Lansdowne Secure Unit

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC031490 1 Lansdowne Secure Unit

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Registered provider: East Sussex County Council Lansdowne Children’s Centre, Hawks Road, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1NP

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this secure children’s home

This home is operated by a local authority and is approved by the Secretary of State to restrict children’s liberty. The home provides care for up to seven children aged between 10 and 17. At the time of the inspection, five children were living in the home.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home provides care for children accommodated under section 25 of the Children Act 1989, who are placed by local authorities. Admission of any child who is under 13 years of age requires the approval of the Secretary of State, under section 25 of the Children Act 1989.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The commissioning of health services in this home is the statutory responsibility of NHS England under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Education is provided on site in dedicated facilities.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in January 2024.

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Inspection date: 11 March 2025

Date of last inspection: 17 September 2024

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Inspection date: 11 March 2025

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

At this inspection, the inspectors evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC031490 2 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: SC031490 3

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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 registered manager and staff understand children’s risks. Risk assessments and care plans are up to date and provide detailed information about how to care for children and keep them safe. These documents provide staff with clear guidance that is specific to children’s needs and preferences. This means that staff are aware of children’s vulnerabilities and what makes them anxious. These plans support staff to reduce risks and improve children’s overall well-being.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s safety plans provide directions for staff about how to support children and keep them safe. Staff are effective in implementing these plans. One child’s social worker commented on the staff team’s efforts to use the least restrictive measures wherever possible to support children. This approach helps to maintain safety and assist children’s development.

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Findings from the inspection

Recruitment remains an ongoing challenge. Managers have adopted creative approaches to attract new staff by expanding their outreach to source suitable candidates. While the team is not yet fully staffed, the management team continues to maintain safe staffing levels and is keeping occupancy low to ensure safety.

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Findings from the inspection

Children understand their rights and feel confident to express their views about the care they receive. They actively use available services, such as advocacy and the complaints process. Managers respond to children’s complaints with care, and concerns are explored thoroughly. However, children’s feedback on the outcomes of complaints is not always recorded. Some children expressed that they are not entirely confident in the validity of the responses that they receive, leading to them feeling unheard.

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Findings from the inspection

The creation of stability is an important part of the progress for children living at this home. Managers collaborate with external professionals to maintain stability through shared learning and discussion. This includes initiatives such as weekly multi-agency meetings and the development of health plans aimed at reducing hospital admissions with tangible outcomes.

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Findings from the inspection

Managers have implemented an action plan to improve responses to incidents and concerns. External professionals carry out audits, ensuring ongoing learning and reflection. This arrangement provides external scrutiny and additional safeguards. When practice concerns are identified, the management team takes effective action.

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Findings from the inspection

Two recommendations were raised following the home’s last inspection. One recommendation was not considered during this visit. The other recommendation is restated alongside an additional recommendation. These will be reviewed at the home’s next inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC031490 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/09/2024 Full Good 15/11/2022 Full Good 14/12/2021 Full Good 03/08/2021 Interim Sustained effectiveness Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC031490 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that all staff consistently adhere to the home’s policies and procedures for the benefit of the children in its care. Everyone working at the home must understand their roles and responsibilities and how much autonomy they have. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 54, paragraph 10.20)  The registered person should ensure that children are consulted regularly on their views about the home’s care to inform and support continued improvement in the quality of care provided. Children should be able to see the results of their views being listened to and acted on. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 22, paragraph 4.11)  The registered person should ensure that the home’s ethos supports each child’s learning. Specifically, all leaders and staff must continue to promote education

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Recommendations

attendance consistently so that this improves as quickly as possible for all children. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 29, paragraph 5.18) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC031490 6

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider: East Sussex County Council

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1UE

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Inspectors

Thirza Smith, Social Care Inspector Tash Williams, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC031490 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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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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