Registered provider: Waves Care Ltd
Assurance inspection
Inspected under the social care common inspection framework
Information about this children’s home
This privately owned children’s home provides care for up to three children with social and emotional difficulties and associated complex needs.
The home and manager were registered with Ofsted in March 2024.
One child was living at the home at the time of the inspection. Another child had recently moved out.
Inspection date: 5 February 2025
Date of last inspection: 16 July 2024
Judgement at last inspection: good
Enforcement action since last inspection
Information about this inspection
At this inspection, the inspector evaluated:
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the care of children
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the safety of children
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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: 2748089 2
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. Previous requirements and recommendations set have been met. A further requirement and recommendation have been raised from this assurance inspection.
The child living at the home at the last inspection has moved on and another child has recently moved in. The manager and staff are beginning to build secure and trusting relationships with this child. The staff ensure the children’s needs are well met. One commissioner stated, ‘Our young person is progressing and happy.’
The child feels able to express their wishes and feelings. One child produced a presentation for the manager about the benefits of a house pet. The manager listened to the child’s views, and two rabbits have now been purchased for the home. The child is encouraged to meet the rabbits’ day-to-day care needs with support from staff. One social worker said this has added a therapeutic layer of support for the child.
The manager understands the child’s risks and behaviours. They support the staff to understand and manage any presenting risks to the child. There are clear risk assessments in place to help guide staff. These are reviewed when there is an identified concern or change in behaviour. Children’s placing authorities are consulted when there is an escalation of risks.
The manager proactively advocates for the child and challenges decisions made by other professionals when they believe that those decisions are not made with the child’s best interests in mind.
There was a period of instability at the home, which had an impact on staff retention. The management structure has since been strengthened. Both a new responsible individual and independent person are now in place.
The home currently has a full complement of permanent staff. The manager has reviewed the workforce development plan and is revising this to ensure that staff have a clear pathway for development and progression. Induction processes for new recruits have also been reviewed. However, these are not yet fully embedded at the home.
Staff are well supported by the manager and the responsible individual. They have regular supervision. Staff receive useful and relevant core training. Additional courses are sourced, which respond to children’s presenting needs.
Safer recruitment practices have improved. However, on one occasion, checks for staff who had previously lived overseas were not sufficiently explored. This was a missed opportunity to ensure that robust safer recruitment processes are in place.
Assurance inspection report for children’s home: 2748089 3
Recent inspection history
Inspection date
Inspection type
Inspection judgement
16/07/2024
Full
Good