensitively. Staff are warm in their interactions with the child to help them settle into the home. They show appropriate understanding of the child’s life experiences and how this impacts their behaviour. The child stated that they like the home and was observed to enjoy a birthday party with a personalised birthday cake. Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2535376 3 Children are well prepared for independence with practical skills and emotional support. Two children who lived in the home since the last inspection have since moved to semi-independent accommodation. Staff recognise their role in helping children manage endings and how to stay in touch with their families and friends.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers work well with children’s professional networks. Feedback from placing authorities is positive regarding the quality of care provided and communication from staff. There is a shared approach to providing children with good-quality care and support.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff update children’s risk assessments and behaviour support plans when there are significant events or incidents affecting children. They identify appropriate strategies and further work to help keep children safe including individual keywork sessions. However, two children who have now left the home had information about another child on their lone working risk assessments. Leaders and managers identified this shortfall and have ensured that the new child living in the home has the appropriate information in their risk assessments.

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Findings from the inspection

The provider has met the requirement raised at the last inspection. One recommendation was not reviewed on this inspection has been restated. One additional recommendation has been made as a result of this assurance inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

08/05/2024 Full Good 19/04/2023 Full Good 06/12/2022 Full Good 02/11/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2535376 4

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that all staff have their performance and fitness to carry out their role formally appraised taking into account where reasonable and practical, the views of other professionals who have worked with the staff member and that staff contribute to their appraisal to reflect about their role. (‘Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 61, paragraph 13.5)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that children’s lone working risk assessments are sufficiently detailed and are specific to the individual children. (‘Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 42, paragraph 9.5) Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2535376 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider: Area Camden Limited

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Polaris, Malvern View, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4AD

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Inspectors

Dorothy Thompstone, Social Care Inspector Amena Begum, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children's home: 2535376 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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