Alternative Approach Ltd

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Alternative Approach Ltd Alternative Approach Ltd Registered provider: Alternative Approach Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

This supported accommodation service is operated by a private provider. The provider can accommodate up to 21 individuals in a self-contained unit where the accommodation is for the sole use of one person, and up to nine individuals between two shared or group-living homes that are limited to accommodating looked-after children or care leavers. The provider operates in the north west of England.

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provider

At the time of the inspection, 15 individuals, who were looked-after children or care leavers aged 16 or 17 years, were being accommodated.

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provider

At the time of the inspection, there was a service manager in post, who has applied for registration and is awaiting a formal registration interview.

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This monitoring visit

Following the last monitoring visit on 26 March 2025, Ofsted issued two compliance notices under regulation 4 and regulation 5. The purpose of this visit was to assess the actions taken by the provider to address the concerns.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have completed a thorough review of safeguarding policies and procedures. Staff meetings include regular safeguarding discussions to refresh staff knowledge of safeguarding processes. Easy-to-follow flowcharts have also been introduced and act as a quick reference for managers and staff. This means that managers and staff take appropriate action in response to concerns.

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This monitoring visit

Lines of responsibility and decision-making are clearer than previously reported. Managers are visible to both staff and children, which makes it easier for children and staff to raise matters of concern. The introduction of a specific QR code for the reporting of concerns or complaints anonymously also helps to ensure that managers hear about problems and can act on these quickly. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Alternative Approach Ltd The introduction of new systems to improve monitoring and auditing is starting to have a positive impact. Senior managers complete these regularly. Information is used to inform discussions with those responsible for case management and ensures that tasks are completed and children are making progress.

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This monitoring visit

Managers are now handling safeguarding incidents and staff allegations well. They collaborate with external safeguarding professionals and agencies to ensure that matters are dealt with swiftly and in the best interest of children’s safety. This includes notifying Ofsted.

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This monitoring visit

The two compliance notices issued at the previous monitoring visit are assessed as met. In addition, suitable action has been taken to address four of the seven requirements and one recommendation made at previous visits. Three requirements and one recommendation are repeated. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Alternative Approach 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 leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the supported accommodation undertaking that puts children first and prioritises their well-being and development.

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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 staff have the experience, qualifications and skills appropriate for the work that they are to perform;

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Requirement Due date

implement recruitment practices that ensure staff are suitable to work with children and to keep them safe from harm. (Regulation 4 (1) (2)(c)(e))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that staff complete specific training to support the needs of the children. In addition, ensure that any discrepancies in staff employment dates are fully explored and full employment information is known about any agency staff used.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the full inspection and is restated. 14 July 2025

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees—

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Requirement Due date

have their performance and fitness to perform their roles appraised at least once every year. (Regulation 18 (4)(c))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure that all staff receive an annual performance appraisal.

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the full inspection and is restated. 14 July 2025 Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Alternative Approach Ltd The support standard is that children receive individual and tailored support that meets their needs.

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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 plans for support are based on initial referral information, are meaningful and are created in full consultation with the child, taking account of relevant plans for the child;

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Requirement Due date

ensure a plan for support is in place to support the child to develop the resilience and skills required to transition out of supported accommodation when the child is ready to live more independently. (Regulation 7 (1) (2)(b)(k))

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Requirement Due date

This requirement was made at the full inspection and is restated. 14 July 2025

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that records detailing individual incidents of children missing from the service contain details of the action taken by staff to try to locate the child. Monitoring of such incidents should also be undertaken to help identify and address shortfalls. (‘Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards’, page 55)

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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: Alternative Approach Ltd

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider: Alternative Approach Ltd

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager : Post vacant

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Inspector

Mandy Williams, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Alternative Approach 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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