The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Staff at a South Holland children’s home have been assaulted and children bullied, according to an Ofsted report.
The home, which cannot be identified for legal reasons, has six residents and requires improvement to be rated good, says inspectors.
“There have been assaults on staff and other significant events. The home has failed to notify Ofsted of any of these events,” says the report.
Staff are praised for their commitment and for taking on extra shifts due to shortages, but the inspection also found there were complaints of bullying.
“There are instances when children have become involved in incidents rather than risk becoming the target of bullying. Unfortunately, several children have said that they experienced bullying in the home” the report says.
But the staff are child-focused and want to ensure that children achieve their potential,” it says.
A police officer, quoted in the Ofsted report, said: “The staff have children close to their hearts and try their best.”
The inspector found that children were encouraged to take part in a wide range of community activities and family members were positive about the care the young people received.
“Staff said the mix of children is not working. Children spoke about not feeling safe at the home.
“One child said ‘My bedroom should be a calm place but it is a place of retreat,’” says the report.
Inspectors also found there were several areas of the home which showed signs of damage, including some bedroom furniture.
Other areas are waiting for refurbishment but: “In the interim, this gives the home an unkempt appearance.”
“At this time it is unclear when the registered manager will be returning to the home,” the report continues.
A member of staff described the situation as “Two-and-a-half years of firefighting.”
Managers are working to address the shortfalls which have been identified and the home has monthly visits from an independent visitor.
There are a raft of recommendations to gain a ‘good’ status from Ofsted inspectors.
