Children's Home run by 2nd Nurture Limited in St Helens

Unique reference number SC413223 Inspector Maria McGranaghan Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered manager Linda Mary Wood / POST VACANT Date of last inspection 30/08/2013 2 of 10 Inspection date 30/05/2014

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Previous inspection good progress Enforcement action since last inspection Not applicable.

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Overall effectiveness good

Outcomes for children and young people outstanding Quality of care good Keeping children and young people safe outstanding Leadership and management good

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Overall effectiveness

Young people thrive in a home dedicated to improving life chances. Excellent outcomes are seen in education, independence and emotional resilience. Young people are genuinely happy in the home and are extremely positive about the care they receive and the progress they make in all aspects of their lives.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people live in a home where their safety and wellbeing is consistently promoted and protected. Excellent relationships are formed with staff and this helps young people to succeed in a home that provides a nurturing and safe foundation.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people benefit from exceptionally well planned and individualised care. Detailed placement plans and individual mobility plans ensure that young people are cared for consistently and in line with their individual needs. Likewise, young people benefit from a strong and stable staff team. Staff receive consistent supervision and training and this ensures that the high standards of care are maintained within the home.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people’s views and opinions are valued and respected in the home. Regular consultation provides young people with opportunities to discuss the running of the home. Consequently young people develop a sense of ownership and belonging within their home. 3 of 10 The home is effectively managed with a strong emphasis on providing a high standard of child care practice. Good monitoring systems ensure that all aspects of the home are suitably scrutinised and that appropriate action is taken to enhance performance within the home.

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Overall effectiveness

However, despite these strengths there are areas for development. Some records pertaining to keywork sessions do not reflect the level of work undertaken with young people. Likewise, records of how individual pocket money is used are incomplete and therefore open to misinterpretation. As a result, two recommendations are made at this inspection. 4 of 10

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Information about this children’s home

This privately-owned home is registered to accommodate one young person with emotional and behavioural difficulties or learning difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/08/2013 Interim good progress 24/05/2013 Full outstanding 28/02/2013 Interim good progress 28/11/2012 Full outstanding

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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 that information such as keywork sessions are clearly recorded in a wa which will be helpful to a young person now or in the future (NMS 22.5)  ensure that a running record is maintained of any allowances such as pocket money young people receive in the home. (NMS 2.7) 5 of 10

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people make excellent progress in their education, social interaction and emotional resilience. Likewise, young people develop secure and trusting relationships with staff and this enables them to feel safe and happy in the home. Consequently, young people thrive in a home dedicated to promoting positive outcomes for them.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people live in a home where their views and opinions are valued and respected. Keywork sessions, young people’s meetings and advocacy services ensure young people are provided with suitable opportunities to have their views heard, to influence the running of the home. Consequently, young people develop a strong sense of security and ownership of their home.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people are supported to attend the most appropriate educational provision. They enjoy school and have achieved 100% attendance while making consistent progress across the curriculum. As a result, young people plan to sit GCSE and BTEC examinations where they have a projected pass rate for all subjects. Young people’s enthusiasm about education demonstrates the home’s commitment to enabling young people to view education positively and gain the belief that they can achieve academically.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people live and lead healthy and active lifestyles. Regular consultation with health professionals supported by keyworker sessions ensure young people have a good understanding of issues such as drugs, sexual health and diet and this helps to support them to make informed decisions in their life.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people have active social lives Regular hobbies such as, army cadets, youth clubs and community groups enable them to make valuable friendships within the community. Young people benefit from a wide range of individual activities such as visits to places of interests, playing in the park or walking along the beach with staff. As a result, young people’s life experiences are enriched by opportunities and first hand positive experiences.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people benefit from exceptionally well planned contact with friends and family. Staff maintain close links with families and involve them where appropriate in the overall planning of the young people’s care. Clear placement planning ensures contact only takes place with those whom it has been agreed and arrangements are reviewed regularly.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people benefit from a knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff team who are skilled in enhancing young people’s independence. Individual mobility plans are developed to enable young people to take small steps, such as independent travel to school or visits to the shops. Young people enjoy helping to cook meals and preparing 6 of 10 the weekly menu. Consequently, young people are supported to undertake tasks comparable to their peers. This person-centred approach assists young people to continually develop self-esteem and confidence while preparing for adulthood.

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Quality of care good

Young people thrive in a stable, nurturing and supportive environment. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to young people and this is evident in the excellent relationships they have established.

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Quality of care good

Young people know how to complain. Information is provided in the young people’s guide and organisational complaints documents. Regular visits by an independent visitor ensure young people are provided with an opportunity to raise concerns independently from the home. A social worker said, ‘The home liaise with me all the time. If they feel the young person has something on their mind or are unhappy, they always let me know and we work together to try and sort it out,’ It is clear that young people's worries and views are prioritised in the home and this is evidenced by the extremely positive relationships young people have developed with staff.

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Quality of care good

Young people’s placement plans develop a picture of individual need and what steps are to be taken to address them. The manager said ‘We understand that individual needs change, especially as young people get older. We understand how important it is they get the right help at the right time. I think all the staff work really hard to help young people.’ Young people participate in regular keywork sessions which assist to address matters identified in their care plan. However, should a young person wish to view their file now or in the future, some records of keywork sessions are not fully reflective of the work undertaken with them. Likewise, although young people receive a regular pocket money allowance, records are not always fully completed and have the potential to be misinterpreted.

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Quality of care good

Young people's individual heritage and identity is celebrated in the home. Young people work with staff to trace their roots and build a picture of generations of family members. Young people are encouraged to pursue their individual beliefs and are offered a range of materiel to develop their understanding of individual choice and difference.

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Quality of care good

Young people’s health needs are suitably assessed. Health care plans are in place and serve to identify individual health care requirements. Likewise, young people are given valuable information to assist them in making informed decisions and choices. For example, a range of external health care professionals such as the looked after children’s nurse and language and social community groups work closely with young people. Consequently, young people develop an understanding of their individual health issues and how they are to be managed now and in the future. 7 of 10 Staff effectively promote education and are competent in addressing young people’s educational needs through proactive relationships with partner agencies. As a result, young people have exceptional attendance and are on target to gain GCSE and BTEC qualifications. Young people’s accomplishment demonstrates the commitment and effort of a focussed and child centred team.

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Quality of care good

Young people benefit from care that enriches their personal development. The staff consistently generate new and exciting opportunities for young people to experience from holidays abroad to trying out activities. As a result, young people flourish in a home dedicated to individual success.

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Quality of care good

Young people live in a spacious, well maintained home that blends into the residential area. Young people are central to making the house into their home and proudly display photographs, drawings and comments around the home.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Staff undertaken child protection training and are able to respond to suspicions or allegations of abuse. Clear and focussed risk assessments are in place which address individual risk factors for young people. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed with young people and are used as an opportunity to discuss the impact of risk taking behaviours, personal safety and remaining safe in the community. Consequently, young people are well informed and are not involved in any risk taking behaviours in the home or in the community.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people are suitably equipped to recognise the signs of bullying. Information is provided in the young people’s guide, keywork sessions and is complemented by sessions provided both in school and the youth club. A social worker said, ‘I am confident that the young person would raise any concerns with staff. They have an excellent relationship and would respond quickly to any concerns.’

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Behaviour management plans are developed which identify triggers for negative behaviour and effective strategies for positive behaviour management. Young people are provided with on-to-one support and this assists them to understand the impact of their behaviour both upon themselves and those around them. Consequently, young people’s behaviour is effectively managed resulting in minimal concerns in the home or community. Young people learn to demonstrate maturity and a sensible approach to managing issues that occur in their lives.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people live in a home where their safety and well-being is protected. Detailed individual missing from home plans are in place and this ensures the correct procedures and strategies are implemented without delay. Likewise, external agencies work with staff and young people in order to maintain the culture in the home where young people do not go missing. This has proven successful as there have been no episodes of young people being absent or missing from home. 8 of 10 Staff receive appropriate training in order to appropriately manage a situation where a physical intervention may be necessary. Procedures and guidance are in place and are regularly reviewed with staff and young people. Staff confirm that physical intervention is only used to prevent a young person harming themselves or others. De-escalation and re-direction techniques are the home’s preferred method of mediation. Consequently, there are no instances where physical intervention has

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Staff promote young people’s on-going protection by undertaking regular fire drills and service tests making sure that all faults are efficiently addressed. Clear evidence highlights good monitoring of all systems within the home.

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Leadership and management good

After the departure of the previous Registered Manager, the service quickly appointed a new residential manager. The new manager has recently undertaken a fit person interview in order to become the permanent Registered Manager of the home.

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Leadership and management good

Young people live in a home that is effectively managed. The home meets the aims and objectives of the Statement of Purpose and young people’s families and social workers are clear about the support the home provides.

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Leadership and management good

The manager and staff clearly demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining a high standard of child care practice tailored to the individual and personal needs of the young people they look after. The effectiveness of this approach is evident in the excellent progress young people make.

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Leadership and management good

The manager has a clear and realistic understanding of the strengths of the service and areas for further progression based on good auditing and monitoring practices. A development plan is in place which sets out the goals and targets for the service within the coming twelve months.

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Leadership and management good

External monitoring of the home is suitable. Evidence indicates clear lines of enquiry and focus based reporting. The manager efficiently responds to areas for development. The manager makes good use of reflective practice ensuring the views and opinions of young people, staff and social workers influence the on-going development of the service.

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Leadership and management good

Recruitment and selection of staff is thorough and ensures young people are only looked after by staff that are appropriately checked in order to work in the home. Young people’s views and opinions are central to the recruitment process. This ensures there is the right balance of staff within the home to suitably meet young people’s needs. 9 of 10 Young people are looked after by a competent staff team that are qualified at NVQ level three. Staff access a suitable training programme matched to the needs of young people providing staff with the skills and knowledge to work effectively in their role. Young people benefit from one to one support from staff who are suitably supervised in order to maintain consistent practice the home.

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Leadership and management good

The manager is aware of the procedure for notifying Ofsted of incidents under Regulation 30 although there have been no incidents requiring this process to date.

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Leadership and management good

The home is located on a quiet residential street close to local amenities, health services and transport links. It is maintained to a high standard, offering a clean, bright and welcoming home for young people. Likewise, young people are consistently encouraged to make the house their home and have been successful in achieving this.

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Leadership and management good

The manager and staff demonstrate commitment to delivering a high standard of child care practice tailored to the individual and personal needs of the young people they look after. The effectiveness of this approach is measurable in the progress young people have made to date.

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Leadership and management good

The home shows the capacity to improve. Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Leadership and management good

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Judgement Description

Outstanding A service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Good A service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Adequate A service that only meets minimum requirements.

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Judgement Description

Inadequate A service that does not meet minimum requirements.

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Information 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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Information 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 framework of inspection for children's homes.

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