Children's home run by Action for Children Services Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 1271380 1 Registered provider: Action for Children Services 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 is a short break service for children that is run by a national charity. All children have a learning disability and additional complex social and emotional needs. A total of eight children access the service.

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Information about this children’s home

Four children were accessing the service at the time of the inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since March 2024.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1271380 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/06/2024 Full Good 31/07/2023 Full Good 14/03/2023 Full Inadequate 08/02/2022 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 1271380 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff demonstrate exceptional dedication and resilience, consistently achieving high standards of practice. The commitment and dedication of staff create a nurturing environment in which children are supported to make sustained progress and enjoy their time at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Every achievement made by the children is acknowledged and celebrated by all members of staff. These milestones are thoughtfully documented through photographs, which are prominently displayed on a feature board in the main hallway. The display is refreshed monthly, ensuring that each child’s progress is continuously recognised. This practice significantly enhances the children’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff work effectively to provide tailored support to children that fosters independence. Activities such as visiting local shops, selecting food items and managing transactions are thoughtfully encouraged. These simple tasks play a crucial role in building confidence and autonomy in children, which enables them to feel empowered within the wider community.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff are proactive in planning and organising meaningful experiences for children, both in the home and in the community. Examples include outings, such as bowling, and dining at popular restaurants, which are arranged in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the children.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Children’s care plans are exemplary; they are comprehensive, clearly structured and responsive to individual needs. The education, health and care plans (EHCPs) and health plans are used effectively to inform the care strategies implemented within the home. This integrated approach ensures consistency and clarity in meeting each child’s unique requirements.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

All the children have activity scrapbooks, which are used creatively to capture children’s wishes, feelings and reflections on activities. These records provide valuable insight into each child’s emotional journey and preferences. Staff diligently document children’s engagement and progress, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected, even when participation is brief.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff demonstrate a deep understanding of children’s emotional needs through careful observation of body language and subtle verbal cues; they are able to anticipate and respond to children’s needs with sensitivity and care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The diversity board is a standout feature, offering a dynamic and inclusive way to explore different cultural themes each month. Rather than focusing solely on food, staff incorporate creative elements such as traditional dance and storytelling. This initiative enriches the experience for both children and staff, fostering a deeper appreciation of Inspection report for children’s home: 1271380 4 cultural diversity. The innovative presentation of each theme reflects the staff’s commitment to inclusive practice and meaningful celebration.

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

Staff consistently demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding. Individual risk assessments are conducted prior to all external activity, and appropriate plans are implemented to ensure each child’s safety and well-being. A ‘Grab and Go’ information document is maintained, and staff diligently record all relevant details before leaving the home. This process ensures that the child’s needs remain central to all planning and decision-making.

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

Behaviour management plans are clearly structured, outlining a range of strategies that staff can employ to de-escalate challenging situations. Alternative approaches to working with children are regularly discussed during handover and team meetings, fostering a culture of reflection and continuous improvement. This collaborative practice ensures that staff feel confident and well-equipped to support children’s progress.

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

Children are thoughtfully matched with peers and staff to promote the development of positive relationships. This careful consideration contributes to fewer incidents of children becoming upset or of needing additional support from staff to help ensure their safety, and to a more harmonious and supportive environment in which children can thrive.

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

Any allegations that are made about the conduct of staff are treated with the utmost seriousness. Each incident is thoroughly investigated, and external scrutiny is sought to ensure transparency and accountability.

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

There are no incidents of children going missing from the home, reflecting the effectiveness of supervision and engagement strategies.

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

Restraint is used only when necessary to protect children from harm. When employed, it is done with sensitivity and in accordance with established protocols, prioritising the child’s safety and dignity.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager has cultivated a culture of high aspiration and positivity that is evident throughout her interactions with both staff and children. Her ambitious and creative leadership style inspires the team, and this is reflected in the quality of work being delivered with the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff consistently demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment, contributing to a vibrant and nurturing atmosphere.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The home itself is bright, welcoming and thoughtfully decorated with sensory boards and toys around the building, creating a pleasant and comfortable environment for children. Inspection report for children’s home: 1271380 5 Staff hold the manager in high regard and express genuine enjoyment in working at the home. They say that they feel well supported and are actively encouraged to consider their career development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is diligent in identifying when staff may not be progressing appropriately in their roles and addresses this constructively through supervision and targeted performance planning.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There is strong managerial oversight of children’s care plans, with prompt action taken to address any identified risks. Behaviour management plans are regularly reviewed and updated, ensuring that staff are well informed and equipped to respond effectively to each child’s needs and to promote positive behaviour.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager works collaboratively with the local authority and health professionals, seeking and applying appropriate advice and guidance to enhance the quality and accuracy of children’s care plans.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Work undertaken with children is reflective of their daily lives and aspirations. Records are detailed, capturing achievements and aligning clearly with future planning. These documents are accessible to both children and their parents, promoting transparency and shared understanding.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Communication with families is excellent. Parents express deep appreciation for the support provided to their children, with some expressing a desire for more frequent access to the service due to its positive impact. Inspection report for children’s home: 1271380 6

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Information about this inspection

The inspector has 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: 1271380 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Action for Children Services LTD

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Action for Children, 3 The Boulevard, Ascot Road, Watford WD18 8AG

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Inspector

Shaheda Dhandia, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1271380 8 regulates and inspects 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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