Opinion
- Are children effectively safeguarded?
- Safeguarding records reviewed in full; concerns were escalated appropriately and in time.
- Yes
- Does the conduct of the home promote children's wellbeing?
- Children report feeling settled, but the concerns above are recurring and affect daily life.
- Partially
The visit
Spoke with GF and with staff KW, WR, TJ. Sampled the case files of MS. Reviewed 11 areas: physical intervention and restraint, missing from home episodes, complaints, sanctions and consequences, safeguarding concerns and referrals, regulation 40 notifications, children's views, activities, interests and time outside the home, family time and contact, premises and environment, online safety.
Progress against previous recommendations
Ensure every physical intervention record is reviewed and signed by the manager within 72 hours
Raised 3 Jan, due 31 Jan. Owner LH.
Records attached for review.
Evidence offeredEnsure every physical intervention record is reviewed and signed by the manager within 72 hours
Raised 6 Mar, due 3 Apr. Owner LH.
Records attached for review.
Evidence offered
Findings
2 concerns, 2 strengths. Every finding records what was looked at, what was found, and why it matters.
Missing from home episodes
Concern- Looked at
- Missing episode log; return-home interview records; police notifications.
- Found
- Pattern of episodes on Friday evenings not yet analysed by the manager.
- Why it matters
- Unanalysed patterns mean risk assessments are not reflecting real behaviour.
- Action
- Raised as a recommendation, tracked on the home’s timeline.
Complaints
Concern- Looked at
- Complaints log and responses.
- Found
- One complaint from a child has no recorded outcome after 21 days.
- Why it matters
- A child whose complaint goes unanswered learns that speaking up doesn't work.
- Action
- Raised as a recommendation, tracked on the home’s timeline.
Physical intervention and restraint
Strength- Looked at
- All physical intervention records since the last visit; debrief forms.
- Found
- All records include a debrief with the child within 24 hours.
- Why it matters
- Supports the standard; no action required.
Premises and environment
Strength- Looked at
- Walk-round of all communal areas and two bedrooms with consent.
- Found
- Home is clean, well maintained and homely; children have personalised their rooms.
- Why it matters
- Supports the standard; no action required.