Children's Home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC043255 Inspector Tracy Murty Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Lincolnshire County Council Registered person address Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices Newland LINCOLN LN1 1YL Responsible individual Janice Spencer Registered manager Cynthia Mountcastle Date of last inspection 24/06/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 19/01/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection None

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

At the last inspection of this service, two requirements and two recommendations were made. They have all been fully considered and met at the time of this interim inspection.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager has ensured that any damage to young people's bedroom furniture has been repaired or replaced in a timely manner. Bedrooms present now to a very high standard. Young people have been fully included in choosing items of furniture, bedding and other accessories. They clearly take great pride in their rooms and work well with staff to maintain them to a very high standard. The preparation of bedrooms for new admissions is also very well thought out and planned. Staff consult with young people prior to them moving in about bedroom décor. This has resulted in young people moving into the home with all their requested furniture and other items in place. Such consideration to the needs of all young people enables them to make a smooth transition and feel valued.

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This inspection

Regular fire drills and evacuations now take place. Young people fully engage with the staff team with such practices and understand the need for them. Records reflect in detail the procedures followed by staff and young people. Staff have also considered specific times when a fire drill would be most beneficial, such as when cooking meals. This enables young people to consider the risks within a domestic setting at various times and ensures that they engage well with the procedures in place.

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This inspection

Young people are routinely asked if they require medical attention, following the use of physical restraint in the home. Records reflect the offer of medical attention being made. Young people always read and sign the restraint logs to confirm the actions taken and their agreement. The Registered Manager regularly monitors and oversees all use of restraint. She demonstrates a very detailed awareness and 3 of 6 understanding of the complex needs of each young person and ensures active monitoring of behaviour support strategies on a monthly basis.

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This inspection

Young people take part in regular meetings with the staff team to share their views and feelings. This provides them with an opportunity to influence the support and services they receive. From their starting points, young people develop increased self-confidence and feel valued by the staff team. One young person stated; ' this home is awesome because they have a games room, I have my own room, I have friends here, I'm supported to speak with my family, I get taken for days out, the staff are alright'.

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This inspection

Young people have made significant progress in relation to their educational attendance and engagement since the last inspection. The staff team work very proactively with education providers, to ensure that young people receive the support and provision they need. Such excellent multi-agency working by the staff team has led to some young people now achieving 100% attendance. This reflects a significant improvement on their previous attendance before moving to this home. Some young people now attend college and others are preparing to sit formal examinations. This demonstrates the total commitment of the staff team and managers in supporting young people to achieve to a high standard.

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This inspection

The staff team work very well with placing authorities, parents and carers to facilitate smooth transitions for young people in relation to their placements. Evidence supports how well staff work to ensure successful transitions of some young people from this home to other placements. Outreach support has been offered to carers, to ensure a successful transition and move for some young people. The planning for new admissions is also excellent. Young people visit the home prior to moving in to meet staff and other young people. They work with staff on deciding how their bedroom will be furnished and decorated prior to moving in. The Registered Manager carefully considers referrals, to ensure the best possible match of young people in the home. There have been no unplanned placements made or ended since the last inspection.

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This inspection

Some members of the staff team have recently undergone training in restorative justice. The home now has clear systems in place and works closely with local police on implementing restorative justice approaches with young people. This has been very well received by young people, who see the value in this approach. It has also led to a reduction in offending behaviours for some young people and in the need for police involvement.

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This inspection

Staff and young people are also currently involved in a countywide pilot in helping young people plan and prepare for their futures. Some young people are actively engaged in this pilot, contributing to independence planning work for looked after children and young people. This reflects the commitment of the staff team and managers to engaging and consulting with young people on all aspects of the care they receive. 4 of 6 Staff support young people to identify and engage in a wide range of social activities. They also encourage young people to form friendships and welcome visits to the home from friends. The staff team also support and promote contact with family members and significant others for all young people. This leads to young people feeling very valued and confident in their local and wider communities. One placing social worker referred to a recent visit to the home. Their observations were;' how fantastic the team were in working together. I stayed for tea, all of the

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This inspection

staff worked very well together and were incredibly supportive of one another'. 5 of 6

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Information about this children’s home

The home is managed and run by the local authority. It provides residential care for up to six young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/06/2014 Full good 21/02/2014 Interim satisfactory progress 06/06/2013 Full good 05/11/2012 Interim good 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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