Children's home run by Prosperity Children’s Services Limited

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2696604 1 Registered provider: Prosperity Children’s Services

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

A private company operates this home. It provides care for up to two children who may have social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

The home registered with Ofsted in April 2023.

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Information about this children’s home

The acting manager is in the process of applying to register.

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Information about this children’s home

At the time of the inspection there were two children living in the home. One child was at home and the inspector spoke to them as part of the visit.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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Information about this inspection

This visit was undertaken to address specific concerns received by Ofsted. At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:

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Information about this inspection

 the care of children  the safety of children  the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The inspector has 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: 2696604 2

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Findings from the inspection

This assurance inspection took place because Ofsted were advised of a safeguarding incident.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, the registered manager has resigned. There is an acting manager overseeing the home, and they have submitted their application to register. Children have been supported well during these management changes, so they have not felt unsettled.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff said that managers provide supportive, caring oversight to the home. Staff morale is high, and turnover is low. Children now receive care from a consistent team.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have an improved understanding of children’s mental health and well-being. All staff have now completed training in relation to the therapeutic approach promised in the home’s statement of purpose. Clinical guidance from an in-house therapist is also now being embedded into children’s day-to-day care. Children receive nurturing, trauma-informed care.

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Findings from the inspection

Children have continued to make progress in relation to their education. One child is now in school full-time, which is a significant achievement for them. The other child continues to work with a tutor at home and takes part in some educational activities with staff. Staff understand the challenges that children face in accessing learning and help them to overcome these barriers.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff understand the significance of children’s friends and family. Staff get to know everyone who is important to the children and offer useful support and advice when needed. One child is now spending time with their family regularly at the weekends, which had previously been challenging. Staff have also helped one child to spend time with a friend, despite them living a considerable distance apart. Children’s relationships with their family and friends are improving.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff keep children safe. Staff know each child well and understand how to support them to stay safe. The manager has developed a strong culture of safeguarding in the team. Children’s welfare is always promoted.

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Findings from the inspection

Allegations against staff are investigated thoroughly. One family member said, ‘Staff communicate brilliantly. I couldn’t ask for more really. I always know what’s going on with the investigation.’ Children are also kept informed throughout the process. Children feel listened to and valued.

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Findings from the inspection

Children are rarely physically held in this home. Staff understand that this should be used only as a last resort to keep children safe. Positive relationships between children and staff are protected. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2696604 3 Staff know what to do if a child were to go missing. Staff also understand what might motivate each child to leave home without permission and how to prevent this. Children have not been missing from home.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers understand and take seriously the risk of fires. Staff think creatively to help children learn fire safety; for example, one child is a ‘fire marshal’ with a uniform, and they help staff to complete regular checks around the home. Children are learning important skills and are invested in their own safety.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have strong systems in place to monitor the care children receive. Managers are reflective, identifying any learning and taking action to make things better for children. Management oversight is thorough and focused on what is best for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff complete useful training. Input from the in-house therapist adds further value through team meetings and formulation meetings, helping staff to better understand children’s attachment styles and responses to trauma. Staff have the skills to meet children’s needs.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager has now completed a review of the quality of care. This addresses the areas for improvement identified by the last inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

No serious or widespread concerns were identified during this inspection, and all the requirements and recommendations raised at the last inspection have been met. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2696604 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/07/2024 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/08/2023 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2696604 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Prosperity Children’s Services

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 8 Mercury Rise, Altham Business Park, Altham, Accrington BB5 5BY

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Inspector

Nicola Shaw, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2696604 6 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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Inspector

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