Lincolnshire Secure Unit

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC042921 1 Lincolnshire Secure Unit Lincolnshire County Council Lincolnshire Secure Unit, Rookery Avenue, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7TY

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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. It provides care for up to 12 children aged between 10 and 17 years. The home was providing care for 12 children at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The home provides care for up to 11 children placed by the youth custody service and one child placed under section 25 of the Children Act 1989. Admission of any child who is under 13 years of age placed by local authorities under section 25 of the Children Act 1989 requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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Information about this secure children’s home

The commissioning of health services at 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 2008.

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Information about this secure children’s home

Dates of last inspection: 5 to 7 November 2024

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Information about this secure children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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Information about this secure children’s home

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: SC042921 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: SC042921 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 environment of the home is warm and welcoming. The children say that they are generally ‘happy’, ‘content’ and ‘well looked after’. Children who are new to the home are helped to settle in quickly by a skilled and well-established staff team. This helps children to better understand the reasons that they are in a secure setting and to plan positively for their next steps.

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Findings from the inspection

The multi-disciplinary team, which includes care, education and health, works collaboratively to ensure that its members have a consistent approach to providing all aspects of children’s care. The implementation of trauma-informed care is increasingly embedded in the ongoing support children receive. This improves the lived experiences for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are consulted on a wide range of issues, and their voice and opinions are actively considered. Children spoke enthusiastically about charity events they had taken part in and activities, such as cooking, gardening and the book group. The design of the ‘gold room’ was very much centred around what the children wanted. It has helped the children to respect and value the environment that they live in.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff spoken to had a good understanding of the children and were able to evidence their journey, progress and ongoing risks relative to their starting points. Interventions and key-working focus on identified and presenting risks and the specific needs of the children. Staff participate in much-valued practice reflection sessions, which promotes learning and helps to keep children safe.

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Findings from the inspection

Restrictive physical interventions are proportionate and only used to ensure the safety of the child and others. When a serious injury warning occurs, for example a child saying that they cannot breathe, they are referred for external and independent scrutiny. Actions and recommendations made are acted on. This external scrutiny provides and extra layer of protection for the children.

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Findings from the inspection

There are systems in place that provide effective management oversight of all behaviour management measures. This includes when children are placed in isolation under single separation or managed away from the group. This means that children are reintegrated back into the group at the earliest opportunity and when it is safe to do so.

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Findings from the inspection

Children know how to make a complaint, and they do so if they are not happy with something. Action is taken, and the relevant staff are spoken to. Reflective supervisions are held with the staff to help aid any learning, and action is taken when appropriate. Children are kept informed and updated of the outcomes. This Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC042921 4 process ensures that children’s voices are heard and gives them the confidence to speak out when something does not feel right for them.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers continue to be ambitious and committed to delivering a high- quality service. They are a visual presence and engage with the children on a regular basis.

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Findings from the inspection

The recommendation made at the previous inspection has been actioned. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC042921 5

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

05/11/2024 Full Outstanding 12/12/2023 Full Good 10/01/2023 Full Good 16/11/2021 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC042921 6

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Secure children’s home details

Registered provider: Lincolnshire County Council

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Secure children’s home details

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

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Inspectors

Cath Sikakana, Social Care Inspector Jo Birtwhistle, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: SC042921 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 looked-after children, 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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