Children's home run by Cornerways Homes

Inspection report for children's home: 2828642 1 Registered provider: Cornerways Homes

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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 home provides care for up to 3 children aged between 10 and 17 years who experience emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

The registered manager left in September 2025 and the current manager has submitted her application to register with Ofsted.

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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: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children's home: 2828642 2

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child is living at the home and took part in the inspection. One child moved out in unplanned way. This move happened suddenly because the home could no longer keep the child safe.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The home provides a warm, welcoming and homely environment. Children's bedrooms are personalised. Staff display children's photographs around the home, which adds to the homely feel. Artwork created by children is displayed on the walls, contributing to a child-centred and nurturing feel.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Transitions into the home are managed thoughtfully, with meaningful involvement from children and the wider support network. Children experience a visit to the home to see the home's environment and meet staff before they move in. This careful planning contributes to positive early experiences for children moving in.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff know the child well and their interactions are warm, playful and respectful. The child responds positively to these interactions. They trust the staff and have positive relationships with staff. The child told the inspector that they feel very happy living here and that it feels like home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff advocate strongly for children's educational needs. One child has been supported to secure a place at the local school. Staff promoted the child's consistent attendance and engagement at an alternative provision to help them achieve this.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children benefit from a range of regular activities during the week. At weekends, children are supported to pursue their hobbies, interests and outings in the local community that they choose.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff are proactive in supporting and maintaining positive relationships with children's families. One child's mother reported feeling reassured by the care provided, describing the staff as 'kind and patient'. She said that she feels included in her child's care.

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

Staff know children well. The child who most recently moved in benefited from a well-planned transition into the home. They were supported by staff who moved with them from a sister home. This continuity enabled staff to understand their needs, routines and vulnerabilities. This has contributed to a feeling of safety and security for the child.

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

Care plans and risk assessments are good quality. They are child focused, regularly reviewed and provide clear guidance to staff. Daily records and key-work sessions show Inspection report for children's home: 2828642 3 a thoughtful and consistent use of the therapeutic model by the staff. This supports the child to feel understood and build trusting relationships.

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

When children go missing from the home, staff have followed the missing-from-care protocols effectively. Records show that staff act promptly, communicate with relevant agencies and take appropriate steps to reduce any risks to the child.

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

Leaders and managers respond swiftly to concerns about staff practice. Immediate safeguarding actions are taken where necessary, and leaders ensure that children's safety remains the priority throughout any investigation. A significant incident involving the previous manager was handled promptly and robustly. Learning from this incident has been used effectively to strengthen practice.

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

Incident records demonstrate good practice. The consequences used are fair, proportionate and clearly linked to helping the child understand expectations and safe behaviour.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has suitable experience and holds the relevant level 5 qualification. Since taking up the post, the manager has successfully started to establish a new and cohesive staff team. This has been achieved through a robust induction programme, access to high-quality training and regular, reflective learning opportunities, which contribute to embedding learning into practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager demonstrates a strong understanding of children's individual needs and the impact that caring for these children has on staff. She has a clear awareness of the team's strengths as well as areas requiring further development, which informs her approach to staffing and support.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff speak positively about the manager, describing her as 'the best manager'. She is approachable, present and someone who listens and acts. Staff also report that the senior leadership team is visible and supportive. The training and induction matrix is clear, and staff consistently say that the training offer is strong. Supervision arrangements are becoming well established, supported by new templates aligned with the home's therapeutic model. This helps practice to be reflective and child centred. Management oversight is evident and can be clearly seen throughout records and daily practice. Quality assurance systems are embedded and effective. External professionals commented positively, noting that the manager has been 'amazing' in recruiting her new team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There were no requirements or recommendations made at this inspection. Inspection report for children's home: 2828642 4

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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: 2828642 5

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Cornerways Homes, 34 Bancroft, Hitchin SG5 1LA

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Inspector

Sallie Bloomfield, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children's home: 2828642 6 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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