Children's Home run by Hillcrest Children‟s Services (2) Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC398482 Inspector Jo Stephenson Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person Young Options College Limited Registered person address Turnpike Gate House Alcester Heath Alcester Warwickshire B49 5JG Responsible individual Graham Baker Registered manager Kirstianne Pierce Date of last inspection 13/03/2014 2 of 11 Inspection date 02/07/2014

p.1

Previous inspection good progress Enforcement action since last inspection none

p.2

Overall effectiveness adequate

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

p.2

Overall effectiveness

Young people receive adequate care and support that takes account of their individual needs and personal circumstances. However, staff do not effectively consult with young people. The views of young people are not sought regarding the quality of care they receive or the contents of their individual support plans. This is detrimental to the progress young people make in the home because their thoughts and feelings are not intrinsic to the review of their care and welfare needs. As a result, positive outcomes for young people are not continually promoted.

p.2

Overall effectiveness

Relationships between young people and staff are generally positive. Nevertheless, young people say that bullying is an issue in the home. Staff do not effectively record incidents of bullying. Furthermore, one-to-one work with young people in relation to these incidents, lacks detail. Records do not demonstrate clear actions taken to prevent a reoccurrence of these events. In addition, staff do not receive training to assist them to identify the signs of bullying or intimidation. This means that the safety of young people is not continually promoted. This is because staff fail to adequately challenge or address incidents of bullying.

p.2

Overall effectiveness

Young people’s safety is further compromised because staff do not ensure that records of physical restraint are completed as required by the regulations. Staff do not ensure that records of restraint include all necessary information. This means 3 of 11 that the review of the use of this measure of control is ineffectual. This is because possible triggers to young people’s behaviours are not adequately recorded. In addition, staff continue to use bedroom door alarms to monitor the movements of young people during the night. The possible need for the use of this measure has not been risk assessed. This means that young people are subject to this restriction as a matter of custom and practice. This restriction on young people’s privacy is not used because of an identified safeguarding risk. As a result, young people’s welfare is not continually promoted and this hinders their development.

p.2

Overall effectiveness

The Registered Manager operates a varied range of monitoring systems to assess the strengths and weakness of the home. Nevertheless, these systems do not include effective consultation with young people. This means that the views of young people are not central to the development of the service. Furthermore, the Statement of Purpose for the home has not been revised to include all necessary information required by the regulations. Although this shortfall does not impact on young people’s development or progress, a requirement has been made to address this issue. 4 of 11

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This home is part of a large private children’s care organisation and is registered to accommodate three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/03/2014 Interim good progress 30/08/2013 Full adequate 13/03/2013 Interim good progress 17/10/2012 Full good

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

4 (2001) compile in relation to a children's home a written statement (in these Regulations referred to as "the statement of purpose") which shall consist of a statement as to the matters listed in Schedule 1 (Regulation 4(1)) 25/08/2014

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) shall prepare and implement as required a written policy for the prevention of bullying in the children's home, which shall in particular set out the procedure for dealing with an allegation of bullying (Regulation 16(4)(a)) 25/08/2014

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

17B (2001) ensure within 24 hours of these of any measure of control or discipline in a children's home, a written 25/08/2014 5 of 11 record is made in a volume kept for the purpose of which shall include all information as required by these Regulations (Regulation 17B(3)(a-i))

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that electronic or mechanical monitoring devices for the surveillance of children are not used in a children's home except for the purpose of safeguarding (Regulation 22(1)) 25/08/2014

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure the system referred to in paragraph (1) shall provide for consultation with children accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities (Regulation 34(3)) 25/08/2014

p.5

Recommendations

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

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure all children communicate their views on all aspects of their care and support (NMS 1.3)  ensure staff in the home are trained to recognise and deal with any indication incidents of bullying, to act proactively and intervene positively, engaging with those who bully as well as those who are bullied (NMS 3.12)  ensue suitable arrangements exist for the professional supervision of the registered person of the agency (NMS 19.3) 6 of 11

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Young people have generally positive relationships with staff. One young person said ‘most of the staff are good and I like being with them.’ Young people participate in one-to-one sessions following incidents of negative or anti-social behaviour. They are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour and discuss alternative means of managing their frustrations. As a result, young people consider the negative impact their actions may have on their relationships with others. This means that young people understand the wider consequences of their actions. Consequently, young people develop the emotional and practical skills necessary to form sustainable relationships with others. However, one-to-one sessions completed with young people are not assimilated into the review of their individual support plans. As a result, young people are unable to continually recognise or celebrate the progress they make. This is

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people adequate

detrimental to young people’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Taking account of their starting point, young people make good progress in education. All young people have suitable school placements and full-time timetables that reflect their learning needs, skills and abilities. Attendance in school has improved since the last inspection. Young people are encouraged to discuss their educational achievements and celebrate these. They are supported to identify their future ambitions and the steps they need to take to achieve these. This means that young people understand the positive impact education has on their development. As a result, young people experience educational success and this gives them confidence in their skills.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Young people access all of the primary health care services they require. In addition, young people benefit from sessions with allocated therapists. This is because young people are supported to discuss their emotional and psychological health. Young people are encouraged to reflect on the potential impact their emotional well-being has on their behaviour and development. Consequently, young people develop strategies to counteract their frustrations. This means that young people take responsibility for their actions and this further supports their development.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Contact between young people and their families is effectively supported. Young people have clear contact arrangements in place and say they understand the reasons for any restrictions on contact. One young person said, ‘Staff take me to see my family and I like having them with me. I can pick the person that comes.’ This means that young people are able to maintain and further develop positive relationships with those who are important to them. As a result, young people are not isolated from their families.

p.6

Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Young people participate in regular activities in the local community and routines in the home are established to ensure planned activities are a priority. This means that 7 of 11 young people experience inclusion in their local community and this promotes their sense of well-being. Nevertheless, young people are not consistently consulted regarding the development of the home. This is detrimental to young people’s development because they are unable to positively contribute to the progress of the home.

p.6

Quality of care adequate

Young people say that their relationships with staff and each other are ‘mostly ok’. Nevertheless, one young person said, ‘some staff can be a bit moody at times and you can just tell they aren’t really listening when you talk.’ The quality of relationships between some staff and young people has a negative impact on young people’s development. This is because young people do not continually feel supported by all staff. Staff complete one-to-one sessions with young people around incidents of challenging or negative behaviours. These sessions allow young people to reflect on their behaviour and consider the consequences of their actions. Furthermore, staff encourage young people to identify any additional support they require to assist them to manage their own behaviour. Nevertheless, the content of these sessions is not included in the review of internal placement plans or risk assessments. This means that the views and feelings of young people do not

p.7

Quality of care adequate

influence the care they receive. As a result, young people are not effectively consulted with on all aspects of their care. This compromises young people’s development and progress because they are not involved in decisions about their care.

p.7

Quality of care adequate

Staff work in partnership with placing authorities to ensure that statutory care plans are in place for all young people. Internal placement plans reflect the aims and objectives of the placing authority. Staff ensure allocated social workers are regularly updated regarding the progress young people make. This means that young people benefit from an integrated approach to meeting their identified care and welfare needs. Nonetheless, there is limited consultation with young people regarding their internal care plans. This means that the views of young people do not engage in the care planning progress. This is detrimental to young people’s development, well- being and self-confidence. One young person said, ‘I don’t really know what my care plan says. Staff get me to sign things but don’t always explain what they are.’

p.7

Quality of care adequate

Young people say they understand how to make a complaint. One young person said, ‘If I’m not happy about something I talk to the manager or write it down; things then get sorted out.’ Staff ensure that complaints raised by young people are recorded and addressed within suitable timescales. Young people received verbal and written feedback on any concerns they raise. As a result, young people are assured that issues they raise are taken seriously. This promotes young people’s welfare and safety.

p.7

Quality of care adequate

School attendance is a priority in the home. Staff ensure that daily routines support 8 of 11 young people to attend school, complete their work and celebrate their achievements. Staff effectively address any barriers to education young people face. This is because staff work with allocated teaching staff to identify the difficulties young people have and develop strategies to address these. Consequently, young people understand the importance of education and experience educational success.

p.7

Quality of care adequate

Staff effectively liaise with allocated therapists to ensure that young people’s emotional and psychological health needs are met. In addition, staff encourage young people to maintain a healthy life-style by supporting their participation in regular exercise. Staff undertake one-to-one sessions with young people regarding life-style choices and the negative impact these may have on their development. For example, staff talk to young people about the importance of eating a healthy diet and limiting their intake of ‘junk’ food. This means that young people understand the positive impact maintaining good health has on their development and welfare.

p.8

Quality of care adequate

Young people are encouraged to pursue their individual hobbies and interests. Staff liaise with local clubs and sporting groups to ensure that young people are not excluded from activities. This means that young people are able to expand their social circles, form sustainable friendships and learn new skills. This supports young people to develop their social interaction skills and enjoy new experiences. This further promotes young people’s welfare and well-being.

p.8

Quality of care adequate

The home is suitably located and well maintained. Young people say they are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms and have been involved in decisions regarding the decoration of communal areas. One young person said, ‘the house looks nice; like a real home should look.’

p.8

Keeping children and young people safe adequate

Young people say they feel safe in the home. However, young people report that incidents of bullying have occurred in the home. The home does not have a system in place to record or monitor incidents of bullying. Furthermore, staff do not undertake training to enable them to recognise the signs of bullying or intimidation or respond proactively to these incidents. This means that the safety and welfare of young people is not continually promoted. This is because staff do not effectively support young people in these circumstances or address this behaviour with alleged perpetrators.

p.8

Keeping children and young people safe adequate

Staff ensure that young people have comprehensive and individualised missing from home risk assessments in place. These are regularly reviewed and identify triggers to this behaviour. Staff work in partnership with local police to ensure that robust actions are taken in these circumstances. This means that young people are quickly returned to the home. Missing from home events have reduced since the last inspection. This is because staff discuss these events with young people and highlight the potential risks associated with this behaviour. Young people are encouraged to 9 of 11 recognise their vulnerabilities and take steps to keep themselves safe when away from the home. As a result, young people benefit from a comprehensive approach to promoting their safety and welfare in these circumstances.

p.8

Keeping children and young people safe adequate

The Registered Manager ensures that staff complete regular safeguarding training. This means that staff respond appropriately to allegations of abuse or harm. All allegations or suspicions of harm are referred to the appropriate authorities, monitored and addressed. Safeguarding training for staff is supported by the organisation's robust policies and procedures. As a result, staff have the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure the safety of young people is promoted.

p.9

Keeping children and young people safe adequate

Young people have detailed risk assessments in place that identify their specific vulnerabilities and triggers to their anti-social behaviours. However, these risk assessment do not include the use of bedroom door alarms to monitor young people’s movement at night. Bedroom door alarms are used for all young people, as a matter of custom and practice. The needs for the continued use of this restrictive measure has not been assessed in relation to any specified safeguarding need. This has a negative impact on young people’s privacy and hinders their development.

p.9

Keeping children and young people safe adequate

Staff are trained in the use of physical intervention. Restraint is only used as a last resort to maintain the safety of young people. Nevertheless, records of physical restraint are not consistently completed in detail. For example, on some occasions staff have completed separate incident reports and only included minimum detail within the restraint log. This means that the Registered Manager is unable to effectively review all incidents of restraint. As a result, any patterns or trends in relation to the use of this measure of control may be overlooked. This is detrimental to young people’s welfare, safety and development.

p.9

Keeping children and young people safe adequate

Staff ensure that regular health and safety and fire checks are completed in the home. All health and safety shortfalls are immediately actioned and addressed. Furthermore, young people participate in frequent fire drills and practices. This means that in the event of a fire young people are aware of how to safely exit the home.

p.9

Keeping children and young people safe adequate

The Registered Manager adhere to the organisations ‘safer recruitment’ procedures. This means that staff employed to support young people are adequately checked and vetted. As a result, young people do not work with people who may wish to cause them harm and this further promotes their safety and welfare.

p.9

Leadership and management adequate

The home has a permanent manager in post who has been registered with Ofsted since May 2013. The Registered Manager has extensive experience of children’s residential care and holds suitable qualifications for this position. All complaints raised since the last inspection have been sufficiently addressed and resolved. In addition, 10 of 11 the one requirement and the majority of recommendations made at the last inspection have been actioned and addressed. This means that the home can demonstrate the capacity for continued improvement.

p.9

Leadership and management adequate

The Registered Manager ensures that staff receive regular and effective formal supervision that supports their development and monitors their practice. This means that staff performance is adequately scrutinised and their learning needs are identified. As a result, young people work with staff who are skilled and experienced in meeting their needs. However, the Registered Manager does not receive professional supervision from the organisation. Consequently, the development of the Registered Manager is not prioritised and this potentially hinders the development of the service.

p.10

Leadership and management adequate

Young people benefit from a comprehensive young person’s guide to the home. This document details advocacy services that young people can contact should they wish to raise any concerns. This promotes the safety and welfare of young people because they are able to contact external agencies for additional support. In addition, the home’s Statement of Purpose details the aims and objectives of the home and placing authorities confirm they are aware of the services provided for young people. However, this document does not include all necessary information as required by the regulations. Although this is not detrimental to the quality of care provided for young people, a requirement has been made to address this shortfall.

p.10

Leadership and management adequate

The Registered Manager works in partnership with placing authorities to ensure that statutory care plans are in place for all young people. Young people are encouraged to attend their reviews and staff complete progress reports for this purpose. As a result, young people experience an integrated approach to identifying and meeting their care and welfare needs.

p.10

Leadership and management adequate

The Registered Manager ensures that sufficient monitoring systems are in place to assess and evaluate the quality of care provided by the service. These systems identify the strengths of the service and areas for improvement. Consequently, young people live in a home where positive outcomes for young people are measured. However, the views and opinions of young people regarding the quality of care they receive is not assimilated into monitoring records. This means that young people are not effectively consulted with on all aspects of their care. This potentially compromises young people’s development and the progress they make. Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.10

Leadership and management adequate

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.11

Judgement Description

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

p.11

Judgement Description

Good A service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements.

p.11

Judgement Description

Adequate A service that only meets minimum requirements.

p.11

Judgement Description

Inadequate A service that does not meet minimum requirements.

p.11

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.

p.11

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.

p.11