Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC020630 Inspector Jo Stephenson Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Castle Homes Care Limited Registered person address Castle Homes Care Ltd, The Manor House High Street, Rothwell KETTERING Northamptonshire NN14 6BQ Responsible individual Shelley Frances Whiting Registered manager Dale John Berry Date of last inspection 25/03/2014 2 of 11 Inspection date 12/11/2014

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Previous inspection satisfactory progress Enforcement action since last inspection none

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Overall effectiveness adequate

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

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Overall effectiveness

The home provides young people with adequate care and support. Staff ensure that internal care plans and risk assessments are in place to highlight young people’s care and welfare needs. Nevertheless, staff do not ensure that statutory placement plans are compiled in partnership with placing authorities. This means that staff are unaware of the aims and objectives of the placing authorities. As a result, staff are unable to verify that internal support plans meet the needs of young people. Furthermore, young people’s case files do not include all necessary information, such as young people’s immunisation records. Subsequently, young people do not experience an integrated or comprehensive approach to meeting their needs. This is detrimental to young people’s development.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people are regularly consulted regarding the contents of their internal plans. They participate in one-to-one sessions with their keyworker to discuss their behaviours and future ambitions. Staff ensure that young people receive the individual time and attention they need to support their progress. As a result, young people have positive relationships with staff and say they feel safe and secure in the home. Nevertheless, when young people have been subject to physical restraint, their thoughts and comments regarding the use of this measure of control are not recorded on documents kept for this purpose. The negative impact of this shortfall is negated in part because staff complete ‘de-brief’ sessions with young people 3 of 11 following these events. However, a requirement has been made to address this issue.

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Overall effectiveness

Staff encourage young people to join local leisure and sporting groups to expand their social circles, gain new experiences and learn new skills. Nevertheless, leisure facilities in the home are limited. Young people says they are often ‘bored’ in the evening. One young person said, ‘we live in the sticks out here and there is nothing to do when it gets dark’. Subsequently, young people are reliant on staff to provide them with stimulation and activities and this hinders their growth and personal development.

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Overall effectiveness

The Registered Manager ensures that monitoring systems are in place to evaluate and assess the quality of care provided by the home and positive outcomes for young people. These systems allow the Registered Manager to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the home and devise actions plans to improve the service. However, feedback from young people, their families and placing authorities are not incorporated into these documents. A requirement has been made to address this shortfall. 4 of 11

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Information about this children’s home

The home is a two-bedded children's home providing services for young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is owned and operated by a private provider.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/03/2014 Interim satisfactory progress 15/10/2013 Full good 28/01/2013 Interim satisfactory progress 10/09/2012 Full outstanding

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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.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

12A (2001) ensure in the case of a child who is looked after by a local authority the registered person must co- operate with the child's placing authority in agreeing the plan for the child's placement in accordance with the provisions in regulation 9 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010 (Regulation 12A(1)) 22/12/2014

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Reg. Requirement Due date

17B (2001) ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any restraint, the written record includes confirmation that the authorised person has spoken to the child concerned about the use of the measure. (Regulation 17B (3)(h)) 22/12/2014 5 of 11 (2001) ensure that children accommodated in the home are provided with appropriate leisure facilities and activities (Regulation 18(2)(a)) 22/12/2014

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) maintain in respect of each child who is accommodated in a children home a record in permanent form which includes the information, documents and records specified in Schedule 3 relating to that child (Regulation 28(1)(a)) 22/12/2014

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that 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)) 22/12/2014 6 of 11

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Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Young people are supported to reflect on their backgrounds and personal circumstances. They regularly participate in one-to-one sessions with their keyworker, and are encouraged to recognise the impact their behaviours have on their development and progress. As a result, young people start to take responsibility for their own actions. This supports young people’s emotional growth because they develop the resilience they need to move forward with their lives. This positively impacts on young people’s self-esteem and confidence.

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Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Education is a priority in the home and young people make progress in this area of their development. Staff work with young people to ensure that suitable education placements are found to allow young people to continue with their learning when they face barriers to education. Young people’s school attendance is acceptable, taking account of their starting point, and they work with staff to continually improve this. Young people recognise the positive impact education will have on their career aims and ambitions. As a result, young people are focused on gaining the skills they need for future employment. Young people are able to take responsibility for their own health. They are encouraged to directly liaise with primary health services, such as doctors, when they require health appointments. In addition, young people work with staff to recognise the negative impact some of their life-style choices have on their development. For

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Outcomes for children and young people adequate

example, young people are provided with accurate and factual information regarding drug and alcohol abuse, and the effect of this on their progress and development. Furthermore, young people are able to access specialist health services, such as mental health support agencies. As a result, young people are fully involved in decision about their health and benefit from a holistic approach to meeting these needs.

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Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Regular contact between young people and their families and friends is continually promoted. Young people are provided with practical and emotional support to allow them to maintain or progress their relationships with those who are important to them. Additionally, young people are encouraged to take responsibility for arranging visits with their families. This means that young people do not feel isolated from their families and this further promotes their self-esteem and well-being.

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Outcomes for children and young people adequate

Young people regularly participate in young people’s meetings. Young people are encouraged to discuss the development of the home and their likes and dislikes. Also, young people are supported to access the local community and make the most of the facilities and amenities the community has to offer. For example, some young people join local football clubs. This gives young people a sense of belonging and inclusion and this supports their welfare and well-being. 7 of 11 Independent living programmes are in place to assess the practical and emotional skills young people require for their transition to adulthood. Nevertheless, statutory care plans or pathway plans are not in place for young people. This significant shortfall has not been challenged by staff, and the home has failed to work in partnership with placing authorities to ensure these plans are completed. This means that young people are unsure of their future accommodation options and support

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Outcomes for children and young people adequate

needs. One young person said, ‘I just don’t know what’s going to happen over the next few months or where I’ll be.’ This compromises young people’s development.

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Quality of care adequate

Young people enjoy positive relationships with staff. One young person said, ‘the staff are nice and listen to what I say and think about things.’ Staff undertake regular one-to-one sessions with young people to discuss the content of their internal support plans and to challenge any unacceptable behaviours. Young people say they feel these sessions are ‘supportive’. This means that young people start to develop responsibility for their own behaviours and actions, and recognise the impact these may have on others. However, staff do not effectively challenge placing authorities when statutory plans are not in place for young people. This means that they are unable to verify that internal support plans are compatible with the aims and objectives of the placing authorities. Furthermore, young people’s case files do not include all necessary information as required by the regulations. Subsequently, young

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Quality of care adequate

people do not experience integrated care that takes account of all their welfare and care needs.

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Quality of care adequate

Staff work in partnership with local learning providers and colleges to ensure that young people have access to the support they need to continue with their education. When young people are disengaged from education, staff work with young people to identify potential barriers to learning and find solutions to these. For example, the home has funded bespoke college courses for young people to inspire and motivate them to return to education and achieve their career aims. Young people say that they appreciate the support they have from staff to continue with their education. As a result, young people make progress in education, taking account of their starting point and this promotes their development and self-confidence.

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Quality of care adequate

Young people are encouraged to maintain a healthy life-style. Staff work with young people, their families and health professionals to ascertain their health needs and identify strategies to ensure these are continually supported. When appropriate, staff work with external agencies to provide young people with specialist health support, such a mental health workers and drug counsellors. This ensures that young people experience a holistic approach to meeting their health needs. In addition, young people are involved in the planning of food menus and discuss the nutritional value of the foods they eat. One young person said, ‘I’d live off biscuits if I could but I know that’s not a good idea.’ As a result young people understand the positive impact good health has on their development. 8 of 11 Staff provide young people with practical support to join local sports clubs. This means that young people are able to learn new skills and develop their hobbies and

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Quality of care adequate

interests away from the home. However, young people say there is little to occupy them in the home. Activity equipment in the home is limited to computer games and board games. For example, young people do not have access to the internet or other learning and leisure resources. This compromises young people’s personal development because they are reliant on staff for stimulation and entertainment.

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Quality of care adequate

Young people say they know how to make a complaint. The home’s complaints procedure is robust and transparent and this means that young people are confident that any concerns they raise will be addressed. One young person said, ‘the staff always listen to us and deal with any issues we have.’ All complaints raised since the last inspection have been actioned and resolved. Records of complaints are detailed and demonstrate that any issues raised are addressed within suitable timescales. This promotes young people’s welfare and safety.

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Quality of care adequate

The home is located in a rural community and provides young people with suitable private space. Young people are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms and the communal living areas in the home. The home is decorated to a reasonable standard and well-maintained. This means that young people live in a comfortable home.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Young people are safe in the home and say they feel safe. Staff complete regular refresher training in safeguarding and child protection. This means that staff are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect. As a result, any allegations or suspicions of harm are referred to the appropriate authorities, and effectively managed. Staff practice is supported by robust multi-agency safeguarding procedures. Subsequently, young people work with staff who are competent in their response to any safeguarding concerns.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Young people do not identify bullying to be an issue in the home; although staff remain alert to the signs of bullying and intimidation. There have been no incidents of bullying since the last inspection. Staff complete one-to-one sessions and group sessions with young people around the negative impact bully can have on others. This ensures that young people have an awareness of bullying, how to respond to these events and how to keep themselves safe. This promotes their welfare and safety.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Since the last inspection, there have been very few missing from home episodes. This is because staff work in partnership with local police and young people’s families. Staff ensure that all young people have personalised missing from home risk assessments in place that highlight their individual vulnerabilities. This means that young people benefit from bespoke actions plans that detail the response to be taken 9 of 11 by staff, and others, should young people be missing from the home. As a result, young people experience an integrated approach to maintaining their safety when they are absent from the home.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

The use of physical restraint is rare and only used when young people present a risk to themselves or others. Staff received regular training in physical restraint and de- escalation techniques. This means that staff practice is consistent and safe and this further promotes the welfare of young people. Staff ensure that records of physical restraint are completed in detail. However, these central records do not include young people’s comments or views. Although the negative impact of this is reduced because staff complete sessions with young people following these events, a requirement has been made to ensure these records comply with the regulations.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

The Registered Manager ensures that all staff employed in the home are subject to adequate vetting checks. Staff files are maintained to a high standard. They contain all necessary information including previous employment references’ and recent disclosure and barring service checks. As a result, young people work with staff who have been confirmed as suitable to provide them with the care and support they require.

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Keeping children and young people safe good

Young people regularly participate in fire drills and practices. This means that staff are able to verify that young people are aware of how to safely exit the home in the event of a fire. In addition, staff undertake frequent health and safety checks on the environment and necessary repairs and quickly actioned. Subsequently, young people live in a home that is well maintained. This further promotes young people’s welfare and safety.

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Leadership and management adequate

The home has a permanent manager in post who has been registered with Ofsted since October 2014. The Registered Manager has a number of years’ experience of working in children’s residential care and substantial experience of undertaking the role of a deputy manager. In addition, the Registered Manager holds suitable qualifications for this position.

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Leadership and management adequate

The home has a detailed Statement of Purpose in place. This is supported by a young people’s guide to the home. Subsequently, placing authorities, young people and their families understand the aims and objectives of the service. Furthermore, the young person’s guide provides young people with information about independent advocacy services. This means young people can access external support services should they wish to raise any concerns they have. This promotes young people’s welfare and safety.

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Leadership and management adequate

Staff receive regular and effective supervision that supports their development and monitors their practice. Training programmes for staff are in place to ensure that all 10 of 11 staff have the necessary skills to work with and support young people. As a result, young people work with knowledgeable staff whose practice and performance is regularly monitored.

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Leadership and management adequate

The Registered Manager works in partnership with placing authorities and other agencies to ensure that statutory reviews are arranged. Social workers praise the commitment of the Registered Manager and the progress young people make in the home. One social worker said, ‘The home has a positive impact on the young people because the service is well run.’ Nevertheless, the Registered Manager has not ensured that this partnership working includes the completion of statutory care and placement plans for young people. When young people do not have these necessary plans in place, the actions taken by the Registered Manager have been ineffectual. This means that young people’s development and progress is compromised.

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Leadership and management adequate

The Registered Manager regularly monitors the quality of care provided by the home and outcomes for young people. A range of systems are in place to evaluate and assess the performance of staff and the development of the home. Furthermore, monthly visits are completed by an independent professional. This means that the Registered Manager is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the service. There is a detailed development plans in place and the home can demonstrate the capacity for continued improvement. However, documents relating to the review of the quality of care provided by the home do not include the views or opinions of young people or others. Although the Registered Manager seeks feedback from young people and placing authorities, this feedback is not incorporated into this document. A requirement has been made to address this issue. Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Leadership and management adequate

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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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