Children's Home run by Winsbeach Children’s Home Limited in Waltham Forest

Unique reference number SC406638 Inspection date 04/02/2014 Inspector Sharon Lewis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/09/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a private home. It is registered to accommodate up to three children and 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

The overall effectiveness judgement made at the last inspection in September 2013, was good. This interim unannounced inspection focuses on the progress made since this inspection. Young people continue to live in a home which actively promotes good outcomes. The home has successfully addressed the two recommendations and one requirement from the last inspection. Young people benefit from more formalised systems; quality of care reports are now sent to Ofsted in accordance with Regulation 34. The learning development log and staff supervision records now comply with the national minimum standards. Staff receive the necessary training and support to enhance their individual skills and meet young people's needs. The home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people. There are no requirements or recommendations resulting from this inspection.

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Progress

The home works exceptionally well with young people who have experienced multiple placement breakdowns. Young people flourish within an environment which offers them consistent support, structured boundaries and stability. There is a tenacious commitment to working alongside young people; addressing their past and present issues and realistically planning for their future. Young people learn about personal safety, the dangers of exploitation and peer pressure. Staff provide a safe environment where young people are able to disclose past traumas. Young people are growing in self-confidence, resilience and accountability. They are learning to take responsibility for their actions and make positive choices. Young people are able to build trusting relationships with staff, which provides a platform for meaningful changes. Young people state that they are 'happy' and they feel 'respected, loved and cared for'. Young people describe staff as 'amazing', and they appreciate the

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Progress

Young people benefit from improvements in their emotional wellbeing. They are learning to better manage their anger and take control of their mood swings. An example being going to their room, when feeling particularly angry. Young people are now engaging in therapy and positively participate in key work meetings. Staff demonstrate greater understanding of young people, attributing this to their recent mental health training. Young people are no longer going missing from care, preferring to relax at home. The number of incidents and sanctions have significantly reduced. Young people are abiding by the house rules and they respond exceptionally well to the motivational models of care. Young people appreciate the reward system where they are able to earn additional monies or meaningful gifts, such as designer clothing.

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Progress

Young people are making extensive progress in their independence living skills and personal development. Young people take responsibility for devising their own menus and they are proudly extending their cooking skills. Young people learn the importance of preparing nutritious meals and having a balanced quantity controlled diet. Young people tidy their own rooms, undertake their laundry and assist with household chores. They also demonstrate good financial management through building up substantial savings. Young people learn to have a positive self identity and challenge stereotypical thinking. This results in them having a greater pride in their heritage and increased self-esteem. There is a strong promotion of young people's rights, all young people have advocates. Young people are more assertive and they are participating more in their review meetings.

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Progress

The home aims where possible, to reunite young people with their families and there are excellent examples of this happening. Young people have renewed relationships with their relatives, resulting in a strengthened bond. Young people learn to make sense of their personal circumstances and why they are currently unable to live with their families. One of the home's key aims is to enable young people to return home. The home works extremely well with parents and this includes providing monies for them to enjoy activities with their children. Parents state that they 'trust' staff and they are thankful for their 'care and support'. They also highlight that they would not like their child 'to be placed anywhere else'.

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Progress

Young people benefit from strong leadership and management. There is a good awareness and implementation of the new legislative changes. The home continues to work closely with placing authorities and schools. They provide regular progress reports and if necessary will offer support and advice. Social workers state that they have 'learnt a lot' from staff and are thankful 'for all the support and good communication'. Young people continue to benefit from a small stable committed staff team. Staff state that they 'feel privileged to work with young people. They receive on-going training, which enables them to effectively meet young people's needs. They have a good understanding of young people and the challenging nature of their behaviour.

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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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