Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC440309 Inspection date 15/10/2012 Inspector Stephen Trainor Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 04/01/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This local authority children's residential unit provides care for up to six young people of either sex aged from 11 to 17 years. The unit can take emergency placements.

p.3

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

p.3

Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be adequate .

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Young people receive an adequate overall standard of care and this means they learn how to develop skills suited to building positive relationships. Young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour but not all provide their fullest or best cooperation. There are many different partnership arrangements set up to support placements and manage risk taking behaviours. Partners agree staff and management are good at dealing with individuals, identifying needs, introducing plans and behaviour management strategies. All partners equally recognise that some significant safeguarding matters continue to affect the home's operation and this means the full needs of every resident are not always being met.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Some young people do continue to engage in damaging and risk taking behaviours. The service continues to respond to individual's presenting needs to resolve conflict positively and safeguarding concerns quickly. Staff implement agreed strategies and protocols consistently. There has been a reduction in incidents affecting young people as they mature; however, some serious safeguarding concerns prevail especially when young people are missing from the home without permission.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

The home reports all serious concerns transparently. Frequent meetings and reviews are convened to discuss individuals' arrangements. The success of safeguarding strategies is constantly evaluated. The seriousness of some recent notifications had prompted a full review of some young people's arrangements. The outcome of notifications is not always communicated to Ofsted.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Individuals are clear about their placement arrangements, being aware of plans and programmes and show more commitment to them. The promotion of young people's health and well-being is managed well, and safe practice is demonstrated. Staff provide good advice to discourage illegal substance misuse. There is access to specialist services including mental health support. Some young people have not fully engaged with these services. Contact arrangements are coordinated well.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

The home supports young people’s education and some young people have achieved very well at school and college. Not all the young people were engaged in meaningful education, training or employment at the time of this inspection. Support to access new training opportunities was being coordinated to ensure learning and attendance improved. Recreational interests are supported, and varied experiences increase young people’s self-confidence. Young people are supported well with their transition into adulthood and the world of work through good pathway planning. The arrangements set up for four older young people were at various stages of implementation.

p.4

Overall effectiveness

A new manager was recently registered with Ofsted. Leadership skills have had an impact on improving the quality and consistency of staff practice. The staff team is fairly new, with the home environment and culture still being established. The staff team show that they are keen to support the new management philosophy. The learning and development programme is in general well-coordinated but has not kept staff and management fully up to date with professional and legal developments following extensive changes to the inspection frameworks.

p.4

Overall effectiveness

Monitoring of practice as well as the home's operation and management through Regulation 33 and 34 is robust. Reports provide an in-depth analysis of information and children's views, and this allows weaknesses to be tackled and strengths to be built upon. The home has a development plan (team plan) that supports continuous improvement. There is limited written evidence to show that the views of social workers, independent reviewing officers and other professionals supporting placements are being sought regularly on the young people's care.

p.4

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.

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the policy and procedures prepared to safeguard and protect children is implemented effectively; specifically, take decisive action to ensure young people do not continue to engage in damaging and risk taking behaviours and make proper provision to meet their full range of welfare needs. (Regulation 16 (1) (a)) 30/11/2012

p.4

Recommendations

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

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure the home's learning and development programme keeps staff and management up to date with professional and legal developments; in particular, the new inspection framework, evaluation schedule and grade descriptors (NMS 18.1)  ensure staff support children's social and emotional development; specifically, enable children to develop their skills and emotional resilience from the time they spend at the home (NMS 2.2)  ensure the views of the social worker, independent reviewing officer, Local Authority Designated Officer and any other professionals supporting placements are sought regularly on the child's care and these views are recorded (NMS 1.4)  ensure young people develop and practise skills to build and maintain positive relationships and resolve conflict positively (NMS 3.5)  ensure young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour, in a way that is appropriate to their age and abilities (NMS 3.6)

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure the care and support provided to children minimises the risk that they will go missing and reduces the risk of harm should the child go missing (NMS 5.1)  ensure all young people are supported to attend school, college or alternative provision regularly (NMS 8.3)  ensure final outcome statements are recorded and communicated to partners including Ofsted following a notifiable event. (NMS 24.2)

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for children and young people are adequate .

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Whilst it is clear that progress is being made on many fronts it is also evident that progress is being hindered due to some significant safeguarding concerns associated with young people's poor choices and continuing risk taking behaviours. Not all young people have acquired the skills to differentiate their behaviours to the different settings and situations they find themselves in. All partners continue to meet to evaluate practice and review the effectiveness of safeguarding strategies. Setting and maintaining clear safeguarding parameters for some young people has proved to be a challenge over many years.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Staff work hard to ensure young people build resilience to their personal circumstances. There is a wide range of plans to support individual growth and development. However, some young people show intermittent cooperation and this continues to restrict progress. Behaviour management strategies are in place and are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain suitable. Young people are being encouraged to take responsibility for their behaviour through better coordinated plans and programmes and better defined targets. Young people do gain confidence in their placements from well-focussed support undertaken by key workers and staff who have delegated responsibilities to 'champion' specific areas of work.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people's placements had been more stable since the move to this new home and the introduction of a new manager and a new staff team. Staff work well in partnership with many different professionals and agencies implementing plans to support young people's social and emotional development. Partners commented that achievements are good considering the starting points of some of the young people. All agree safeguarding concerns remain. The home's ethos and culture continues to be developed to meet needs and fulfil service aims and objectives. Staff persevere with their efforts to secure brighter futures for all young people.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people have gained confidence in their placements. The young people rate the support they receive highly when talking about their placement experience. Young people gain benefits from high levels of emotional support they receive. This is particularly evident in maintaining relationships between peers and with family members. Some young people motivate themselves well to follow their personal programmes. However, there are occasions when day-to-day arrangements and programmes are not followed. Some young people do not always get up at the correct time.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people’s education is an area that is well supported. There is good liaison and communication between staff and schools and colleges which helps to keep educational arrangements on track. Encouragingly, the young people have recently been showing greater commitment to their education arrangements after realising future job prospects would improve if they achieve good examination results. Some good GCSE and Business and Technology Education Council certificates had been gained. This inspection coincided with some young people still needing to access further education, employment or training after completing courses at a local college.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people living at the home are treated fairly and staff work hard to support their individual needs. Young people have a growing optimistic view about their futures. Young people usually select to follow a healthy lifestyle. The response taken to support young people’s personal, social, health and education training is clear. Young people are actively discouraged from using alcohol and illegal substance such as cannabis. Young people learn how to take responsibility for their health and make clear links between diet and exercise. All young people are familiar with their health arrangements and are aware of the contents of their health plans.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people’s pathway, transition and ‘after-care’ plans are being established through statutory procedures. Young people gain competencies and life skills through the experiences provided by in-house independence and social skills training programmes. Programmes encourage social presentation skills which are becoming more identifiable in how young people conduct themselves at the home and in the surrounding community. There is more evidence being produced on the range of topics covered within the independence work being undertaken.

p.6

Quality of care

Young people usually enjoy good relationships with staff which enable them to engage more positively and learn how to make better choices. Staff are skilled and show great insight and understanding of young people’s needs. As a result, young people grow to appreciate and value the efforts of staff and learn how to work closer with them in planning their futures. The young people comment favourably on relationships with staff.

p.7

Quality of care

The staff team successfully promote models of care and implement support to influence behaviours positively. Young people are confident to express their views in their statutory reviews and there has been representation on a local children's care council. Staff practice supports young people to maximise their contributions. There are frequent in-house meetings.

p.7

Quality of care

Individual plans are of a good quality, reflecting young people’s needs and charting their progress. Social workers receive frequent progress updates. All achievements are celebrated and this continuously builds young people's self-esteem. Young people have opportunities to gain certificates of personal effectiveness. These are proudly discussed by the young people. All partners confirmed that young people gain good benefits from the good quality practice and approach taken by staff.

p.7

Quality of care

Impact risk assessments are used to maintain a 'fairly' compatible peer group dynamic. The personalities making up the peer group can mean relationships fluctuate on a day-to-day basis. The group dynamic is subject to frequent review especially when linked to presenting safeguarding matters. Young people can have a negative impact on others and this can lead to alternative placements being considered. All six residents have been living at the home since it opened in January 2012. Young people have made improvements in their behaviour and were all seen to be relaxed and confident in their placements. Independent Reviewing Officer comments show that young people better engage with their arrangements since the move to the present location.

p.7

Quality of care

Partnership arrangements work well, and communication between staff, young people and their parents, social workers and other professionals is clear. The overall response being coordinated to support young people’s needs is good. Consistent practice eliminates any potential confusion with the arrangements in place for each young person. Safeguarding is managed through consistent approaches. Some risk taking behaviours remain.

p.7

Quality of care

Each young person's educational potential is supported by staff practice. Developing educational potential forms a clear part of the home's philosophy of care. Care staff continuously emphasise the importance of young people gaining the best education. The young people show that they can commit to their education and have improved attendance records. There has been great deal of success in maintaining existing school and college placements. Learning methods ensure young people develop key skills suited for adult life and the world of work.

p.7

Quality of care

Young people understand how to make a complaint. They confirm that complaints, if made, would be responded to in full. A written guide covers complaints, with information, guidance and contact details of agencies such as Ofsted, children's rights and the Children's Rights Director. Young people can differentiate between grumbles and serious complaints.

p.8

Quality of care

Healthy lifestyles are promoted to ensure young people can make informed decisions on how they can keep themselves safe and understand the impact that illegal substances and alcohol can have on their well-being. Support services visit the home. Medication is stored safely, and records are maintained on the administration of medication. There are clear policies and procedural guidance and these are followed in practice. All staff receive suitable training to support health and well-being and this maintains the quality of care being provided.

p.8

Quality of care

Staff engage young people in activities to develop individual potential and enhance learning opportunities. Young people's aspirations are supported and a suitable budget enables them to pursue their hobbies and interests. A good balance between organised activities and young people's free time supports their future independence. Encouraging young people to engage in interesting pastimes and hobbies remains central to staff practice to reduce boredom and incidents of missing from home.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

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

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Some significant safeguarding matters are outlined within notifications sent to Ofsted. Young people have placed themselves in dangerous situations on a number of occasions through unpredictable behaviours. It has not been possible to identify the triggers to risk taking behaviours and this has meant the care and support provided to children has not always been suitable to minimise or remove safeguarding risks. This is especially evident when young people choose to go missing from the home. Frequent meetings and reviews take place with partners to agree actions needed. It is clear that many new and innovative strategies are being tried to keep young people safe. Not all initiatives have been successful in protecting young people from abuse and other forms of significant harm.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Young people confirm that they feel safe living at the home. They slowly learn to accept responsibility for their behaviour. The number of incidents young people are involved in has reduced over time as they have started to show more commitment to their placements. Young people understand the many forms that bullying can take and are equally clear about what to do if they have any concerns. Young people say that bullying is not an issue of concern to them.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Young people have suitable safeguarding and complaints information and they are made aware of the content of this information by key workers. Staff receive regular training to update their knowledge and have a good understanding of safeguarding policies, procedures and actions they should take when an incident arises. Staff make it very clear that young people will not suffer any recrimination if complaints and grumbles are made.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Systems for dealing with young people who go missing from home are well established and a protocol is set out. Risk assessments take account of a young person's potential to go missing. Relationships with local police are established. Reports made to local police are in line with the established protocol. The home's management hold frequent discussions with the local police missing from home coordinator to review matters affecting the home. There has been a reduction in the number of reports made to police. Further reductions can be made. Detailed records are maintained each time young people go missing. Management review all incidents. Standard practice at the home is to provide young people with the opportunity to reflect on incidents they are involved in and this helps them to change behaviours.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

Staff uphold children's rights. Young people respond well to praise and there is good use of positive reinforcement as opposed to the use of sanctions. Respectful communication was evident throughout most of this inspection. Staff are clear that physical intervention is very much a last resort. All staff receive regular and refresher training in positive handling techniques to ensure safe practice.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

The staff team is made up of employees from three different homes previously operated by the local authority. These home's closed as part of a reorganisation of residential services. Good recruitment practice is consistently being followed. Robust procedures ensure each staff member has an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check prior to working at the home. These checks are renewed every three years in line with good practice. Good practice also ensures the vetting of visitors to safeguard young people.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

The premises is a new build and its all-round appearance is excellent. Health and safety are managed well, ensuring young people and staff remain safe. Regular servicing of equipment and routine safety checks maintain a safe environment. Young people know what to do in the case of an emergency and can exit the home safely. Staff implement a range of risk assessments to identify and minimise hazards. There is a comprehensive audit of health and safety matters carried out on an annual basis.

p.9

Leadership and management

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

p.9

Leadership and management

The responsible local authority appointed an experienced qualified manager who was recently registered with Ofsted. A fairly new staff team is working hard to deliver consistent practice. The home's management have introduced some new operational systems. The service remains extremely child-focused, however, young people have not always provided their best cooperation and this has impacted on safeguarding and outcomes. Given a little more time, the staff team is confident that it will be in a better position to meet the specific needs of each individual living at the home. The option of accessing alterative placements for some young people is being considered.

p.9

Leadership and management

The new manager provides a clear vision for how the home should operate. Practice adjustments continue to be made in line with a new inspection framework, new evaluation schedule, new regulations and national minimum standards. Further work is needed for both management and staff to be fully up to date with framework changes. It is the intention of the management team for all levels of staff to influence and shape the service with their ideas.

p.10

Leadership and management

The home's management team showed that it is perceptive in identifying the home's strengths and the areas where it could perform better. The home’s management team provided an accurate assessment of the service and this allows realistic targets to be set. A robust body of evidence is available to support the monitoring of staff practice and develop the home through monitoring on behalf of the provider and internal quality assurance. The full impact and value that living at this home has had on young people's lives is represented within Regulation 33 and 34 reports. The home has a team plan to support future developments. Limited information was presented to show how the home was gathering the views, wishes and feelings of partners and those significant to children, including independent reviewing officers.

p.10

Leadership and management

Individuals’ needs, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, are supported. The young people have confidence in staff and know who is responsible for them at all times of the day and night. Staffing levels are being maintained. Staff have access to relevant training and most have completed a level 3 qualification relevant to working in residential settings. There is also access to higher level training to further build skills sets. Staff confirmed that they receive good levels of support from management.

p.10

Leadership and management

There is a system in place to notify persons and appropriate authorities of the occurrence of significant events. Suitable reporting was evident with regard to incidents between inspections. Some safeguarding matters are being addressed. The responsible local authority has not always informed Ofsted when outcomes of incidents are known. Records are kept safe and secure within the home. This was the first inspection of the service at this new location. Recommendations set at the last inspection, at the old site, had been addressed. There have been no concerns investigated by Ofsted between inspections.

p.10

Leadership and management

Staff practice is supported by written guidance, policies and procedures. The home's Statement of Purpose provides information in accordance with regulations. The ethos and working practices of the home, as well as the aims and objectives, are outlined, to give information to anyone who has an interest in how the home operates.

p.10

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.

p.11

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.

p.11