Children's Home run by SSV Shapes Ltd in Barnet

Inspection report for children’s home: 2790891 1 Registered provider: SSV Shapes Ltd

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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 privately owned home provides care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties. There were two children living at the home at the time of this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

This home and the manager registered with Ofsted on 3 February 2025.

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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

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: not applicable Inspection report for children’s home: 2790891 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff take the time to get to know children and develop positive and respectful relationships with them. This is a strength of the home. Children respond well to the calm environment, and they were observed behaving freely and comfortably within the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The registered manager and staff take effective action when children are not in school. They talk with education professionals and provide children with educational activities at home. Staff work hard to ensure that children attend school regularly and support them to do so. One child who had not been in school before moving into the home is now attending regularly, enjoying learning, and has significantly improved their attendance.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff know and understand children’s health needs and take action to ensure that appropriate services are in place to support them. Staff talk to children about their health in everyday conversations, helping them understand their needs and take an active role in their own wellbeing. As a result, children are supported to improve their overall health and wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s voices are important and central to how the home operates. Staff use individual conversations and children’s meetings to encourage children to share their views and choices. Children’s views and wishes are listened to and staff respond positively. Staff also celebrate children’s successes, no matter how small. However, children’s care plans and records do not clearly reflect this child centred practice.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff help children enjoy a range of activities both in the home and community. Children benefit from consistent routines and clear structure to their day. Staff provide opportunities for children to try new experiences in the community and take time to understand each child’s interests. They support children to take part in activities of their choice, such as go-karting.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home’s physical environment is safe and welcoming for children. It is clean, well maintained and homely in appearance. Children’s bedrooms and shared living areas are well furnished, personalised, and comfortable. There are no identified health and safety concerns.

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

Staff are clear about how to protect children and demonstrate a good understanding of safeguarding procedures. They receive relevant safeguarding training and talk to individual children about risks in a way that supports their understanding. Staff work effectively with professionals, including placing authorities and the police, to help keep children safe. Inspection report for children’s home: 2790891 3 Staff understand and manage children’s risks well. They are alert to potential dangers and have a good understanding of each child’s vulnerabilities. Staff work effectively with other professionals, including social workers and the police, to assess risks and develop safety plans. However, on one occasion, the updated risk assessment did not clearly reflect well the level of risk following a previous significant incident.

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

Staff provide a well-coordinated response when children go missing from the home. They understand the associated risks and follow when the missing from home protocol effectively. The registered manager and staff work closely with other professionals to safeguard children during these times. Staff talk to children about the dangers of going missing from the home and explore the underlying reasons for their behaviour. They also request independent return home interviews and share relevant information with appropriate agencies to support each child’s safety and wellbeing.

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

Staff manage difficult situations in the home well. They use a range of techniques to help calm and support children in moments of distress. Children receive appropriate help to understand and manage their feelings and behaviour. Individual positive behaviour support plans are effective, and staff set consistent boundaries and routines. A clear reward system is in place to promote and encourage positive behaviour. For one child, this approach has helped improve their school attendance.

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

Staff support children to understand the risks of using the internet. Through individual conversations, they help children develop their knowledge and awareness. Staff have effective strategies and monitoring in place to address any concern raised and share information with relevant professionals. As a result, children are helped to keep safe while playing and learning online.

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

Leaders and managers usually report significant incidents to the regulator as required. However, two serious incidents, though managed effectively, were not reported. This shortfall limits external oversight of the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is led and managed by a committed registered manager. The registered manager and staff know the children well and hold high aspirations for their progress and wellbeing. Feedback from children and professionals about leaders, the registered manager and staff is overwhelmingly positive.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers make child-centred decisions about children coming to live at the home and their future arrangements. They work proactively with other professionals and build positive relationships with parents. Professionals and parents receive regular updates on children’s progress and experiences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Management oversight is effective. Managers regularly monitor records and use both Internal and external systems to review the home’s progress. This oversight supports continuous improvements in the quality of care for children. Inspection report for children’s home: 2790891 4 Staff say they feel well supported by leaders and managers. They are suitably qualified and receive regular training and development opportunities. Staff also receive additional training about childhood trauma, which they find beneficial. This training has positively impacted on how they care for children, helping them to better understand children’s lived experiences and responses.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff benefit from regular supervision that covers a broad range of topics. Supervisions are reflective, providing support and guidance while focusing on the needs and progress of children. Inspection report for children’s home: 2790891 5

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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 Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious.

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff record children’s wishes and feelings in their care plans and records. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 22, paragraph 4.11)  The registered person should continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards,’ page 42, paragraph 9.5)

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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: 2790891 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: First Floor, 85 Great Portland Street, Marylebone, London W1W 7LT

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Inspectors

Dorothy Thompstone, Social Care Inspector Michele Henry, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2790891 7 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

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