Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Cheshire East

Unique reference number SC060590 Inspector Michelle Edge Type of inspection Interim 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 Amanda Jane Porter Date of last inspection 13/11/2014 2 of 7 Inspection date 10/02/2015

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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 sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

At the last inspection in November 2014, there were two recommendations made. These have both been completed. Information about young people’s legal status is now clearly recorded on all records and health records are updated following all appointments.

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This inspection

The qualities of care and outcomes for children and young people have been maintained since the last inspection. Children and young people have continued to make good overall progress in all areas of their development. Significant incidents involving episodes of missing from care and unacceptable behaviours are dealt with appropriately and safely. Staff hold discussions with children and young people after incidents. For example, one young person told me that ’the staff helped me understand the bigger picture and what else could have happened.’ These discussions enable children and young people to gain a clearer understanding of the risks involved with their behaviours and help them in the future to make more informed choices.

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This inspection

Staff use restraint appropriately to prevent harm to children and young people. However, the restraint records do not always provide a clear picture of what lead up to the event and the dates and time are not always completed. This system is not sufficiently robust to provide a clear and permanent record of all events.

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This inspection

Children and young people continue to make good progress in their educational placements. The staff work effectively with education professionals to ensure they are being supported to achieve successful outcomes. For example, one young person’s timetable has been revised to ensure adequate support and guidance is provided, which enables them to reach their full potential. Staff have up-to-date information about each child and young person’s educational progress, attendance has improved significantly and they are now attending on a regular basis. Children 3 of 7 and young people who have been excluded from school have access to appropriate education, so that they are supported and enabled to resume back to their full-time programme. Achievements are celebrated in the home and young people have certificates and awards on the walls and copies in their individual files to keep as they progress into adulthood. One young person talked positively about being

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This inspection

provided with additional support around revision for their GCSE. This is helping build their self-esteem and confidence.

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This inspection

Children and young people are supported and encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendship, in accordance with their care plan and placement plans. The staff are proactive in their approach and have helped build back up children’s relationships with their family. For example, one social worker commented that ‘contact used to be time limited, but the staff team have worked hard to support everyone involved, so contact has increased.' Staff supervise contact sessions, when appropriate, and ensure that children and young people’s needs are being met throughout the visit. Family and friends are encouraged to visit them in their home and have enjoyed meals together or participated in activities as a family. This ensures that they maintain relationships with people who play a significant role in their lives.

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This inspection

The home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is generally well maintained. The hallway and living room areas are currently being redecorated and children and young people have been involved in discussions around changes in the home. They are also involved in decisions around activities and planning menus for the forthcoming weeks. They have the opportunity to help with the weekly shopping and gain an understanding of budgeting, and preparing and cooking meals. These skills help prepare for adulthood, so they can reach their full potential and achieve economic well- being.

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This inspection

Staffing levels are sufficient. Staff possess the competencies, skills and knowledge needed to look after children and young people. They feel supported by the manager and receive regular supervision. One staff member commented that supervision was ‘very beneficial and helped you to re-focus.’ Records are signed by both the supervisor and staff member, evidencing that supervision is being held regularly. During supervision staff discuss children and young people’s progress and identify any additional training they may need. Regular team meetings focus on children and young people’s needs and any current concerns or issues. They also focus on positive outcomes and achievements for all children and young people. Children and young people benefit from staff that are trained, knowledgeable and able to support their individual needs.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager regularly monitors all records kept by the home to ensure compliance with the home’s policies. She is aware of the strengths of the home and have identified areas for development, including the quality of recording and improving the environment for children and young people. Monitoring by the manager provides insight into what is going well, but does not always identify 4 of 7 shortfalls in records, such as conflicting information. For example, children and young people’s daily records do not always reflect accurately the main log book. A more robust system of monitoring is needed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. The manager works hard to secure improvements and make a difference to children and young people’s lives. This includes making sure that they influence the running of the home and their views are taken seriously; for example they asked about the garden being re-designed and including an outside space for them. This is being

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This inspection

planned during the summer months. Children and young people feel 'happy and safe' in the home and that their needs are being met. 5 of 7

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Information about this children’s home

The home, run by a private company, is registered to accommodate three young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. It is also registered as a school and provides education on the premises.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

13/11/2014 Full good 08/01/2014 Interim good progress 03/07/2013 Full good 08/01/2013 Interim good progress

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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

17B (2001) ensure where a measure of restraint is used on a child, the record under paragraph (3) must include the duration of the measure of restraint; and details of any methods used to avoid the measure. (Regulation 17B (4) (a) (b)) 28/02/2015

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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

 enhance further the manager’s monitoring of the home to ensure any concerns about specific incidents, patterns or trends are recorded and any issues raised by the monitoring are sufficiently detailed and dates are 6 of 7 accurately recorded. (NMS 21.2) Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Recommendations

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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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