Solent Next Steps Ltd

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Solent Next Steps Ltd 1 Solent Next Steps Ltd

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Registered provider: Solent Next Steps Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

The service is owned and managed by a private provider. It provides 2 shared-living premises that are not limited to accommodating looked-after children or care leavers.

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provider

The nominated individual and director were in position before the service registered with Ofsted in January 2025. The service manager has applied to register with Ofsted.

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provider

At the time of this visit, the service was providing support and accommodation for 7 children aged 16 and 17.

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provider

The provider was not given notice of the visit. One premises was visited.

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This monitoring visit

This visit was carried out after Ofsted received information raising concerns about staffing of the service, the standard of the accommodation and the quality of support being given to children.

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This monitoring visit

Inspectors spoke with 2 children, and both expressed that they are happy living in the home. They reported positive relationships with staff, that they like the house and feel settled alongside the other young people.

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This monitoring visit

Updates to some support documentation had been delayed when children’s needs changed. Some risk assessments had not been reviewed or updated in a timely manner. In one case, a risk assessment relating to a significant incident had not been amended to reflect the new information. Although some details were recorded elsewhere and staff had been given verbal direction on how to support the child, this Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Solent Next Steps Ltd 2 information had not been incorporated into the formal risk assessment. Some support plans also lack up-to-date information and do not contain current details that staff require to support children safely and effectively. This inconsistency in recording means staff do not always have access to accurate information about children’s needs and risks. The service manager had written an action plan to address this shortfall, but this had not yet been embedded into practice.

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This monitoring visit

Safeguarding practice in response to concerns raised by one child was appropriate and timely. Staff recognised the potential risk and made a referral despite the child’s reluctance to formally report the issue. This was handled sensitively and resulted in prompt action to protect a child.

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This monitoring visit

Safer recruitment practices are robust. Appropriate checks are completed before staff begin working with children, including verification of employment history and checking of references. Recruitment records are well organised and show the service manager is consistently following safer recruitment practice.

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This monitoring visit

Decisions made on accepting placements are safe. Inspectors reviewed the matching process with the service manager and found they had consulted with all children’s social workers before children moved in. Where children were assessed as unsuitable, placements were declined appropriately. This demonstrates a selective approach focused on the safety of children. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Solent Next Steps Ltd 3

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure staff have access to up-to-date risk assessments and support plans to allow them to deliver person-centred support to young people. This specifically relates to staff being aware of the young person’s plan for support and that all the young person’s needs are being met through the support package. (‘Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards’, page 35)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to follow up information received by Ofsted and/or to ensure that the supported accommodation provider was complying with regulation.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Solent Next Steps Ltd 4

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider: Solent Next Steps Limited

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider address: 9 St. Georges Yard, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7LW

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Supported accommodation provider details

Nominated individual: Amanda Clarke-Smith

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager: Amanda Clarke-Smith

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Inspector

Stephen Challis, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: Solent Next Steps Ltd 5 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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