Children's Home run by Witherslack Group Limited in Sefton

Unique reference number SC475689 Inspector Chris Scully Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Witherslack Group Ltd Registered person address Witherslack Group, Lupton Tower Lupton CARNFORTH Lancashire LA6 2PR Responsible individual Howard Charles Tennant Registered manager Nicola Jayne Carroll Date of last inspection N/A 2 of 11 Inspection date 29/07/2014

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Previous inspection N/A Enforcement action since last inspection There has been no enforcement action since the last inspection.

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Overall effectiveness outstanding

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

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Overall effectiveness

The children's home is making an outstanding difference to young people's lives. The commitment and quality of care provided by staff enables young people to make and sustain exceptionally good progress. Social workers and other professionals involved with the home say staff promote positive outcomes for young people and are skilful in supporting them through difficult periods. Experienced and qualified staff offer structure and support that values and celebrates their individual qualities and experiences.

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Overall effectiveness

Staff listen and respond well to young people’s views and ideas about the quality of care in the home. Detailed care plans illustrate that young people are fully involved in decisions about their lives and plans for their futures. Staff encourage cooperation in daily living and foster relationships based on acceptance of individual personalities. Young people enjoy very positive relationships with staff which enable them to feel safe and secure. Young people say they feel safe here and know that staff care about them.

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Overall effectiveness

The home is extremely well managed by a highly committed and dedicated Registered Manager and staff team. The statement of purpose and young people's guide provide clear insight into the type of care and support each young person can 3 of 11 expect to receive. There are some minor shortfalls with regards to recording and a maintenance issue, both of which were immediately actioned by the Registered Manager. 4 of 11

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Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to provide care and support to six young people with learning disabilities. The home is one of several owned and managed by a limited company.

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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 avoidable hazards are removed as is consistent with a domestic dwelling, in particular young people's bedroom windows (NMS 10.3)  ensure entries in records are clearly expressed and are non-stigmatising, in particular that they are effectively cross-referenced and consider the use of the word absconding. (NMS 22.4) 5 of 11

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

All young people benefit from outstanding care that is personalised to their individual needs. Young people talk to staff and other professionals about their past difficulties and experiences and develop an understanding of their backgrounds. Young people confidently tell visitors about how they felt when they first arrived and how different they feel about themselves now. This means they are more confident in their own abilities which helps them to make effective and sustained progress because they feel secure. They are better able to overcome difficulties to achieve positive change in their outlook and prospects. Social workers say young people very much see this as a ‘home from home’ where they make exceptional progress. Parents are equally complimentary of the setting as the say the changes in their children since residing here has been 'wonderful' to see.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people confidently talk about their own 'condition' and the impact this has upon them. They have an excellent understanding of the medication they take, the reasons for this and the implications for them if they do not take it. They talk knowledgably about how they need to eat a healthy diet and the health benefits associated with this. They joke with each other as to who has the better diet as they explain one young person likes to eat sweets, and when sensitively challenged about what they have for supper. They confidently explain that yes they do have crisps but everything in moderation. Other young people are extremely proud of their recent weight loss and how they are going shopping today for new clothes. Young people are keen to explain that you need to exercise as well to stay fit and say they really, really enjoy cycling.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people attend the school associated with the home. Their attendance is excellent and they are making outstanding progress in relation to their starting points. They are engaged in an extensive range of self chosen activities which support their individual interests such as stunt cycling, visiting music outlets to enhance their music collection and being a disc jockey. Young people enjoy the same opportunities as any other teenager: their friends visit on a regular basis and come in for tea. They explain they are not going on holiday this year but are doing lots of other things such as spa days.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Their wishes and views are central to the organisation of the setting. Young people make choices about how they want to spend this time, for example, going out with staff or taking part in activities within the home. Young people have an excellent understanding of the running of the home. They are confident to put forward suggestions as to how things can be improved such as additional channels on the television or selecting the week’s menu. Young people confidently explain how they all sit together to work out the week’s menu. They say this means we all get to have thing we like, 'I chose tonight and its fish chips and mushy peas!' Young people go on 6 of 11 to say that although there is a set main meal there is always an alternative, 'as you may not want that and you need another choice.'

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people benefit highly from contact with their families and those people who are close to them. Social workers say staff work extremely hard to help young people sustain this contact and often go above and beyond what's expected of them to achieve this. This means young people are able to remain in appropriate contact and ultimately build upon and sustain positive relationships with those people who are important to them.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people are being extremely well prepared for adulthood. They are increasing in confidence in their own abilities; for example some young people are now happily using public transport, something social workers say they 'never thought they would see.' Young people who are due to move on to adult provision feel reassured about the move and talk about their new home. They explain to visitors that 'its ok as X (staff) are taking them there.' Young people develop budgeting skills as they shop with staff and are competent savers who understand that sometime you have to save money to buy more expensive items such as games for consoles.

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Quality of care outstanding

Young people are thriving in the caring and stimulating atmosphere. Staff provide an exceptional standard of care that considerably enhances children and young people’s experiences, progress and development. Parents and social workers are very positive about the quality of care provided at the home. They say young people receive excellent and outstanding levels of care and support which has enabled them to consistently sustain their exceptional progress across all areas of their development. Young people enjoy extremely positive relationship with staff which are built upon honesty and trust. Young people obviously enjoy spending time with staff, in particular the banter with them. Young people say their staff 'are the best!'

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff are extremely knowledgeable about individual children’s levels of understanding and comprehension associated with their condition. As a result, staff engage extremely well with young people to provide the support and reassurance they need to reduce their anxieties. Staff’s excellent communication skills enable children and young people express their wishes and feelings and make choices. Staff ensure young people’s views are listened to and where possible acted upon. Young people have access to independent advocates who can act on their behalf. Young people say that staff are always there to talk to them, they say 'I know when I am angry I can talk to X and they help me.’

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff always place the well-being of individual children and young people at the centre of their practice. They are very knowledgeable about young people’s individual needs and plan for these exceedingly well. Care planning is highly personalised and allows the uniqueness of each young person to shine. Planning carefully 7 of 11 encompasses young people's ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic diversity. Staff work tirelessly to ensure barriers to participation in events within the home and community are eliminated. As a result, young people are able to engage in an extensive range of activities outside of the home.

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Quality of care outstanding

Young people's health care needs are exceptionally well supported by the staff's commitment to working in partnership with parents, health care professionals and others to create plans that are tailored to each young person’s needs. Parents say the therapeutic support young people receive has enabled them to come to terms with their condition and issues around specific behaviours. This has resulted in a significant decline in these behaviours and ultimately young people are happier.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff have high aspirations for each young person. They want them to achieve the best possible outcomes which will enable them to live life to the full and enjoy every opportunity afforded to them. Staff work extremely closely with school to ensure young people’s plans are consistently and effectively applied. This means young people are provided with exceptional care and support.

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Quality of care outstanding

Young people live in a warm, welcoming family home in a quiet residential neighbourhood. The home is highly personalised and young people's photographs are displayed with pride. Young people are extremely keen to show visitors their bedrooms and explain how they have chosen the colours and what they want to have in them. The home is decorated and maintained to a high standard. One bedroom window needs some attention but the Registered Manager is aware of this and is trying to resolve this issue.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people feel safe and live in a safe environment where they are effectively protected from harm. Staff are alert to potential risks and encourage young people to let them know if they have any worries or concerns. Young people demonstrate they are confident to talk to staff and visitors about situations that may cause them harm, particularly in regard to relationships and behaviour in the home. They trust staff to act promptly to help keep them safe. Staff use their excellent knowledge and understanding of how to protect young people from abuse and foster good links with other child protection professionals. This has resulted in some of their documentation being shared with other services to enhance their recording of concerns. Local authority designated officers say the home is extremely proactive in consulting with them which means appropriate and swift action can be taken if needed to support

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

The instances of young people being missing are rare. However, there are clear procedures and protocols in place should this occur. This means young people are located and return home quickly and safely. Missing from care coordinators say the home keeps them updated on any concerns and acts swiftly should this occur. A 8 of 11 young person said that if they were to go missing, which would be 'silly', staff would look for them as they care about them and want them to be safe.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Staff and young people contribute towards an understanding of regularly reviewed risk management plans that enable staff to protect young people from harm. Young people provide guidance to staff as to how best to support them in crisis and staff use this knowledge to help keep young people safe. When staff are concerned about young people's safety, they take decisive action to make sure young people are protected and receive the support they need, including increased supervision or access to counsellors or advocates.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Staff present excellent role models in positive problem-solving techniques. They make good use of de-escalation approaches to deal with challenging behaviour constructively and generally avoid the need for physical restraint. Young people’s views are appropriately registered in records of disciplinary action taken by staff.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Staff offer skilled and sensitive intervention and re-direction to young people whose behaviour challenges the safety or welfare of themselves or others. By ensuring they treat young people fairly and with respect, they help them identify the best ways to take responsibility for their behaviour. Staff have a good understanding of the dynamics of relationships between young people, and offer sound advice and education about issues such as bullying or appropriate relationships. This means young people are able to make clear links as to why on occasion their behaviour could be perceived as bullying towards others.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people are becoming skilled negotiators as they discuss with staff how they can go on a bike ride after they have been to the dentist. They explain that as it is a nice day they need a bike ride to stay healthy and they will wear sun cream as they do not want to get burnt. Following this clear argument the ride is agreed with staff. As a result young people are growing in confidence and self-esteem. Young people's ability to reflect upon past behaviours and how they have changed is phenomenal. This is recognised by social workers who say, ‘this is one of the best homes I have worked with and the outcomes for young people are excellent, they are more independent and their confidence has soared especially when managing difficult situations’.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people live in a physically safe environment. They are protected from any hazards by a comprehensive range of detailed health and safety procedures, risk assessments and checks. Staff carry out regular health and safety checks, including fire drills, with young people to ensure the premises are safe and they know what to do in case of an emergency. Consequently, young people confidently tell visitors about what they need to do if the fire alarm goes off and where they need to stand to keep safe. Staff are extremely proactive in repairing any damage quickly so that the home remains well-maintained.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

The recruitment and selection of people working at the home is very thorough to 9 of 11 make sure children are protected. The manager carefully ensures that staff have the skills and competencies to meet the needs of individual young people. Also there are suitable systems in place to ensure that visitors to the home are suitably checked and supervised to protect young people.

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Leadership and management outstanding

The Registered Manager has been in post since 2004. This is the home’s first inspection since the company re-registered the service. The Registered Manager is suitably qualified to undertake her responsibilities, with a level five qualification in management and a social work qualification.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Young people live in a home that places their needs central to any service development and celebrates the progress they make. Enthusiastic and competent staff have consistently high aspirations for young people, enjoy their company and are extremely proud of how well young people are doing. They want the same opportunities for the young people as they would for their own children. The effectiveness of this approach is evident in the positive progress young people are making in many aspects of their lives. Parents and professionals say they hold the service in high regard because they can see the positive difference the home makes to the lives of complex young people.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Staff are very well supported by the Registered Manager and other senior staff within the home. They attend formal supervision that follows a set agenda and is highly focused on the needs of the young people. Managers invite other professionals to staff meetings to best discern how to meet the needs of young people more effectively. For example, working with the schools’ speech and language specialists, occupational therapists and psychologist to support young peoples enhanced communication preferences.

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Leadership and management outstanding

The home meets the aims and objectives of the statement of purpose. Young people, their families and social workers are clear about the services and support the home provides. Managers increase staffing at specific times of need, such as when young people require additional support to enable an activity to take place or to enable them to attend school or medical appointments. This improves the opportunities for learning and development that underpin improved outcomes in the lives of young people. Each young person has a bespoke young people’s guide which is designed to meet their preferred communication style.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Paperwork captures the details of the lives of young people, charts their progress and consistently reflects their individual aspirations and challenges. Social workers say the communication from the home and the detailed paperwork they receive is a real strength of the provision. Regular review of all records in the home ensures that keyworkers provide staff with reliable and detailed information about the needs of young people. For example, risk assessments are reviewed at least monthly and 10 of 11 indicate improvements in each young person’s ability to stay safe. However, there are some minor errors in records, such as the use of the word absconding which does not reflect positively on the young people and on a small number of occasions records are not effectively cross referenced. This is a recording issue and does not detract from the exceptional levels of care and support provided to young people.

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Leadership and management outstanding

The home demonstrates a strong capacity for continuing improvement. The Registered Manager and staff are committed to the continual development of their service and enhancing the outcomes for young people. This is supported by effective systems to monitor the home by the Registered Manager and an independent person from the organisation. The home’s development plan, which is currently under review, provides further insight into future developments such as a new young people’s guide. Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Leadership and management outstanding

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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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