Children's home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincoln

Inspection report for children’s home: SC042978 1 SC042978 Registered provider: Lincolnshire County Council

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a local authority. It provides care for up to four children who may experience social and emotional difficulties and or have a learning disability.

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Information about this children’s home

The manager registered with Ofsted in May 2024.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC042978 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/03/2024 Full Good 09/11/2021 Full Outstanding 06/01/2020 Full Outstanding 09/10/2018 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home: SC042978 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Both children were spoken to as part of this inspection. They said they liked living in the home and have positive relationships with staff. Children’s needs are understood by staff, who have a detailed knowledge of each child. Children feel a sense of permanence while living here and have many positive experiences such as swimming, playing football and going to watch shows.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s communication needs are clearly understood and adapted to meet their individual needs. This supports all children to take part in day-to-day activities as well as share their thoughts and wishes. Children are supported to understand any limitations in meeting their requests, such as curfews to promote safety.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

All children are part of educational settings, and their attendance has improved. All staff are ambitious for the children, listening to their worries and finding ways to adapt transport to encourage greater attendance. Staff have very good relationships with all educational settings and can advocate for the children. One professional said, ‘Where there have been any concerns, there have been professional challenges which are courteous and collaborative to find a solution.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health is prioritised. Where children have additional and complex health needs, there are regular reviews. Staff seek additional support from specialist professionals to adapt care plans for the children. There are clear and effective lines of communication between health professionals and staff, which have resulted in positive health experiences.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Allegations are handled effectively. The relevant agencies are involved in any investigation. When this is a known risk for a child, increased support plans and leadership oversight have been introduced. Support for all those involved in such processes is well documented.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

There are effective working relationships with the fire and police services. This has protected children from unnecessary involvement with the criminal justice system through an educational and restorative approach.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

When significant incidents occur, they are recorded well. There is management oversight and review of all incidents. Children’s views are clearly captured and responded to through feedback. There have been a high number of incidents during this period, managed well by the staff team with a safe and supportive approach.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Staff receive training in safe practice for physical restraint. All recordings are detailed. Children and staff receive supportive conversations with managers having oversight of all Inspection report for children’s home: SC042978 4 interventions. However, on one occasion, holds have been undertaken outside of the training methods and without the required staffing levels.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has a very clear plan for the home, the children and the development of the staff team. The manager recognises the challenges that the staff have faced in terms of staff retention and recruitment. However, with a stable staff team now in place, there are clear plans to progress skills and knowledge in line with the individual needs of each child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The workforce is relatively new. Staff report a thorough and comprehensive induction period. New employees are given the opportunity to shadow more experienced staff and have time to get to know the children. Staff recognise the high level of support that they receive from managers. One professional said, ‘The manager is the epicentre that holds everything together.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff training is comprehensive. It is continually reviewed and adapted to meet the changing needs of the children who live here.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is clear consultation with children, staff, family members and professionals. The manager uses different methods of obtaining feedback. This is then embedded in the development plan and manager audits.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Supervision is a reflective and supportive space for staff. Recording of discussions is clear. Where practice concerns are identified, performance plans are created and monitored and reviewed in partnership with the staff member. Inspection report for children’s home: SC042978 5

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person 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 must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

Restraint in relation to a child must be necessary and proportionate. (Regulation 20 (2))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, staff must ensure that any practice of restraint is in accordance with the home’s restraint policy. 30 April 2025

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This 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’. Inspection report for children’s home: SC042978 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Lincolnshire County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YL

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Inspector

Rachel Moore, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC042978 7 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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Inspector

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