A number of concerns have been raised by inspectors
Ofsted inspectors have identified “serious” concerns at a children’s home, finding that children are “physically restrained” and suffer “physical abuse”. Ofsted carried out a monitoring visit at Clare Lodge in Lincoln Road, Glinton, near Peterborough on November 4.
This is the second monitoring visit to take place since the care home underwent a full inspection in May, where Ofsted identified the home as “not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people”.
In its latest visit, inspectors identified “serious and widespread concerns” in relation to the care and protection of children. Inspectors found children were “sometimes physically restrained for compliance rather than for legitimate safety reasons”.
An example identified by inspectors was staff using “unapproved restraint techniques to remove a child from another child’s bedroom”. The report also said children were not “consistently” seen by a health care professional after they were restrained.
Inspectors also found some children had been subject to “physical abuse by agency staff”. An example identified was that an “agency staff pulled and dragged a child and threw items multiple times at the child”.
It added: “CCTV footage has identified other extremely poor and unsafe practice that could have resulted in injury to a child. Of particular concern is that permanent staff failed to intervene to stop these incidents.
“This represents a serious safeguarding failure and contributes to an unsafe and harmful culture in the home.” Ofsted said leaders and managers didn’t maintain an “effective oversight” and were unaware of “significant” incidents.
It also said children didn’t benefit from a “welcoming and emotionally safe living environment”. The report added: “There is a significant amount of negative and worrying writing on some of the children’s bedroom walls. Some of the language is inappropriate. This reflects a culture that appears to tolerate or accept such behaviour and language.”
Inspectors also said the manager has “not consistently notified” Ofsted about the serious incidents, which “undermines confidence”. However, children who spoke with inspectors did say they enjoy taking part in activities and sometimes with the other children.
Ofsted concluded that requirements set out at the previous inspection in terms of care planning and quality of the environment had not been met. At the last inspection, Ofsted also set out requirements for staff recruitment, and records of single separations and children’s education.
These were not reviewed in this inspection and as a result, were restated at this inspection. The care home is overseen by Peterborough City Council.
A council spokesperson said: “Peterborough City Council takes the welfare and safety of all children in its care extremely seriously. We acknowledge the report and are committed to addressing the concerns raised.
“Immediate steps have been taken to review current practices and procedures. We are ensuring that robust safeguarding measures are in place so that every child has a safe and supportive environment in which to thrive. The council will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain dedicated to the highest standards of care.”
Clare Lodge provides care for up to 16 girls aged between 10 and 17, who are placed in the care home by local authorities under section 25 of the Children Act 1989. At the time of inspection, nine children were living at the home.
