Children's Home run by Woodford Children's Services Ltd in Redbridge

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2559019 1 Registered provider: Woodford Children’s Home Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home registered with Ofsted in November 2019 and is privately owned.

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Information about this children’s home

It provides care for up to five children who experience social and/or emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of this inspection, two children were living in the home.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in February 2025.

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Information about this children’s home

Date of last inspection: 13 November 2024

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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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: 2559019 2

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Findings from the inspection

There are no 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

Leaders and managers have responded well to the outcome of the last inspection. They have implemented an action plan to address the stated requirements and recommendations. One requirement raised at the last inspection has not been fully met. This has been raised as a recommendation.

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Findings from the inspection

The home offers a welcoming environment. Children are settled and like having their personal space in the home. Communal areas are well maintained, and the outdoor area is equipped with garden furniture, ready for the summer period. One professional said the child they are working with really likes living at the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have positive relationships with staff. They are happy at the home and get on well with their carers. Staff working with the children told the inspector that the members of the team at the home understand the needs of the children. One child told the inspector that they feel cared for.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s complaints are dealt with effectively. Staff ensure that relevant professionals are aware of any concerns raised. Children are kept up to date of the progression and outcome of their complaints.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s records are up to date and include all important information about them. This helps staff to work well together, and in partnership with other agencies, to support and enhance children’s safety.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff ensure that risk assessments capture known risks to children. All children’s differing needs, vulnerabilities and risks are considered well when a new child moves into the home. Children told the inspector that they get on with each other.

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Findings from the inspection

Missing from care episodes are managed effectively. Staff keep ‘grab packs’ updated, with files holding the correct information about children in case it is needed quickly. When children go missing, staff attempt to stay in contact with them and always inform relevant agencies.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are spoken to about their safety. Staff advocate for children to have return home interviews when they have been missing from their care. Staff also have discussions with children to help them understand risks and how to keep safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, key-work sessions are more frequent and tailored to the child’s journey and development. Discussions are well recorded, informative and reflect on behaviours that may be affecting children’s well-being. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2559019 3 Children’s medication is managed effectively. Records are accurate and managers have clear oversight of medication administration and records.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff carry out room searches as needed. Children are made aware of searches and understand they take place when there are concerns around their safety.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers work closely with professionals to ensure the needs of children are met. For example, consistent liaison with education providers has helped children to remain in education.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff receive comprehensive training. The registered manager monitors training closely to ensure there are no shortfalls in practice. Records are now up to date and training reflects the expertise needed to support the children in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have regular supervision. The registered manager uses a newly devised supervision record to ensure that all staff are supervised in a timely manner. Staff use this time to discuss the care of children and their progression in their work.

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Findings from the inspection

Despite some areas now having better oversight, monitoring and review systems are not yet fully effective. The registered manager does not gather sufficient information to fully support a holistic oversight of the home. This means that the assessment of the quality-of-care children receive is not yet comprehensive. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2559019 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/11/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 12/02/2024 Full Good 21/03/2023 Full Good 09/08/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2559019 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should actively make best use of information from independent and internal monitoring (including under regulations 44 and 45) to ensure continuous improvement. They should be skilled in anticipating difficulties and reviewing incidents, such as learning from disruptions and placement breakdowns. They are responsible for proactively implementing lessons learned and sustaining good practice. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 54, paragraph 10.24) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2559019 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Woodford Children’s Home Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Abacus House, Forest Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1DX

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Inspector

Natalie Mitchell, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2559019 7 regulates and inspects 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 looked-after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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