KPMS

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: KPMS 1 KPMS

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

This supported accommodation service is owned and operated by a private provider. This service registered with Ofsted on 23 October 2024. It provides accommodation for up to 63 looked-after children and care leavers across 16 shared houses and 3 single occupancy flats. On the day of this visit, 26 children, aged 16 and 17, were living in the properties.

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provider

The former registered service manager voluntarily cancelled their registration with Ofsted in March 2026. A new service manager has been appointed and has submitted their application to register.

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provider

At the time of this visit, the provider had 19 properties.

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provider

This visit was announced on the morning of the visit. The inspector visited 3 properties, 2 of these properties are within the same building. The inspector spoke to one child, the proposed registered service manager, the nominated individual and 3 support staff, which included shift leaders.

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provider

The inspector was aware during this monitoring visit that serious incidents that occurred at the setting are under investigation by the appropriate authorities. While Ofsted does not have the power to investigate incidents of this kind, actions taken by the setting in response to the incidents were considered alongside other evidence available at the time of the monitoring visit to inform the inspector’s judgements.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted carried out a monitoring visit to check the action leaders and managers have taken following two serious complaints and a safeguarding notification. These Inspection report for supported accommodation provider – monitoring visit: KPMS 2 matters related to children’s safety, staffing, the appropriateness of placements, management oversight and anti-social behaviour.

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This monitoring visit

Some staff members have failed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding processes, and the need to actively protect children. This resulted in two concerning incidents. One incident involved verbal abuse towards a child and concerns regarding the adequacy of the support provided to that child. The other was an incident between a child and a young person who lived in the same house, where the child alleged that they had been physically assaulted .

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This monitoring visit

The process used by managers to decide where children live does not proactively consider safeguarding issues. The approach does not fully identify all the potential safeguarding concerns. Examples are a child’s age and whether they will be living with adults. There has been a lack of professional curiosity and scrutiny necessary to ensure that children receive the necessary protection. Leaders and managers have recently begun to refine their referral recording process. This will ensure that there is due diligence, which clearly details their decision-making.

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This monitoring visit

In the incidents and evidence reviewed, some staff did not demonstrate the level of professionalism necessary for the role. The language used by those staff members when speaking to children was not always kind or respectful. One child described some staff as ‘rude’. Staff have at times also failed to respond appropriately to concerns from neighbours.

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This monitoring visit

Concerns were raised with Ofsted regarding noise and cannabis use. A comprehensive action plan has been identified by the current managers and is being implemented to manage these concerns. Staff have regular discussions with children regarding the impact of cannabis use and encourage children to receive appropriate support. Staff regularly discuss noise and the consequences of anti-social behaviour. The proposed registered service manager has also met with neighbours. The proposed registered service manager recognises there is currently an ongoing need for a proactive approach to facilitate harmonious living within the local community.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have been highly responsive to the concerns. There is an increased presence of senior staff across houses in order to provide effective oversight and role model expected practice. The introduction of a new monitoring system enables leaders and managers to have a meticulous understanding of what is happening in all houses. This new tracking system will ensure that there is an efficient response to issues.

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This monitoring visit

The nominated individual recently led on delivering comprehensive safeguarding training to staff. The training focuses on safeguarding practices, staff conduct, core values and professional boundaries. This training concentrated on improving staff practice in order to ensure that staff have the necessary skills to support and protect children appropriately. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider – monitoring visit: KPMS 3 Leaders and managers have taken appropriate action, and they have reflected and learned from the significant incidents. The result is wide ranging protective measures to ensure that children are safeguarded. Staff have an improved understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities, and there is wider accountability. Appropriate disciplinary action is taken to address poor staff practice. Leaders and managers work in partnership with relevant agencies to safeguard children.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers demonstrate a commitment to supporting the staff team and ensuring that they have the required skills for their role. Staff benefit from regular supervision sessions, appraisals, team meetings and ongoing training.

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This monitoring visit

Children were suitable for supported accommodation. Children are receiving support with their independent living skills. There are no current concerns regarding children’s safety. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider – monitoring visit: KPMS 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the ‘Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the supported accommodation undertaking that puts children first and prioritises their wellbeing and development.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the skills appropriate for the work that they are to perform.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered manager should ensure that staff communicate and act in a professional manner when interacting with children and neighbours. 31 August 2026

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Requirement Due date

The protection standard is that children are enabled to feel safe and that their needs are met.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

ensure that children are protected from harm. (Regulation 5 (2) (a)(i))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the registered manager should ensure that matching procedures proactively consider the potential risks of harm to a child. The placing of children with adults must be carefully scrutinised and regularly reviewed. 31 August 2026

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Requirement Due date

The protection standard is that children are enabled to feel safe and that their needs are met. 31 August 2026 Inspection report for supported accommodation provider – monitoring visit: KPMS 5 In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

are familiar and act in accordance with child protection policies;

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Requirement Due date

have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or any other harm, and act to reduce such risk. (Regulation 5 (2) (f)(i) (ii))

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Recommendation

 The registered person should facilitate the development of strong relationships within the local community. In particular, the registered person should ensure that good relationships with neighbours are maintained and a proactive approach is taken to address their complaints. (‘Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards’, page 7)

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to follow up information received by Ofsted and 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: KPMS 6

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider address: Park Lane Business Centre Unit 6, Park Lane, Langham, Colchester, Essex CO4 5NL

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Inspector

Sharon Payne, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider – monitoring visit: KPMS 7 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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