Children's Home run by Cherry Care Children’s Home Limited in Essex

Inspection report for children’s home: 2634954 1 Registered provider: Cherry Care Children’s Home

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is run by a private provider and provides care for up to four children who experience social and emotional difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

A manager is in post and applied to register with Ofsted in August 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: 3 December 2024

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2634954 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

03/12/2024 Full Good 24/05/2023 Full Good 06/04/2022 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report for children’s home: 2634954 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Two children were living at the home at the time of this inspection. Since the last inspection, one child moved in, and the same child has left. A full review was undertaken of the circumstances that led to the placement ending quickly. This was a decision taken in the child’s best interests. Lessons have been learned and changes to processes and procedures established for the future. Both children spoke with the inspector during the inspection.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have very good relationships with staff. They spoke about feeling that they can talk to staff, raise issues with them and feel heard. Children have established a good relationship with the new manager. The arrival of the home’s dog has contributed towards the home being full of laughter, warmth and positivity. Both children love spending time with the dog and being involved in his care.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Both children continue to be in education. One child benefits from a bespoke college course that is tailored to their individual interests. Another child attends a school where they thrive. Home staff and school staff work extremely well together. One education professional said, ‘I have taught various young people who are in the care system for 30 years, and in my opinion, I have never met such dedicated, understanding and effective staff as those who currently support [name of child].’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff support the children with their independence skills in line with their age while understanding their vulnerabilities. Personalised independence workshops delivered by a consistent staff member cover a variety of subjects, including sexual health, CV writing and baking. The manager and the staff have a continued focus on preparing children to have the skills necessary to leave care and move on.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff help children to spend time with people who are important to them. One parent said, ‘I feel fully involved in my child’s care, and the staff have been fantastic. I have nothing but praise.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home is modern and well furnished throughout. Decorations to celebrate Halloween were displayed, and plans to celebrate the day were in place. Children’s bedrooms are large, and children are supported to personalise them. The garden and external parts of the property are well maintained.

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

Children rarely go missing from care. Staff follow protocols and take appropriate steps, including following children, reporting them as missing to the police and local authority and conducting their own searches. There was one significant missing episode for one child. Concerns in relation to the location of the home meant the Inspection report for children’s home: 2634954 4 child needed to move. This was in discussion with the placing authority and in the best interests of the child.

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

All staff have safeguarding training and know the home’s procedures. Safeguarding incidents are taken seriously, and managers have a good level of oversight of them. Supervision records detail discussions and role plays around safeguarding scenarios.

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

There have been no physical interventions since the last inspection. Staff have training on appropriate physical intervention techniques and a focus on de- escalation.

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

Strong safeguarding measures are in place regarding access to social media and the internet. Individual plans are in place to help enable children to access the online world in a safe way. Plans are kept under review, and any changes are discussed with professionals to ensure appropriate decision-making.

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

Staff know the children’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Children’s risk assessments and behaviour support plans are detailed and individualised, helping staff to respond appropriately. Staff update plans and assessments regularly. Some documents are written in the child’s voice and in child-focused language. This has helped children understand how they are supported.

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

A medication error was dealt with appropriately through investigation and liaison with medical professionals, the local authority designated officer and Ofsted. Refresher training was subsequently undertaken by all staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home has been through a period of change, with the registered manager leaving in February 2025. An interim manager did not pursue registration and subsequently left. A new manager has been appointed and has made a timely application to register. The new manager was described by a social worker as ‘bright, enthusiastic and has lots of new ideas.’ The home has continued to be well supported by a deputy manager who was promoted from team leader. The responsible individual and operations manager have been consistent in supporting the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders gave responded appropriately when complaints or whistle-blowing concerns have been raised. This includes ensuring that an independent person conducts necessary investigations. This has resulted in several carefully considered recommendations and actions for the future. These actions have either been addressed or are in progress with appropriate timeframes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff who have given feedback are positive about the support, training and supervision they receive to ensure all children’s needs are met. One staff member said ‘The home promotes independence, resilience and positive behaviour through Inspection report for children’s home: 2634954 5 personalised care and teamwork. I value the ongoing professional development provided.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Training is comprehensive, with staff undertaking training relevant to children’s needs. Training on global development delay, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and LGBTQ+ was provided to upskill staff in their day-to-day roles and ensure that children’s individual needs are well understood.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers ensure that allegations are generally investigated appropriately, with liaison with most relevant professionals. However, not all allegations were reported to Ofsted in line with regulatory requirements. Inspection report for children’s home: 2634954 6

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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 an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there. (Regulation 40 (4)(c)) 16 October

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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: 2634954 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cherry Care Children’s Home

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 47b West Bank, London, England N16 5DF

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Inspector

Emily Stevens, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2634954 8 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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