Children's Home run by Horizon Residential Children's Home in Waltham Forest

Unique reference number SC007284 Inspection date 21/03/2013 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/11/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately run home accommodates six young people of either sex . The home offers 24-hour care for young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress .

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Progress

At the last full inspection in November 2012, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as outstanding with one requirement made. The home continues to enhance the quality of care provided to young people to raise self-esteem and improve outcomes. The home has a strong management team and the enthusiastic staff provide a positive and nurturing environment for young people. Young people say that the home is ‘good’ and like a ‘home form home’. Young people say staff ‘support them well’ and they ‘would not change anything’ about the care they receive.

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Progress

Young people thrive as a result of well-planned, highly individualised care and support. They are able to better manage their emotions and consider how best to cope with negative feelings and behaviours. Examples include in-depth sessions regarding anti-social and gang related behaviour to substance misuse. Small, yet significant improvements young people have made in these areas are evidenced in their individual files and care plans. All young people are involved in education and those approaching school leaving age have plans for their post 16 education and training, including going to college and joining the armed forces. The culture within the home celebrates individuality and diversity. As a result, young people enjoy exploring a diverse range of cultural experiences and have a sound understanding of each other’s and staff’s heritage.

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Progress

The requirement made at the last inspection has led to greater evaluation and involvement of young people, their parents and partner agencies in six monthly monitoring by managers. As a result the management team has evaluated the home and service with this in mind alongside the planning that ordinarily takes place. As a direct result of young people’s ideas, the home, for example has new furnishings, blinds and televisions. Partner agencies suggestions have also been taken into consideration during the planned extension and refurbishment of the loft area, including the creation of a one to one room for meetings and independent tutoring. The converted loft space has not been included in the fire risk assessment yet, although it is currently not being used by young people. General evaluation of the service has led to staff undertaking targeted training in areas such as mental health in young people, self-harm and autism awareness. Further training is planned

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Progress

throughout the year planned. The training programme is designed to improve staff awareness and understanding of emotional wellbeing, and enable staff to further support young people who are declining specialised emotional health services. In addition, young people are now being included in staff training, such as food hygiene and first aid to help develop their records of achievement. The records are intended to support young people to recognise their achievements and aide them in gaining further education placements or employment. Alongside the recent loft conversion, which has created four rooms, further development is planned to the kitchen and living areas to provide greater space for young people undertake activities or relax.

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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

 implement an emergency escape plan that all staff and young people are familiar with and have practiced so they know what to do in an emergency. This with specific regard to the loft conversion. (NMS 10.9)

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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 progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection.

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