Children's Home, Residential special school run by The Hesley Group Limited in Doncaster

Unique reference number SC008015 Inspection date 09/10/2013 Inspector Ann-Marie Born Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

p.1

Date of last inspection 21/03/2013 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 service, run by a company, is a residential school that accommodates young people who have complex needs and severe learning difficulties, including autism. The whole school is registered as a children's home.

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 good .

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Young people make good progress from their starting points across all levels of their ability. They thrive within their individual homes and the warm, positive and caring environment provided by the manager and staff team. Care planning is highly personalised and meets the needs of each individual child. A parent wrote, 'there is excellent support to promote independence and inclusion, both in the academic and residential settings'.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Young people enjoy the opportunity to participate in a range of inclusive meaningful activities which provide them with new life experiences. Young people are an accepted part of their community and enjoy accessing local provisions, for example, shopping in the local supermarket and accessing community leisure facilities. The enthusiastic staff team provides good, consistent, dedicated care, and the management of the home is stable and proactive. Young people's attainments are celebrated and young people can see visual evidence of their achievements around them in the home. This effectively promotes young people's sense of well-being, belonging and security while building social and life skills. A parent wrote, 'they provide our son with a very broad range of activities. We would not be able to provide him with these opportunities, and it's great to see him being able to try so many new things'.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

Young people are safe and it is evident they feel safe and happy. The strong management team is effective and has a comprehensive view of the holistic needs of the young people in their care. Robust action is taken to address any deficiencies. Parents, family members and social workers report very positively about the quality of care and experiences for young people. A parent stated, 'he is very safe there. Communication with staff is brilliant, I can ring them and speak to them at any time, they keep me informed. I wish they had more places like (name) nearer to where I live. They are exceptional'.

p.3

Overall effectiveness

This is a good home. The manager, fully supported by the management team, understands the strengths and areas of further development needed and is working hard to address those. However, there are some areas to improve. These include routinely obtaining parents’ views as part of the monitoring process; ensuring that all requisite information following any physical intervention is recorded in a volume kept for the purpose and ensuring Ofsted receive all appropriate notifications. Also, to ensure that staff supervision takes place in a timely manner and records of these are signed by both parties.

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

17B (2001) ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any measure of control or restraint a written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose (Regulation 17b (3) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) and (4) (a) (b)) 08/11/2013

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that if any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 5 takes place, the registered person shall without delay notify the persons indicated in respect of the event in column 2 of the table (Regulation 30 (1) Schedule 5) 08/11/2013

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the person carrying out the visit shall interview young people's parents or relatives as appears necessary in order to form an opinion of the standard of care provided in the home. (Regulation 33 (4)(a)) 08/11/2013

p.4

Recommendations

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

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure that all staff are provided with regular supervision (NMS 19.4)  ensure that the record of supervision is signed by the supervisor and member of staff at the end of the session (NMS 19.5)  ensure that where there has been physical restraint, children’s homes must be able call on medical assistance as required and children are always given the opportunity to be examined by a registered nurse or medical practitioner (NMS 3.16)  ensure that all children and staff are given an opportunity to discuss incidents of restraint they have been involved in, witnessed or been affected by, with a relevant adult. (NMS 3.17)

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people relate extremely well to staff, who work hard to fully understand their individual methods of communication. Young people are treated with dignity and respect and are observably happy. Staff continually engage with young people, who are cared for and valued as individuals with their own personality and unique traits. All cultural, gender and religious needs are identified and provided for. As a result, young people's sense of security and belonging are promoted enabling them to form sustainable attachments. A family member stated, 'since he’s been there his speech has come on and he forms good relationships with staff'.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

The strong key work system is used effectively where possible, with young people to capture their wishes and feelings on their individual care. In addition, the 'student council' provides more able young people with the opportunity to contribute to planning for the campus and shared activities. This effectively promotes self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people benefit from the proactive, inclusive approach that enables them to participate in community activities. As a result young people are able to contribute to and become an accepted part of their local community. For example, involvement in the local 'Scarecrow Festival'. A staff member said, 'we have managed to build a good relationship with the local community with attending church and like the Harvest Festival next week. Quite a few of our young people deliver leaflets round (name) and we do a lot of things socially and we are always off site doing things. (name) has a scarecrow festival and each unit on site makes a scarecrow and join in'.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people's health needs are well met. They have access to the services they need to ensure they experience a good quality of life. Staff are trained to meet the specific needs of the young people in their care. Young person's health needs are regularly reviewed by their key worker and at placement reviews. Young people enjoy a healthy, well-balanced diet and eat together in their houses and flats as they would in a family situation. Young people participate in regular inclusive physical activities, such as walking, swimming and horse riding. As a result, young people's complex health needs are well met and their welfare is improved. Consequently, parents, social workers and staff report on marked improvements in young people's well-being and development. A social worker stated, 'there has been tremendous progress for that young man'.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people benefit from full attendance at the on-site school thereby promoting positive educational outcomes. Excellent daily communication is maintained between school and care staff. Young people's achievements and any concerns are promptly shared. Thus promoting recognition of young people's attainments and improving their well-being. These shared aspirations and targets for young people ensure a holistic approach to developing their social and life skills and educational ability.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people

Excellent contact is established between the home and young people's family members. Maintaining significant relationships for young people, including hosting important events such as Christmas dinner, is very important and a key strength. Young people fully benefit from the security, stability and consistency this provides both now and for their longer-term relationships and their transition to adult lives. A parent stated, 'they are outstanding at working together with the family, we are updated and in contact almost daily'.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people are well prepared from their starting points, and within their ability, for transition to future settings. Young people learn daily living and independence skills, for example how to clean their teeth properly, choosing which clothes they wish to wear and managing their own laundry. A family member commented, 'since he’s been there he’s improved a lot. The staff have given him an opportunity to do things he wouldn’t be able to do, he’s been canoeing and on a canal boat. I’ve lost track of all the firsts we’ve had, like being able to ask for a cup of tea'.

p.6

Quality of care

Patient, consistent and committed staff members build effective, close relationships with young people enabling positive relationships to be maintained. Staff use individually assessed methods to ensure that young people’s views are actively sought and they are involved in all aspects of their care. The strong relationships with parents enable staff to gather further information and provide young people with consistency.

p.6

Quality of care

Young people are supported to make a complaint through the use of a range of individual symbols designed for the purpose. They are further supported by staff who take their role as advocate very seriously. Proactive management are working together with speech and language professionals to provide even more opportunities for young people to express their views. As a result young people feel listened to and are safeguarded. A parent said, 'all staff are well trained in a variety of communication methods, which means that communication is good, and our son's wishes are understood and respected'.

p.6

Quality of care

Young people enjoy observably warm and positive relationships with staff that are based on mutual care and respect. Staff encourage peer friendships and provide a happy, relaxed atmosphere where young people experience lots of smiles and laughter within consistent, safe and appropriate boundaries. Young people enjoy visiting each other in their homes which promotes their sense of belonging within their community. Young people are cared for with dignity. The majority of parents say that relationships with staff are one of the best things about the home. A parent said, 'I think they are looking after her fantastically. She suffers a lot from high anxiety levels and the facilities there means they can take her out of the environment and disengage her. She can go and visit other people in other houses and engage in soft play and multi-sensory. We are really pleased with them, the communication between staff and us couldn’t be any better'.

p.6

Quality of care

Good care planning ensures that young people’s holistic needs are identified and addressed. Young people’s cultural and special needs are effectively identified in care planning and met in practice. Young people are cared for by a good staff gender balance and an ethnically diverse staff team. Thus improving their sense of identity and belonging.

p.7

Quality of care

Young people's day-to-day needs are extremely well met in line with their care plans. This promotes their potential for development, sense of security and well-being. Parents and professionals contribute to young people's reviews and are kept well informed regarding any concerns, progress and achievements.

p.7

Quality of care

Although there have been errors in administering and recording of medication, none of these have had an effect on young people and all have been identified through the comprehensive audit system. Appropriate action is taken to address this with staff, including in supervision and refresher training. Overall the home provides a very healthy environment where young people are provided with a good level of support to achieve their holistic health needs. Good attention to menu planning ensures young people receive a healthy, balanced diet while learning to enjoy new foods. In addition, innovative new programmes, i.e. the ‘Oral Hygiene Journey’ enable young people to learn how to take responsibility for self-care skills.

p.7

Quality of care

There are very good relationships between education and care staff. Their shared ambition for young people to achieve to the best of their ability ensures that young people attend school daily or are engaged in positive activities. Young people take evident pride in receiving certificates celebrating their achievement within school.

p.7

Quality of care

Young people are provided with a range of positive activities within their individual home, the setting's campus and the local community. This effectively broadens young people's horizons while promoting inclusion, opportunity, well-being and self- esteem. Young people learn social and life skills while having fun, as a result of the good quality care provided. A staff member said, 'I think whatever years young people have got here, are probably the best years of their lives. We take them swimming, horse riding, on shared activities to other homes, to the library, to the supermarket. All things they should have the chance to do and be part of their communities. I want them to realise they can do things for themselves, ask for what they want and then do it'. The purpose built homes offer a range of accommodation for young people. Each house or flat is personal to the young people resident there and decorated and

p.7

Quality of care

furnished according to their taste and needs. This offers young people individualised choice and care. Full time staff are employed to maintain the premises and some areas of the home are currently undergoing refurbishment. Young people are participating in the choice of colours and fabrics for their homes.

p.8

Quality of care

Young people benefit from having their own bedrooms which are fully equipped to meet their needs and most young people have en suite bathrooms. Well-equipped washing facilities offer young people the choice between a bath and shower, increasing their sense of well-being. Photographs of young people involved in activities adorn all of the communal walls, increasing their sense of belonging and providing pictorial evidence of their achievements. A parent said, 'whenever we visit our son, it's just like we imagine it would be if he had left home and was living independently. We feel very comfortable there and are definitely always made to feel welcome and at home ourselves'.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

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

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Young people are and feel safe. Parents and professionals report young people are safe within an organisation where safeguarding is a priority. Staff receive regular child protection training and know what to do if they feel a child is at risk. Appropriate staffing levels ensure that any potential episodes of bullying are identified and addressed immediately. Young people very rarely go missing but on occasion can try to explore or wander off. Excellent emergency passports and clear missing person procedures ensure that immediate and effective steps are taken to find them and return them home. Young people are effectively safeguarded by these measures.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Good quality behaviour management strategies are informed by individual behaviour management risk assessments and effectively applied. Care is taken to reduce triggers that may lead to a young person feeling anxious or distressed thereby promoting a sense of well-being and belonging. Staff are experienced in managing challenging behaviours. Staff members work in partnership with parents and the education team. As a result young people receive consistent care enabling them to understand how to curb some of their behaviours. Detailed handovers between shifts help the staff team to meet each young person's behaviour management needs. Parents and professionals report on the marked improvement in young people's behaviours. A social worker commented, ' his step-father said that since he has been placed he has made tremendous progress, four months ago he was attacking his mother but he now cuddles her and waves bye to her when he leaves. This shows

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Positive behaviour is promoted at all times by the patient and nurturing staff team. Nevertheless on occasion young people’s behaviours are such that they have to be restrained for their own, and others, safety. Strong physical intervention procedures are effectively followed, including ensuring young people are able to access medical provision, which safeguards young people. However, although the majority of the requisite information is recorded, it is done so in more than one place therefore not providing a comprehensive picture of the incident, which could cause some confusion when auditing practice. This has not had a detrimental effect on young people's care but is a breach of regulation and the standards.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Strong recruitment and selection procedures ensure that young people are not cared for by people who may harm them or place them at risk. Staff are aware of the company's whistle blowing procedures and are confident in raising concerns. Any allegations or suspicions of harm are managed promptly and consistently thereby providing effective protection and support for young people and all involved. Young people are effectively safeguarded by these measures.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

Young people thrive while living in a safe environment. Young people’s individual health and safety needs are a high priority and strong health and safety procedures for the building are very well managed. Fire safety risk assessments and regular safety checks protect young people from fire. Good evacuation procedures and practices ensure that young people of all abilities know what to do in the event of an emergency and staff know how to protect them. All utilities are checked and regularly serviced.

p.9

Leadership and management

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

p.9

Leadership and management

The proactive, experienced manager is ably supported by a strong management team, all of whom are ambitious for the young people in their care to achieve to the best of their ability. Very good arrangements for monitoring the quality of care are maintained and the manager knows the young people in her care well. Any shortfalls are promptly identified and addressed. As a result young people's progress is identified and the demonstrable differences the home has made to young people's outcomes are recognised. Excellent use is made of a display board and individual achievements books which provide young people and their families with a pictorial view of the achievements each young person has made. This promotes and maintains high standards while contributing to young people's sense of belonging and being valued.

p.9

Leadership and management

The strong Statement of Purpose clearly outlines the aims and objectives of the home. This clearly informs parents and professionals about the home and the care that is to be provided. As a result young people are appropriately placed thereby enhancing their life experience and increasing their opportunities to achieve.

p.9

Leadership and management

Parents and professionals are fully confident in using the complaints system. Any complaints made are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately. Excellent communication between the home and parents ensure that the majority of parents feel confident that their concerns will be heard and acted upon. The management team facilitate regular meetings within the home for parents and any professionals involved in a young person's care. This ensures consistency while promoting holistic interventions to meet young people's developmental needs. Young people's welfare, well-being and safety are promoted by this practice. A parent said, 'there is almost daily contact. We can ring her, we are working very closely as a team supporting my daughter. It’s a big thumbs up for the home'.

p.9

Leadership and management

Although there have been some problems with the retention of suitably qualified staff, the management are proactive in their recruitment of new staff members. Young people therefore benefit from appropriate staffing levels and the care and attention they receive from the enthusiastic and committed staff team. The majority of staff members either hold or are enrolled on appropriate national qualifications. In addition, staff attend specific training in specialist subjects to enhance their skills. Consequently young people are cared for by staff who are appropriately trained to meet their needs. A parent said of the staff, 'I don’t think they realise how good they are these people, they’re unbelievable'.

p.10

Leadership and management

Staff members report that they receive strong peer and management support and guidance which enables them to fully assist young people. However, not all formal supervision sessions are being completed in a timely manner or signed therefore not all staff may feel fully supported.

p.10

Leadership and management

Independent monitoring visits routinely contribute to improvements, including ascertaining young people's views on their care and experiences. However, as parents or family members are not consulted their opinions are not being obtained. The manager communicates with and notifies agencies of any significant incidents ensuring young people are protected by multi-agency decision making. However, on occasion, Ofsted has been omitted from this process which is a breach of regulation.

p.10

Leadership and management

There were no recommendations or requirements made at the previous inspection. Nevertheless, the committed manager has used strong monitoring processes and a comprehensive development plan to ensure progress fully benefits young people and improvements to their care continues. For example, the inception of the student council; the work with the speech and language department on ensuring all young people are able to share their views and increased involvement in community activities.

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 and the evaluation schedule for the inspection of children's homes.

p.11