Care home's failings 'put children at risk'

Failings at a children's home on Merseyside put children "at risk of harm" a report by Ofsted said.

The watchdog said the Sefton children's home, which it did not identify, risked "children being cared for by unsafe adults" because of its unsatisfactory employment practices.

The home, which is operated by private company called After Care (NW) Limited (ACL), provides care for up to three children "who may have social and emotional difficulties".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted ACL for comment and was told it now met Ofsted's requirements.

The company registered with Ofsted in March 2003 and has been subject to 16 full inspections over the last 20 years, including the latest assessment on January 6 and 7, when it had two children in its care.

The Ofsted report rated ACL's overall performance as "requires improvement to be good", which was based on the same rating for its leadership and management, and how well children and young people were helped and protected in the home.

The report said a child living in the care home had made an allegation which was not reported to local safeguarding professionals.

In the report, Ofsted noted a number of positive aspects to the home environment and the support in place for the children, stating: "The children living in the home have made progress since they moved in, based on their individual starting points. Children are supported to engage in education.

"For [example] one child who had not been in education for several years... is now engaging in education each week."

However, the majority of the report deals with the areas in which ACL must do better, including issues around safeguarding and child safety.

The report states: "Not all staff working in the home have an understanding of children's specific risks and needs. This compromises the staff's ability to safeguard children appropriately.

"Appropriate action is not taken when children raise concerns regarding staff practice. Leaders and managers do not investigate allegations thoroughly, and records of any actions taken are poor.

"Leaders and managers do not always inform the outcome of investigations to the child or appropriate agencies. This leaves children at risk of feeling unsupported and that they are not listened to.

Inspectors noted the children said they feel safe in the home, but the report added: "On one occasion, staff did not complete a welfare check or obtain medical advice when a child was under the influence of substances. This placed the child at risk of harm.

"Incidents of children being physically held have been reduced. However, on one occasion, a child was physically held by a member of staff who had not undertaken the required training. This placed the child at risk of harm.

"Furthermore, records of incidents in which physical intervention has been used do not include all relevant information. Debriefs are not always completed with the child or staff involved."

Adding: "Leaders and managers do not ensure that all recruitment checks are completed before staff work at the home. For example, references were not obtained from the most recent employer for one member of staff, gaps in employment were not identified and proof of identification was not in date. This means that children may be cared for by unsafe adults."

Ofsted has itemised a list of statutory duties for ACL to complete before 31 March.

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