The Banyan Tree

Unique reference number SC396186 Inspector Mary Timms Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Living Life (UK) Limited T/A The Banyan Tree Registered person address 60 Overstone Road Sywell NORTHAMPTON NN6 0AW Responsible individual Lorraine Louise Andrews Registered manager Jacqueline Stuart Stone Date of last inspection 25/06/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 14/01/2015

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Previous inspection outstanding Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

This inspection finds that young people continue to make excellent progress in all areas of their lives. For example, where there were previously high level concerns identified by parents and professionals about the frequency of self-injurious behaviour, this situation is now much improved with no incidents of self-harm occurring for several months. This progress is evaluated by the inspector as clearly linked to the high quality of support and the effective implementation of planned risk management strategies. While some young people do not have full school attendance this is well-managed and staff endeavour to promptly resolve the identified barriers, working in close consultation with schools. Most young people have excellent school attendance and engage fully in their school timetable.

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This inspection

There is a commitment from leaders and managers to offer all young people opportunities to take part activities which will assist their personal development. Young people each take part in a broad range of personalised and also stimulating activities. Recent examples include horse-riding, dance class and trips to the cinema. Group holidays are much enjoyed by young people. During the summer months some young people took a holiday on the coast. Others travelled to the United States for what is an annual service holiday to the same activity camp. As a result of these experiences young people grow in self-confidence and learn new skills.

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This inspection

Placements are very stable with several young people have resided at this home for between 2 and 4 years. As a result they have a real sense of this being their home and they are confident in the care that they receive. Young people feel valued and confirm that their views are listened to. Comments from young include 'The best thing about this home is the attention you get, and you really do get a lot of attention!' As a result young people feel their needs are seen as important and they feel generally well cared for. 3 of 5 Safeguarding young people is prioritised. Robust risk management planning guides staff practice and promotes the safety and wellbeing of young people. Safeguarding issues are identified, responded to promptly and reported to the relevant placing teams and local authority safeguarding officers when required. Behaviour is well- managed. Staff are trained to intervene calmly when behaviours are escalating and

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This inspection

also trained to use physical holds on occasions when young people are at risk of harm. Physical intervention is used as a last resort and practice is closely monitored by the management team. A debrief discussion is held with involved staff and the young person following each serious incident or use of physical intervention. Reflection is used to identify any learning points which are then taken forward into practice.

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This inspection

There is highly effective partnership working, both with other agencies, placing social workers and parents. Contact arrangements are fully supported and comments from parents confirm that they feel fully consulted about the care of their child and that there is an excellent level of communication from the staff team. Comments from education professionals confirms there is a good level of consultation with their service. Additionally confirming that the quality of care provided impacts positively on the educational attendance and achievement of young people. Comments include 'The work they have done is excellent, xx has come on leaps and bounds.'

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This inspection

The Registered Manager has acted to improve the service in response to the two recommendations set at the time of the previous inspection. A strengthened stock control and recording system for the administration of over-the-counter medication has been introduced. There is now a clear record of the non-prescribed medication in stock and those administered to young people. These improvements alongside the evidence from the full inspection demonstrates that the administration of medication is now broadly safe and effective. The second recommendation related to staff training. The knowledge and skills of the staff team has been further strengthened by the delivery of training in relation to issues of Equality and Diversity.

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This inspection

This a well-managed service where robust quality assurance arrangements monitor and when necessary improve the quality of care provided. There is close oversight of care arrangements by both the Registered Manager directly and also by an independent person who visits the home each month and reports on the quality of care provided. Where areas of potential weakness are found or suggestions are made for further improvements these are responded to promptly. This demonstrates a focused commitment and ability to drive forward service development by leaders and managers.

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This inspection

There are no requirements set against regulation nor recommendations to further improve practice. This is a testament to the high quality of care provided, the progress made by young people and the strong leadership and management of this home. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home is a privately run and provides care for five young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/06/2014 Full outstanding 17/03/2014 Interim good progress 11/06/2013 Full adequate 24/01/2013 Interim satisfactory progress Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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.

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

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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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