Children's Home run by Archways Care Limited in Worcestershire

Unique reference number SC383941 Inspection date 21/06/2012 Inspector Elizabeth Barrett Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/01/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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Brief description of the service

This is a privately-owned children's home for four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding : a service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements Good : a service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements Adequate : a service that only meets minimum requirements Inadequate : a service that does not meet minimum requirements

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Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be good .

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Overall effectiveness

Young people experience a good quality of care in this home because staff provide consistency, stability and a safe nurturing environment. Outcomes for young people and safeguarding young people are excellent. As a result they achieve a significant reduction in incidents of missing from home. There have been significant improvements in how young people self-regulate challenging and risk-taking behaviours, and in the way they are preparing for independence. Young people receive comprehensive support around all aspects of attachment, and in turn, strive to fulfil their individual potentials both educationally and personally. Young people receive support and opportunities to experience new activities and learn new skills. They are encouraged to challenge previously-held attitudes, enabling them to grow as individuals and develop their self-esteem and identity.

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Overall effectiveness

The home is particularly resourceful in managing a clear framework for behaviour while celebrating and encouraging appropriate individuality. Young people’s behaviour, health, education, social and safeguarding needs are effectively managed and supported through personalised placement plans.

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Overall effectiveness

There is a positive atmosphere in the home, where care arrangements and planning take into account the individual and diverse needs of young people. It is through these effective systems, and relationships with stakeholders, that young people's needs are well met in practice. Young people feel safe and hold a positive view of the service. They are able to reflect on how they have benefitted from their placement and support at this home.

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Overall effectiveness

Leadership and management arrangements for this home are good. Internal and external monitoring processes provide continuous quality assurance which helps to maintain the home's good standard of care, and assists in promoting the development of this service. The provider understands the strengths and weaknesses of the home, with work currently underway to address some of the shortfalls identified at this visit. Shortfalls highlighted as a result of this inspection specifically relate to updating care plans and the home's Statement of Purpose, in addition to the participation of young people in these practices, and their access to an independent person for support and advice.

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Overall effectiveness

The positive, trusting and sincere relationships observed between young people and staff reflect mutual respect and honesty. Young people receive good care and support from a care team that is dedicated, hardworking and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for all young people.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the registered person shall keep under review and, where appropriate, revise the Statement of Purpose and the children's guide; and notify the HMCI of any such revision within 28 days. (Regulation 5 (a) (b)) 30/07/2012

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure that all children communicate their views on all aspects of their care and support, particularly in relation to their care plans, and the development and improvements to the care and operations of the home (NMS 1.3)  ensure children have access to independent advice and support from adults who they can contact directly and in private about problems and concerns, and have access to a private telephone to make such contacts (NMS 1.5)  ensure that each child's placement plan and care plan is monitored by the home to ensure that the requirements of the plan are current, and implemented in the day-to-day care of that child. (NMS 25.2)

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Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for children and young people are outstanding .

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people make outstanding progress in this service. They thrive, learn, and develop due to the consistent management of behaviours and meaningful relationships with staff. It is through these relationships that young people improve their self-image, and build confidence and emotional resilience. They clearly benefit from the security and structure that exists within this home. The boundaries are clear and consistent, helping young people to feel safe and secure without denying them their individuality. Some young people clearly see this service as their home, enabling them to grow and mature in preparation for their independence and future. One young person commented enthusiastically, 'The home has made me better in myself, and the staff have provided me with lots of support to work towards my independence and moving on.'

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Outcomes for children and young people

Progress for young people living in this home is excellent. Young people progress because care and behaviour management is individually tailored and promoted by a proactive staff team that actively supports young people to realise their potential. Some young people have significantly reduced their episodes of challenging and risk taking behaviours and missing from home. Consequently, young people are engaging more in link sessions, where they are better able to express their emotions and concerns, developing greater individual coping strategies. Young people receive support to enable them to safely experience different opportunities and develop new skills. They feel good about themselves as they consistently receive praise and reward for their achievements.

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Outcomes for children and young people

The home promotes a positive ethos that fully embraces diversity and difference. Young people receive support and encouragement to develop a full understanding and knowledge of their backgrounds and identities. As a result, young people learn to appreciate the significance of individual differences and values, and to have respect for other people. This ethos enables young people to understand the consequences of their actions, and encourages acceptable responses. Stakeholders comment on the cohesive progress made by young people in understanding their individual backgrounds and the reasons for being in care, in addition to the space for young people to develop safely in line with their plans.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people grow in maturity because they enjoy personal responsibility, including helping with household chores, participating in charitable events and daily activities within the home. Young people have considerable opportunities to explore their potential. They learn and grow because they receive support and good practical guidance to prepare for independent living. Staff are creative and imaginative in encouraging young people to develop skills in budgeting, cooking, cleaning, health and safety awareness, and making positive life choices. Contact arrangements for young people with family and significant others in their lives have greatly improved. Well-structured plans for regular contact and overnight stays are in place, with parents commenting extremely positively on these arrangements.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people's attendance and educational attainment since their admission to this home is excellent, which has done much to improve some young people's poor self- image. Young people are actively engaged in educational provision that is suitable to their individual needs and preferences for the future. Staff place great importance on young people achieving educationally, and are proactive and consistent in supporting their individual placements. All young people are working towards qualifications, accreditations, and further educational awards. Certificates of accomplishments and achievements are displayed prominently within the home.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people enjoy consistently improved health because they are encouraged to understand and be proactive about their own medical and health needs. They develop greater health awareness because they are encouraged to explore and engage in meaningful discussion and education about topics that are of interest to them. Young people have developed awareness about sexual health, the impact of alcohol, healthy eating, exercise and general health and well-being.

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Quality of care

Young people receive a very good quality of care in this home. They benefit from a highly-competent, well-organised and motivated staff team who genuinely care about them, and are passionate about meeting their needs. Young people build successful attachments with staff, enabling them to feel safe and secure, and to achieve significant outcomes across all areas of their social and personal development.

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Quality of care

Young people respond positively to staff whose nurturing, patient and consistent approach helps them to build strong and effective relationships. Some young people display very difficult and challenging behaviours towards themselves and others. Staff work with young people to provide positive support through clear behaviour management plans and daily routines. Young people develop a greater acceptance of these boundaries enabling them to modify their behaviours and negotiate more appropriately their wishes and wants.

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Quality of care

Young people are encouraged to make a positive contribution to the running of the home. Staff actively seek their views at an individual and group level, through regular residents’ meetings, monthly meetings with a company director and quality link working sessions.

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Quality of care

Staff are very knowledgeable about the needs of each young person because they have effective partnerships with families and placing social workers. Social workers commented on the successful communication links between the home and themselves. These arrangements help staff to gain important information about young people’s backgrounds, family histories, and current needs. Stakeholders speak positively about the care and support that young people receive from staff, and the good balance between pastoral and professional approaches. Comments received from a social worker at this visit state, 'It's a homely environment with friendly staff who are involved organised and capable. They set clear boundaries for young people and are forward thinking.'

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Quality of care

Good initial placement planning and assessment identifies young people's individual care and support needs. However, not all local authority placement plans, pathways plans and the home’s care plans are up to date. Young people's views on their care and future planning arrangements are not recorded on these plans. Young people say that they are aware of their placement plans, and discuss these with staff prior to reviews, but feel that they are not regularly consulted or involved in agreeing and compiling their plans.

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Quality of care

Effective behaviour management strategies are in place in the home. Positive behavioural rewards and incentives enable staff to follow individualised practices with young people. Staff consistently praise and reward positive behaviour, encouraging young people to be proud of their achievements. Young people confirm that the rules of the home are generally fair, that most staff are consistent with managing behaviours and consequences are appropriate.

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Quality of care

The service has a complaints procedure which all staff and young people are aware of and understand. All complaints consistently receive comprehensive and meaningful response. However, not all young people feel that they are listened to consistently. Although they are able to speak to most staff if they have any concerns, they feel that the availability of an independent person, to talk to in private, would be helpful.

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Quality of care

Young people receive effective support to maintain contact with family members and those of significance in their lives, with all young people benefiting from extremely positive contact arrangements including overnight stays. Leisure activities are planned on an individual basis, with young people pursuing activities best suited to their age and care plan. Young people’s safety and well-being is consistently well organised and monitored by staff when they are away from the home. Education has a high priority in this home. Staff talk proudly of the impressive steps forward made by young people in relation to their educational attendance and personal achievements. Young people who have reached school leaving age receive active staff support to obtain college placements and pursue an independent future.

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Quality of care

Young people live in an environment which promotes their holistic health and well- being. Staff have a good understanding of young people's specific health needs, while encouraging them to take more responsibility for managing these needs. Effective working relationships with health service providers ensure young people's individual needs receive consistent support. The home provides warm and homely accommodation with furnishings and décor of a good standard. The building and grounds are maintained to a high standard, and there is a variety of creative resources available to stimulate the ongoing learning and development of young people living at this service.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The service is outstanding at keeping children and young people safe and feeling safe.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people live in a very safe, secure, and stable environment. Levels of safety are highly effective because well-trained and competent staff implement the home’s robust and regularly-reviewed policies and procedures. Young people say that they feel very safe living in this home. Strategies to safeguard young people are comprehensive and structured. The home has thorough, individualised risk assessments for all young people in residence. These cover aspects of their potential behaviour, the environment and the activities they wish to undertake. Risk assessments are proactive, identifying potential risks and providing effective strategies to help to minimise these.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Boundaries and routines are clear and structured. Staff have an in-depth understanding of young people’s backgrounds and are well organised in how they manage difficult behaviour. Young people understand what constitutes good behaviour, what behaviour is not acceptable and why. The use of sanctions is fair and consistent, and staff work well with other relevant professionals to enable young people to moderate and improve their behaviour. There is an emphasis on recognising and rewarding positive behaviours, with individual incentive plans in place.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Staff are trained in behaviour management including physical intervention, and they maintain good and accountable records. Young people confirm that staff use physical interventions only as a last resort, and only when necessary to ensure the safety of staff and young people. Most issues are effectively resolved by the application of skilful staff support and close supervision. Young people are aware of their right to complain, to receive any medical attention if required or requested, and that social workers and, where appropriate, parents are fully informed.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Staff receive regular and wide-ranging training in safeguarding. As a result, they demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the action they should take should they have any concerns about a young person's safety or well-being. Effective working with external partners means that the staff’s knowledge and understanding of child protection matters is continuously evolving. The episodes of young people going missing from home have significantly reduced, with young people taking a greater responsibility for their personal safety and well-being.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people understand the importance of promoting their own safety, and benefit from significant improvements in their risk-taking behaviour. They say they feel safe and looked after because staff look out for their welfare. Young people enjoy good relationships with staff and, while there are no concerns about bullying, they are confident that staff will listen to such concerns and respond appropriately.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people are actively encouraged and supported to take responsibilities for their own and others safety in and outside of the home. An example of this was a letter written to the local council, in relation to the dangers presented to those living in the home and other members of the public from speeding motorists on the road in front of the home. Good staffing levels further help to keep young people safe and reduce any risk of harm. The organisation’s effective recruitment procedures ensure the careful selection, recruitment, and retention of staff. This ensures young people are safe and that there is a staff team that knows them well. New staff undergo a comprehensive vetting process prior to their deployment in the home and before having unsupervised access to any young person. Some young people have participated in the recent recruitment of staff to the home, and the provider acknowledges that this

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Safeguarding children and young people

will be a regular feature of their recruitment process.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people live in a safe environment with all health and safety requirements well managed. Fire precautions, drills, and routine equipment servicing consistently meet the timescales set by the relevant regulations. Young people take part in fire drills and evacuations ensuring they understand what procedures to follow in the event of a fire.

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Leadership and management

The leadership and management of the children's home are good .

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Leadership and management

The leadership and management of this home are effective and efficient. Young people benefit from living in a home that is managed by competent and well- qualified staff and managers. The team communicates well with each other to ensure that everyone is up-to-date with new and changing information about young people’s needs and circumstances.

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Leadership and management

Experienced and knowledgeable staff are committed to promoting good outcomes for the young people in their care. Staff attend regular staff meetings and receive one- to-one supervision. As a result, staff feel supported in their role and are confident in their approach to care arrangements. There is a comprehensive mandatory training programme in place, with additional training provided by the company and external organisations.

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Leadership and management

The home's current deputy manager has submitted an application to Ofsted for the Registered Manager’s position at this home. The current Registered Manager, who is also a director for this service, will in turn take over the external management of this home and other responsibilities within the company. Additional promotions within the home mean that the management structure is changing and evolving.

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Leadership and management

The quality of care that young people receive is monitored by the Registered Manager and by external managers who visit the home on a monthly basis. Monthly monitoring findings tend to be process-led with limited information on evidencing and measuring outcomes for young people. The reports produced do not always show discussions and comments from young people, parents, social workers, and other external organisations about the development of young people and the home.

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Leadership and management

A development plan is in place for the home although it is lacking in sufficient detail as to how the service evaluates and improves in line with the home’s Statement of Purpose. The home meets the aims and objectives of the Statement of Purpose. However, there are shortfalls in reviewing and updating this document and the children's guide, reflecting all changes to the current staffing complement and operations of this service.

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Leadership and management

Equality and diversity is reflected throughout the home's practices, with individualised care planning taking into account the young person's background and identity. Records are of a good quality, being well written and appropriately stored. However, not all care and placement plans are current.

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Leadership and management

External managers for this service acknowledge that the service requires further improvements to specific areas of its operations and practice. Work is currently underway to improve the home’s development plan, staff supervision and induction processes and the provider's quality assurance systems. The provider is confident that, through the restructuring of the home and external management positions, the service will maintain a commitment to providing outstanding provision across all areas of the home’s operation.

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the Inspections of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011) and the evaluation schedule for children's homes.

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