Children's Home run by MacIntyre Care in Hertfordshire

Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2510323 1 Registered provider: MacIntyre Care

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home, which is run by a private organisation, provides care for up to five children aged 11 to 18 years with learning disabilities.

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Information about this children’s home

There were four children living at the home at the time of this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since September 2022.

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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

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: 2510323 2

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Findings from the inspection

We did not identify any serious or widespread concerns in relation to the care or protection of children at this assurance inspection.

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Findings from the inspection

At the time of the inspection, 4 children were living at the home. The inspector spent time with all of the children.

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Findings from the inspection

Since the last inspection, one child has moved in, and one child has successfully moved on to adult living. Both moves were carefully planned and well supported by staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff have reviewed children’s targets to better support the development of their independence and communication skills. Leaders and managers’ monitoring of these targets has improved, and as a result, children are beginning to make measurable progress in these areas.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff know the children well and have a clear understanding of their individual needs. Children have developed trusting and secure relationships with staff. Children’s daily routines are well structured, and they benefit from a range of activities that reflect their interests and hobbies.

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Findings from the inspection

All children are engaging well in their education and have high attendance at schools. Staff ensure that children are well prepared for their school day.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff are using alternative communication aids effectively with children. Children’s views are regularly captured, and they can make more informed choices about their daily lives and care.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers ensure that there are regular maintenance routines in place so that the home remains in an appropriate decorative condition. Children’s bedrooms are spacious and personalised in line with children’s preferences. However, the sensory cabin in the garden is not functional and requires urgent attention to ensure it provides a welcoming and purposeful environment for children.

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Findings from the inspection

Safeguarding protocols have recently been emphasised in team and staff supervision meetings. Staff are now more aware of their responsibilities in relation to effective safeguarding practice.

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Findings from the inspection

Children’s risk management plans are regularly reviewed. These cover a range of risks that are responsive to incidents and include individual strategies that staff use to support the children.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers now promptly review all recorded body charts for children. They explore potential causes for any marks or injuries and liaise with relevant Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2510323 3 professionals when necessary. This strengthened oversight increases the safeguards in place to protect children.

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Findings from the inspection

Safe recruitment procedures for both permanent and agency staff are now appropriate. Leaders and managers have taken effective action to address and resolve the previous gaps in recruitment practice.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff use de-escalation techniques to avoid restraints whenever possible. Records show that the use of restraint has been reasonable, proportionate and necessary to maintain children’s safety. However, leaders and managers’ reviews of these interventions are sometimes delayed. This can hinder the prompt identification of any learning from these incidents.

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Findings from the inspection

The manager is suitably qualified and has the skills required to manage the home. The manager is well supported by team leaders and the responsible individual. Leaders and managers have taken effective action to address the previously identified shortfalls. This has resulted in positive changes to the quality of care provided to children.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have recently completed a review of the quality of care. The review is evaluative and carefully considers the views of children, parents, staff and professionals. This has increased leaders and managers’ understanding of the home’s strengths and the areas where further development is needed.

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Findings from the inspection

Staff now receive appropriate and regular formal supervision of their practice. Leaders and managers are progressing with staff appraisals. However, some staff appraisals continue to be delayed beyond the required timescales.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have largely strengthened their monitoring and review systems. However, further improvement is required to ensure that medication administration practice is reviewed promptly. Although no errors have occurred, timely reviews are necessary when children refuse medication or when medication is dropped, to scrutinise the actions taken by staff.

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Findings from the inspection

Leaders and managers have met 5 of the requirements made at the last inspection. Four recommendations have been raised at this inspection. Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2510323 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

02/07/2025 Full Requires improvement to be good 18/03/2025 Full Inadequate 25/07/2023 Full Good 27/04/2022 Full Good Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2510323 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that there is a nurturing and homely environment. Specifically, they should ensure the sensory cabin in the garden is cleared of debris and refurbished to ensure it is suitable for children. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)  The registered person should ensure that all incidents of control, discipline and restraint are subject to systems of regular scrutiny. They should ensure that managerial oversight is completed within 48 hours. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph 9.36)  The registered person should oversee the welfare of the children in their care. They should ensure that monitoring systems include the prompt review of staff medication administration practice. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 54, paragraph 10.23)

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that all staff have their performance and fitness to carry out their role formally appraised at least once annually. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.5) Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2510323 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Seebeck House, 1 Seebeck Place, Milton Keynes MK5 8FR

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Jennifer Marshall

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Inspector

Mark Anderton, Social Care Inspector Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2510323 7 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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