Children's home run by Continuum Support - Care Services Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638202 1 Registered provider: Continuum Support

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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 one child who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been in post since October 2024, and she is in the process of becoming registered.

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Information about this children’s home

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

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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: 2638202 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.

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Findings from the inspection

The child has made some progress since the last inspection. There are fewer notifiable incidents, improvements in health issues and an increase in education attendance.

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Findings from the inspection

The child receives good care from supportive staff. Staff receive ongoing training, supervision sessions and support so that they develop the necessary skills and knowledge to look after children safely. Some staff recently moved to work in this home, reducing the need for agency staff. This ensures that children are supported by consistent staff.

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Findings from the inspection

There have been barriers to the child’s education, and the child does not have an education placement. However, a tutor visits the home. The manager has challenged decision-making by education professionals and is advocating for the child. The manager has made creative suggestions to secure alternative provision.

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Findings from the inspection

The child is in good health and they enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Staff provide a wide range of activities for the child which include the gym, climbing, swimming and outdoor pursuits. Staff understand the child’s health needs and have implemented supportive measures to help them in managing certain aspects of their own care.

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Findings from the inspection

Instances of the child going missing from home are few. However, when this does happen, staff take swift action to ensure that the child returns safely, adhering to established missing-from-home protocols. They follow the children to encourage their return home.

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Findings from the inspection

On occasion and as a last resort, staff use restraint to manage the child’s behaviour and keep them safe. Staff keep clear records of these incidents but have not always described the hold used. On one occasion, the manager identified, that staff had used a technique that was not agreed within the child’s plan. Suitable action was taken to reduce the risk of this occurring in the future.

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Findings from the inspection

Risk assessments are detailed and provide clear guidance for staff. They are up to date and kept under review by the manager. Staff understand the child’s risks and vulnerabilities, and they are clear about their responsibilities to ensure the child is safe.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager takes a proactive approach to addressing staff practice when it falls short of professional standards. Concerns are identified and addressed swiftly. Constructive discussions are held to provide clear guidance, support and targeted training to improve performance. When necessary, action plans and disciplinary Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638202 3 processes are implemented. This means only people with an appropriate understanding of the child work in the home.

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Findings from the inspection

The registered manager is suitably qualified and experienced and is implementing better monitoring systems to maintain a comprehensive overview of the home and the progress of the children. The manager has high expectations and aspirations for the children and leads by example. All requirements and recommendations raised at the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638202 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/07/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 25/07/2023 Full Good 10/05/2022 Full Good 15/03/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638202 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that records of restraint are kept that enable the registered person and staff to review the use of control, discipline and restraint, including methods used, to identify effective practice and respond promptly where any issues or trends of concern emerge. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 49, paragraph 9.59) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638202 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Sinclair Accounting Co Ltd, 300 St. Marys Road, Garston, Liverpool L19 0NQ

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Inspector

Sally Mitchell, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2638202 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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Inspector

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