Children's home run by Albrighton Care Ltd

Inspection report for children’s home: 2773915 1 Registered provider: Albrighton Care Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to provide care for 2 children with learning disabilities. The home is privately owned.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager has applied to register with Ofsted. She holds a level 5 qualification in leadership and management for residential childcare.

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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

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 2773915 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

07/10/2024 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 2773915 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child was living in the home at the time of the inspection. They were present and spoke with the inspector. Since the last inspection, one child moved into the home and has since moved on. The child currently living in the home told the inspector that they enjoy living there, that they are happy, and that they can identify a safe person to talk to.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Leaders and staff support children well to achieve positive educational outcomes. They work effectively with education professionals, which helps staff better understand how children can be best supported. As a result, the child living in the home is making good progress in their education.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are offered a range of activities. Leaders and staff understand the child’s interests and use this knowledge to plan bespoke and meaningful activities. They also encourage the child to try new experiences, which has helped the child to develop additional hobbies and interests.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Leaders and staff support children’s health needs effectively. Children are encouraged to attend regular health appointments. The child living in the home has begun football lessons, which contributes positively to their physical health and overall wellbeing.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s voices are central to the care they receive. Leaders and staff use creative methods to gain children’s views. For example, they complete a video version of the children’s meeting, led by the child, which promotes engagement and provides a clearer understanding of their wishes and feelings.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home environment is warm and welcoming. Children’s achievements are celebrated, with their certificates displayed throughout the home. At the time of the inspection, the home was decorated for Christmas. With staff support, the child had built a chimney entrance for Santa in the lounge. This contributes to a homely atmosphere and a strong sense of belonging for the child.

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

There are effective systems in place to safeguard children. Leaders regularly review children’s plans and ensure that any amendments are shared promptly with staff. As a result, staff are confident when responding to incidents in the home. This contributes to incidents being de ‑ escalated quickly and has led to a reduction in both their frequency and severity.

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

There have been no complaints or allegations since the previous inspection. Leaders and staff ensure that children understand how to raise concerns. The child currently Inspection report for children’s home: 2773915 4 living in the home told the inspector they feel able to speak to staff if they have any worries.

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

Online safety systems within the home are effective. Staff understand their responsibilities in monitoring children’s internet use, which has enabled early identification of concerns. Leaders and staff use discussions with children to promote safe online behaviour. This has contributed to a reduction in online ‑ related incidents.

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

Physical interventions are rare and used only when necessary. When they do occur, staff implement them safely and in line with guidance. Leaders ensure that appropriate debriefs take place with both staff and the child involved. This provides leaders with assurance that interventions are carried out safely and appropriately.

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

There are mostly safe systems for the storage, administration and recording of medication. When a medication recording error occurred, leaders acted promptly to investigate the incident. However, the child’s social worker was not notified, which is a lapse in expected safeguarding communication.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is led by a suitably qualified and passionate registered manager. She is supported by an experienced responsible individual. Together, they form a strong leadership team and provide staff with effective support for their professional development. This contributes to the continuous progress of the child living in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff told the inspector that they feel well supported by the manager. They receive regular supervision every 4 to 6 weeks, with a clear focus on their individual development. Staff also reported that they are able to request additional supervision when needed. As a result, staff feel encouraged and equipped to deliver good ‑ quality care to the child in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders regularly review the quality of care provided by staff. The manager uses effective monitoring systems that help her identify actions for improvement. The responsible individual has strong oversight and undertakes regular audits. This has led to consistency in practice and sustained progress for children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders provide staff with relevant learning opportunities. The manager is proactive in sourcing bespoke training that aligns with children’s needs. Most recently, trauma ‑ informed training has been arranged. Staff have already begun to implement learning from this training into their practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and staff work well with professionals in the wider network. One professional told the inspector, ‘I have had much contact with [name of home] and individuals within; all of it positive and building a solid foundation for [name of child]’s development.’ Inspection report for children’s home: 2773915 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ‘seek to involve’ the placing authority that places a looked-after child in the home, which in practice means working primarily with their statutory social worker. In particular, the registered person should ensure that social workers are notified following medication errors. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including quality standards’, page 11, paragraph 2.5)

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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: 2773915 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Albrighton Care Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 15 Heritage Park, Hayes Way, Cannock WS11 7LT

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Kerry Hutchinson

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Inspector

Chanel Bryant, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 2773915 7 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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