Children's Home run by Bay View Child Care Limited in Lancashire

Unique reference number SC416318 Inspector Jackie Line Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Bay View Child Care Limited Registered person address 3-5 Dalton Square Lancaster Lancashire LA1 1PP

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Responsible individual Martin Richard Horner Registered manager Thomas Peter Buckley Date of last inspection 25/02/2014 2 of 10 Inspection date 07/11/2014

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Previous inspection good progress Enforcement action since last inspection none

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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 home’s aims and objectives are clearly being fulfilled. This service has a huge impact on the lives of each young person. Young people consistently say that they are happy and safe. They are able to articulate how life has improved for them since coming to live at the home. One young person describes life at the home, and for himself as ‘the best it has ever been’.

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Overall effectiveness

The quality of relationships between staff and young people is a clear strength. This is at the heart of what helps young people to progress. They build positive, reciprocal relationships and are effectively supported by staff. As a result, young people develop resilience, and gain a greater understanding of themselves and their circumstances. This means they are more able to deal with difficult situations and move forward.

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Overall effectiveness

Outcomes for young people have significantly improved, as a result of the outstanding care they receive. Based on their starting points, young people are making exceptional progress in key areas. For example, they are developing healthy attachments, maintaining peer relationships, their physical and emotional health is improving, and education outcomes on the whole are excellent. Young people are learning to make informed choices about their behaviour, and this means there is a reduction in risk taking behaviours. All of these factors improve young people’s life 3 of 10 chances and future prospects.

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Overall effectiveness

On-going communication and consultation means that young people’s views are consistently sought. As a result, young people greatly influence the running of the home. Comprehensive plans are in place, and young people benefit from highly individualised programmes of care. Moreover, effective collaboration between placing authorities, health and education professionals ensures young people are safeguarded and their welfare promoted.

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Overall effectiveness

The home is extremely well managed. Staff are fully committed to the ethos of the home which is conducive to securing positive outcomes for young people. The strengths and weaknesses of the home are recognised, and there are plans in place to secure continued development and sustained improvement.

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Overall effectiveness

One area for future development has been identified. This links to the Registered Manager undertaking safer recruitment training to further his understanding and knowledge in this area. 4 of 10

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Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to accommodate four young people with emotional and behavioural problems. It is operated by a private organisation. The home offers emergency, medium and long-term placements for young people.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/02/2014 Interim good progress 28/11/2013 Full outstanding 16/01/2013 Interim good progress 09/08/2012 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 the Registered Manager receives training in relation to safer recruitment (NMS 16.2). 5 of 10

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people experience stability and consistency. Prior to placement young people have experienced chaotic lifestyles, and this home provides a secure base from which they grow and develop. All young people have made significant progress relative to their starting points. In particular, they have developed strong reciprocal relationships with staff. As a result, they make exceptional progress in their ability to form trusting relationships, they develop resilience and have a better understand of their own circumstances. One young person said that coming to live at the home, 'is the best thing that has happened to me, and my life has turned around’.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Some young people have complex emotional and physical health needs, and these are being positively addressed. Their day to day needs are met by community based health professionals and where required, young people access specialist medical input. As a result of the support they receive, young people are learning to take responsibility for their own health. Significant improvements are noted in young people’s self-care skills and physical presentation. This reflects improvements in their self-esteem. All young people have an individual health plan, and all enjoy an active lifestyle. As a result, young people’s overall health and fitness greatly improve.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people have increased confidence and are investing in themselves. As a result, they are developing aspirations for their future. One young person has a clear aim of getting back into full-time education. He is currently engaging in an individual education support plan as a step towards this. Because young people are more able to regulate their feelings and emotions, this is impacting positively on their learning. A recent school report states: ‘He has good attendance and rarely misses lessons, the number of incidents of physical challenge have reduced to zero. As a result, he is achieving within the appropriate parameters. He is more cheerful at school and more productive in lessons’.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people’s inclusion in community life is outstanding. All young people participate in a range of interests including being in a band, swimming, squash and go-karting. Young people contribute to, and clearly benefit from, individual activity plans. A young person said: ‘one of the best things about living here is the activities.’ Young people successfully completed a coast-to-coast charity bike ride during the summer, and have recently been involved in fundraising events in the local community. High levels of participation enable young people to learn new skills, develop confidence, and enjoy a real sense of achievement.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

Young people develop and maintain peer relationships within the community. Some friendships are long standing and this demonstrates young people’s ability to sustain relationships over time. Young people are happy to bring friends to the home. This reflects how relaxed, comfortable and confident young people are in their home 6 of 10 environment.

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Outcomes for children and young people outstanding

The culture and ethos of the home is to encourage young people to take more responsibility for themselves. In line with young people’s individual needs and development, clear plans are in place to support their transition to independence. Young people have made significant progress in this area. They are now able to travel independently, manage money, and make basic meals. In addition, one young person has recently completed his curriculum vitae, and is looking for part-time work in the local community. This demonstrates that young people are well motivated, and are developing the necessary skills to enable them to live independently in the future.

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Quality of care outstanding

Young people are receiving an outstanding quality of care. A committed and highly dedicated staff team help young people to achieve their potential. Staff have high aspirations for young people, and work tremendously hard to support them. For example, staff provided high levels of support to one young person to ensure he successfully completed his last year of school. An inclusion officer said: ‘He achieved his predicted grades at GCSE, is now attending college, and to get him this far is a stunning piece of work’.

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Quality of care outstanding

The relationships between staff and young people are warm and caring, and are based on mutual respect. A number of professionals say that staff ‘genuinely care’, and ‘they definitely have the children’s best interests at the forefront of their decision making’. Staff are exceptionally skilled in communicating with young people and seeking their views. As a result, young people are learning to express their views and feelings in a mature way.

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Quality of care outstanding

Placement plans are completed to an excellent standard and are sensitive to the individual needs of young people. The recently revised format ensures that young people’s progress is clearly documented. Moreover, young people now have their own handbook which they keep in their rooms. This contains their placement plan, individual support plan and young people’s guide. Young people participate in review meetings and clearly contribute to their placement plans. As a result, young people are in a position to make informed choices about their lives day to day, and about their future. A social worker said that because of the approach of staff, and the ethos in the home, young people are ‘empowered’.

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Quality of care outstanding

Staff have excellent working relationships with a variety of partner agencies. This is an area of real strength, and professionals consistently say that communication is ‘outstanding’, and ‘first class’. This collaborative approach ensures that staff are working together to ensure young people’s needs are met. A health professional said: ‘staff are very pro-active and keep me informed, this means I can focus on preventative strategies with young people. The staff are very committed to making sure young people get the right support’. 7 of 10 The home is maintained to a high standard and is warm and welcoming for young people and visitors. A social worker describes the home as, ‘the most homely and welcoming of all the children’s homes I visit’. The home has recently benefitted from improvements including, an additional lounge, bathroom, and a new kitchen. This demonstrates clear investment in the home, and in the range of facilities provided to

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Quality of care outstanding

young people. Photographs on display reflect young people’s positive experiences and celebrate their achievements.

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Quality of care outstanding

Contact arrangements are complex and staff work sensitively to support and facilitate these arrangements. Staff are good advocates for young people and their individual needs are fully considered. This ensures that contact is a safe and positive experience. As a result, young people maintain links with people who are important to them, where this is appropriate to do so.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people’s safety is the highest priority for staff. Arrangements in place to protect children are robust. Staff are well trained and clear about their role and responsibilities in promoting young people’s welfare. Young people and staff report that they are confident in raising any concerns. On the occasions when this has happened, they say they are listened to. As a result, prompt action is taken and this promotes young people’s safety and well-being.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Individual risk assessments are comprehensive and regularly reviewed and updated. This ensures staff are clear about the individual vulnerabilities of young people, and about the strategies in place to minimise and manage risk. This practice helps to keep young people safe.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people say they feel safe and are safe living in the home. Young people have access to an independent advocate who visits the home regularly. They also confirm they have contact details for a range of support services should they require them. This means young people know how to complain. All young people can identify people who they can talk to, if they are worried about anything.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

There is a calm and effective approach to behaviour management. Staff are consistent, and young people respond well to clear boundaries that are in place. Young people contribute to their own behaviour management plans. Moreover, they are involved in negotiating consequences. Consequently, young people believe they are treated with respect, and that matters are dealt with fairly. As a result, young people take responsibility for their behaviour and are learning from their mistakes. For example, one young person explained he has not damaged property in the home ‘after I was made to pay for it’. Young people also recognise that good behaviour is rewarded. As a result, they engage well with incentive schemes that are in place. 8 of 10 Young people are encouraged to take appropriate risks in line with their age and development. This helps build their confidence and resilience. Effective keyworker relationships are an important component in keeping young people safe. Individual

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

work with young people takes place regularly. This covers a range of issues including e-safety, relationships, peer pressure and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. As a result, young people are well informed; this helps them to make choices about their behaviour and to keep safe.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Young people are not involved in criminal activity. There are only isolated incidents of risk taking behaviour, and this is within the context of their age and development. A social worker said about one young person: ‘He was so out of control and unstable prior to placement; he isn’t now and has done tremendously well’. Given young people’s starting points, they have made exceptional progress.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Systems for dealing with young people who go missing from the home are well established. Records are very clear, and demonstrate the many steps taken by staff to secure young people’s safe return. Links are maintained with external agencies, and they are made aware of the individual vulnerabilities of young people. This means that situations are appropriately risk assessed and responded to. Effective practice has led to a significant reduction in the number of missing episodes year on year.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

Recruitment practice is good, and this means that only suitable people are employed to work in the home. At least one person involved in the recruitment and selection of staff has completed safer recruitment training. This means safe practice is adhered to. However, given the Registered Manager is involved in this process, and in reviewing personnel records, he too would benefit from training in this area.

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Keeping children and young people safe outstanding

The physical environment is safe, and young people are protected through a range of health and safety procedures. In addition, young people and staff participate in regular fire drills. This means everyone is clear about how to evacuate the building safely, in the event of such an emergency.

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Leadership and management outstanding

The Registered Manager has been in post since October 2013 and holds an appropriate management qualification. He demonstrates exceptional leadership which is recognised by staff, young people and professionals alike. As a result, there is a very clear ethos within the home. One member of staff said: ‘we are committed to achieving the best outcomes for young people; we have a strong team ethos and firmly believe in what we are doing’. As a result, staff morale is excellent and energy levels are high. Young people benefit from a stable, positive and capable staff team.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Staff confirm they are well supported and receive supervision. Appraisals take place within timescales and there is a comprehensive training programme in place. The 9 of 10 management team are committed to staff development, and staff attend a variety of relevant courses to enhance their knowledge. This means that staff keep up to date with their learning, and are equipped with the necessary skills to appropriately meet the complex needs of young people in their care.

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Leadership and management outstanding

The manager is reflective and is constantly striving to improve the service. He is clear about what the home does well and areas for future development. The manager is innovative, and this has a positive impact on the running of the home. A member of staff summed it up, describing the home as ‘current, forward thinking and dynamic’.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Internal and external monitoring of the home takes place regularly, and is extremely thorough. The systems in place provide a robust review of the home’s practice, relating to the quality of young people’s care. This feeds into the development plan which is reviewed and implemented, ensuring exceptionally high standards are maintained.

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Leadership and management outstanding

There are appropriate systems in place to notify Ofsted and other relevant authorities of significant events that occur. This ensures that all relevant parties are kept informed, and this means that young people’s welfare is promoted. Clear partnership arrangements underpin all practice, and there is tremendous satisfaction with the high-quality services provided.

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Leadership and management outstanding

Records in the home are clear, accurate and up to date. They reflect the huge progress that young people make during their placement and demonstrate significantly improved outcomes. No requirements or recommendations were set at the last inspection and no complaints about the home have been received between inspections. 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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