Children's Home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC042950 Inspection date 22/08/2012 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 06/02/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is a six-bedded children's home run by a local authority. It caters for young people who present 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

The overall effectiveness of the provision is rated as good with outstanding features. Young people receive well planned and individualised care by a dynamic, child focused and experienced staff team. Young people are involved in the care planning process and therefore have a sound understanding of their needs and how to work with the home to achieve them. There are many strategies in place to keep young people safe and young people report that they feel safe living at the home.

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Overall effectiveness

The views of young people are regularly sought by staff and management through various forms of consultation. The results of the consultation are taken into account around the review of the quality of care provided by the home. These processes have been influential in changes to the day- to- day running of the home, such as the young people’s reward scheme.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people enjoy living at the home and experience positive and constructive relationships with staff. They are consistently positive about the care that they receive. One young person wrote that the home ‘is the best place to live in.' Staff have a sound understanding of individuals needs and tailor their practice appropriately. Individuals are making encouraging progress from their starting points as a result of consistent behaviour management. There have been a number of young people who have positively transitioned into adulthood as a result of the dedicated support from the home. The continuing support of the home following the end of a placement is unquestionably linked to the success the young people experience, clearly evidencing the impact the home has had on the outcomes they have achieved. The management of the home is efficient and effective. The manager has a clear vision to maintain and develop the quality of care for young people which remains

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Overall effectiveness

outstanding. There are a number of rigorous and robust monitoring processes in place which enables a thorough review of the service. The requirement made at the previous inspection has been met. A requirement has been raised at this inspection to ensure the recording of visitors meets regulation along with a recommendation in relation to the implementation of disciplinary measures.

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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) maintain in the children's home the records specified in schedule 4 and ensure they are kept up to date. This is in relation to the accurate recording of visitors. (Regulation 29 (1) Schedule 4 (13)) 01/10/2012

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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 sanctions and rewards for behaviour are clear, reasonable and fair and are understood by all staff and children. (NMS 3.8)

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Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for children and young people are good .

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Outcomes for children and young people

There are good outcomes for young people in relation to health. They are encouraged by staff to live a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise which contributes positively to their physical and emotional well-being. Staff ensure all statutory health appointments are up to date, and specialist treatment is sought where necessary. Individuals benefit from psychological support from local child and adolescent mental health services who work with both the staff as well as individually with young people. Dedication from staff in implementing consistent behaviour management strategies inspires young people to take responsibility for their own behaviour and to develop alternative approaches in times of emotional crisis. In depth key work sessions take place regularly which further strengthens young people's ability to develop both their emotional resilience and a positive self-view. Education is placed in high regard and its significance is embedded in the ethos of

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Outcomes for children and young people

the home. Not only for academic achievements, but also to assist young people in maintaining a successful routine; improve confidence and self-esteem; and develop social skills. Attendance is good for some young people. One young person has attended a vocational course throughout the summer break to support their forthcoming college course. There are close links with the local education authority and youth offending team. These effective working relationships enable young people to achieve positive outcomes. In some cases, this support has enabled young people to maintain their educational placement in mainstream school to ensure they have access to the same opportunities as their peers. Further education is promoted well and young people are stimulated by the support they receive from the leaving care team education coordinator who works closely with the home. A number of individuals have achieved places on apprenticeship courses within the local council,

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Outcomes for children and young people

Constructive attachments have been formed between staff and young people and staff are committed to being influential in young people’s lives. This level of commitment continues for individuals who leave the home, through outreach work, which has had an exceptional impact on the success of those who have transitioned into independence.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Staff work with young people who display extremely challenging behaviour as a result of emotional crisis. There has been a period of unrest in the home since the last inspection. New residents have moved in which has had an unsettling influence on the group dynamics. This has resulted in an increase in risk taking and anti-social behaviour. However, staff work tirelessly and consistently, in conjunction with the local police and placing authority, in supporting individual’s needs; and provide extensive support to ensure young people achieve their potential. Young people have responded well to this support and as a result, have shown a reduction in certain behaviours.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people benefit from appropriate contact with friends, family and those who are important to them. The home has had positive impact on re-establishing contact with estranged family members of young people. This has been significant in the development of individual’s sense of self and knowledge of their background.

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Quality of care

The quality of the care is outstanding .

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Quality of care

The home provides superior quality of care and support to young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs. Staff work tirelessly with young people who display challenging behaviour in order to support their emotional wellbeing through difficult periods in their life such as bereavement, placement breakdown and police investigations. A worker from the local child and adolescent mental health team commented that, ‘the home is doing everything it can to support young people and are working well in addressing issues in connecting feelings to behaviours.' Young people enjoy genuine and affirming relationships with staff and each other built on trust. Young people say they find the support from staff is ‘five star’. Strategies are put into place to manage peer relationships in line with risk assessments. Positive behaviour is promoted well and individuals are making encouraging steps in reducing risk taking and anti-social behaviour as a result. A

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Quality of care

social worker for one young person commented that ‘their behaviour has dramatically improved as a result of the support they have received and because they now feel safe.’

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Quality of care

Consultation with young people is effective in influencing the day-to-day plans for the home. For example, young people commented on the efficiency of the reward scheme and offered an alternative system which is now in place. Their needs, wishes and views are taken into account in relation to care planning and assessing risks. Complaints are handled fairly and promptly which promotes the young people's confidence in the complaints procedure.

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Quality of care

Internal care plans are highly individualised and reflect young people’s needs taking into consideration their culture, religion, gender and sexuality. There are clear strategies in place which address how these needs will be met in daily living. Behaviour management plans are updated regularly in order to ensure successful approaches in dealing with challenging behaviour are consistent. Information is current and reviewed regularly and includes the views of young people. Statutory reviews take place within timescales and the home prepares well for these by completing thorough reports, and encouraging young people to contribute to the consultation process in order to express their thoughts on their care and aspirations for their future.

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Quality of care

The home promotes education well and all young people have an educational placement. These include mainstream schools, alternative learning provisions and further education colleges. Staff have high aspirations for young people to achieve successful outcomes and break down barriers to ensure the full participation of individuals. Proactive procedures are in place for young people who are awaiting an educational placement, or have been excluded from school. The home has strong links with local education provisions which enables effective communication to take place regularly.

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Quality of care

Young people are encouraged to take part in a variety of purposeful activities in order to promote their inclusion in the local community. There are a number of local amenities available for young people to access such as air and army cadets, youth clubs and swimming clubs. Not only does this promote self-esteem and confidence in new skills and interests, but it allows for young people to develop relationships outside of the looked after system. Young people enjoy the opportunities they get to explore new leisure pursuits. Young people have access to a range of local health services to meet their needs and ensure good health is maintained.

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Quality of care

The home is located in small town which is closely surrounded by rural areas. There are good links to larger towns and facilities. The building is fit for purpose and benefits from some original features which remain unspoilt. It is well maintained and decorated and furnished to a high standard. Young people's bedrooms are furnished appropriately and can be personalised to each individual. The layout of the home contributes to a homely feel as staff areas are set away from communal areas. A social worker said, ‘staff are always welcoming.'

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Safeguarding children and young people

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

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people are safeguarded by robust planning and risk management strategies, and as a result, even the most vulnerable young people achieve a sense of safety. Young people confirm they feel safe and that staff promote their welfare. Risk assessments are completed prior to admission, and reviewed regularly to ensure the effectiveness of strategies in place. This is a common feature on the staff meeting agenda which ensures the consistency of safeguarding practice.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Incidents of bullying are handled effectively by staff. Recording of incidents and monitoring practices are efficient and one young person, who has experienced bullying at the home said, ‘staff sorted it.’ Comprehensive work is completed with young people identifying the issues around bullying and the implications this behaviour presents. Positive behaviour is promoted through good role modelling from staff and consistency in the implementation of boundaries and individual strategies.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Incidents requiring restraint are infrequent. Staff are trained and skilled in dynamic de-escalation techniques which reduces the risk of physical intervention. When used, it is proportionate, in the best interests of the young person, and within legislative frameworks. Young people are consulted with following an incident of restraint to ensure their understanding of the reason why it was used, and also to explore alternative strategies in dealing with similar feelings and behaviours in the future. Sanctions are, in the most part, proportionate and relevant to the misdemeanour and young people say ‘sanctions are OK’. However, a small number of disciplinary measures are overly punitive and not linked to the behaviour displayed, therefore are not fair for young people. A recommendation has been made as a result of this shortfall.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The young people can exhibit extremely challenging behaviour including high risk and anti-social conduct. Since the last inspection, this type of behaviour has increased with the introduction of new residents in short succession. This has led to involvement from police and the youth offending team. Although young people have placed themselves at risk of harm, the home has responded actively and has identified individual strategies to protect them. This has been successful so far in reducing certain behaviours. The home works closely with social workers and police in order to reduce risks in the local community and therefore ensure the young people’s safety. There have been a number of unauthorised absences of young people; however, formal reports of missing from home are low. Staff are aware of their responsibilities in following the home's procedures when young people go missing. These procedures are in line with the local police joint protocol for missing

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Safeguarding children and young people

persons. Young people are supported when they return to the home and staff engage them in discussion in order to ascertain any triggers or concerns surrounding the incident.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The home is well maintained and regular health and safety checks are carried out. There is a designated member of staff who is responsible for the oversight of health and safety within the home which ensures a prompt response to any issue within the building. Therefore young people live in a home which is safe.

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Leadership and management

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

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Leadership and management

The management of the home is robust and competent. This ensures young people are cared for by a highly qualified staff team in a safe environment. Staff feel supported by the management team and receive regular supervision which is beneficial to their personal and professional development. The manager and staff have a sound understanding of the needs of the individuals in their care. Staff are child centred and outcomes focused. Young people's experiences at the home, since their admission, have had a significant impact on many aspects of their lives. This is demonstrated in individual’s successful transitions into independence and the development of a positive self-view of others who have experienced emotional crisis.

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Leadership and management

The manager has demonstrated a capacity for improvement in the satisfactory conclusion of the previous requirement set at the last inspection. There are a range of monitoring tools in place which are thorough and effective and contribute to the efficiency of the management of the home and quality of care provided for young people. Monitoring checks completed under Regulation 34 are sent at six monthly intervals into Ofsted as per legislation. However records in relation to visitors to the home are not currently accurately recorded. Development plans are in place and outline clear desired outcomes for the service. It provides challenging yet realistic targets. This plan is linked to monitoring processes in order to evaluate its effectiveness in developing the quality of care the service provides for young people.

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Leadership and management

The staff team receive high quality support from training and supervision. They are clear about the aims and objectives of the home and work consistently to achieve these and promote positive outcomes for young people. Team meetings are held regularly and include changes to legislation, equality and diversity issues and strategies in dealing with challenging behaviours. Recording is a particular strength of the home and communication between agencies is prompt and effective in ensuring all parties are kept well informed of young people’s progress. A social worker confirmed they are kept up-to-date with information and that a particular young person ‘wouldn’t have got through this period of crisis without the support the home has given them.’

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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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