The Ferntree Support Ltd

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The Ferntree Support Ltd The Ferntree Support Ltd Registered provider: The Ferntree Support Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

This supported accommodation service is owned and operated by a private provider. The service offers accommodation and support for up to 57 individuals in 14 shared or group living homes that are limited to looked-after children and care leavers.

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provider

At the time of this monitoring visit, the service provided supported accommodation for 16 children aged between 16 and 17 years.

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provider

The service manager registered with Ofsted in January 2024.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted carried out a full inspection in January 2025, which resulted in an outcome three judgement being given. Following that visit, Ofsted issued two compliance notices in relation to shortfalls regarding the safety and protection of children and the leadership and management of the service. The purpose of this monitoring visit was to review progress in relation to the two compliance notices.

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This monitoring visit

The effective implementation of a well-thought-out action plan has meant that suitable action has been taken to meet both compliance notices. The engagement of external consultants in mentoring roles has helped leaders, managers and staff to develop a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This has improved management oversight and practice across the organisation.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers are now more visible to staff and children. They visit the homes weekly to speak with children and staff. This helps them to develop an understanding of children’s experiences and quality assure staff practice.

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This monitoring visit

A new electronic recording system has been introduced, and staff have had training in how to use it. Although this system is not yet fully embedded, early signs are that Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The Ferntree Support Ltd leaders and managers are using the system to monitor and identify themes, patterns and trends. As a result, children’s needs, risks and behaviours are better understood and met in a coordinated way.

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This monitoring visit

All staff have now completed safeguarding training, relative to their role. Staff are now more curious about children’s risks and have a better understanding of what to do in response to recognising and reporting safeguarding concerns and allegations. In addition, leaders and managers are ensuring that the right action is taken in response to such concerns, including referring them to external safeguarding agencies and notifying Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

In addition to the two compliance notices, six requirements were also made at the full inspection. Suitable action has been taken to address two of these requirements, resulting in improved safeguarding practice and keeping Ofsted informed of serious incidents. Four of the requirements have not been considered at this visit and remain in place and will be reviewed at the next inspection. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The Ferntree Support Ltd

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the ‘Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The accommodation standard is that children experience a comfortable and secure living environment.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the premises used as supported accommodation—

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Requirement Due date

are designed and furnished so as to meet the needs of each child individually and all children collectively;

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Requirement Due date

are adequately maintained so as to provide a welcoming and homely environment within both individual and shared living spaces. (Regulation 6 (1) (2)(b)(v)(viii)) 11 May 2025

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain records ("case records") in relation to each child accommodated by the supported accommodation undertaking which—

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Requirement Due date

include the information and documents listed in Schedule 2;

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Requirement Due date

are signed and dated by the author of each entry. (Regulation 24 (1)(a)(b)(c)) 11 May 2025

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain a system for monitoring and improving the quality of support provided by the supported accommodation undertaking by completing a review ("a quality of support review") at least once every six months, which must take into account—

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Requirement Due date

the views of children, including any feedback and complaints received; 11 May 2025 Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The Ferntree Support Ltd feedback from individual children on the impact the supported accommodation has had on the child’s life, especially regarding how well prepared the child felt for transition into supported accommodation and how well prepared the child feels for transition out of supported accommodation;

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Requirement Due date

feedback from each child’s accommodating authority, staff and any relevant persons;

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Requirement Due date

any relevant research and developments in relation to the way in which the needs of children are best met.

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Requirement Due date

After completing a quality of support review, the registered person must produce a written report setting out the actions the registered person intends to take as a result of that quality of support review. (Regulation 32 (1)(a)(b)(c)(d) (2))

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to follow up information received by Ofsted and/or to ensure that the supported accommodation provider was complying with regulation.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The Ferntree Support Ltd

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider: The Ferntree Support Ltd

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager: Nyashadzashe Saunyama

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Inspector

Sharron Escott, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: The Ferntree Support Ltd 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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