Children's Home run by The Foundation Project Ltd in Southend on Sea

Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2807623 1 Registered provider: The Foundation Project Limited

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private provider and offers care for up to two children with complex needs who require specialist support.

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This monitoring visit

At the assurance inspection on the 22 October 2025, significant and widespread concerns were identified. Ofsted subsequently issued two compliance notices regarding the safeguarding of children and the leadership and management of the home. Ofsted issued a notice of restriction of accommodation to prevent the provider from moving any children into the home.

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This monitoring visit

This inspection was carried out to monitor the actions taken by the provider in response to the compliance notices and review the restriction of accommodation notice. The provider has taken appropriate action and the steps in the compliance notices are met. The restriction of accommodation notice has been complied with.

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This monitoring visit

After the October 2025 inspection, leaders and managers worked with the child’s local authority to develop a safety plan and put in additional measures to support the child to remain at the home while alternatives were identified. However, after further incidents, leaders and managers decided to end the child’s time in the home with immediate effect. This is because they were unable to actively support the child to keep safe. The child was supported to move to their new home by their social worker.

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This monitoring visit

Significant incidents while the child was living in the home were reviewed by managers, who updated the child’s risk assessments. Managers ensured that the child’s local authority and Ofsted were notified of any significant incidents.

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This monitoring visit

The provider has strengthened the management presence and availability at the home. A new manager has been appointed, and the responsible individual covers Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2807623 2 additional days to support management oversight. Further staff have been employed in both a permanent and bank staff capacity. These changes have strengthened the workforce capacity.

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This monitoring visit

All staff have been provided with a four-week training programme to support them to develop their understanding and practice. Staff have completed an induction programme, and training has been provided in safeguarding, substance misuse, behaviour management, therapeutic approaches, fire and how to identify and support children who have experienced child criminal exploitation. Staff can explain how they would put their learning into practice and feel more confident in their roles.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have created a new audit system to improve oversight of the home. This includes regular routine audits and checklists for staff. Updates have been made to care planning and risk assessment templates. Changes made simplify processes and make them easier for staff to follow and managers to monitor.

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This monitoring visit

All staff have received practice supervision sessions, and the manager has introduced staff practice performance plans. During supervision sessions, staff are encouraged to reflect on learning and previous incidents. The acting manager feels supported by leaders, who have supported staff development in delivering the home’s action plan. A focus on additional support and reflection supports the managers to identify gaps in staff’s knowledge and understanding.

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This monitoring visit

The home has undergone refurbishment and redecoration. Communal areas have a supply of reading books, board games and craft materials. Thoughtful welcome baskets have been placed in bedrooms, which are decorated and furnished to a high standard. These improvements create a welcome and homely environment.

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This monitoring visit

The five requirements set at the previous inspection have been met. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2807623 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/06/2025 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2807623 4

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the children’s home since its last Ofsted inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2807623 5

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: The Foundation Project Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 15 Link Road, Rayleigh SS6 8AF

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Anthony McKenzie

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Inspector

Syvanna Matthew, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home – monitoring visit: 2807623 6 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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