Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Hampshire

Unique reference number SC467155 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Priory Education Services Ltd Registered person address 5th Floor 80 Hammersmith Road London W14 8UD Responsible individual Helen Sharpe Registered manager Kerrie Turner Date of last inspection 22/05/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 26/01/2015

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Previous inspection adequate Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

The home was last inspected in May 2014 where it was judged as adequate overall and good in outcomes for young people and in the quality of care provided. Staff continue to form strong relationships with young people and strive to make a positive difference to their lives. Strong relationships with individuals lead to the young people making some good progress. Where individuals struggle with appropriate relationships, the home, in conjunction with social workers, education and the education psychologist, implement plans to support them in this area. Young people are positive about the home and staff, with one commenting that ‘staff understand me’ while another sang a song expressing how much they felt supported by the home. A parent reported their child had increased in maturity since living in the home.

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This inspection

There has been one new placement since the last inspection. The individual had expressed they wanted to move to this home, from another in the organisation, in order to be closer to friends. Planning for their placement was swift while giving consideration to group dynamics and relationships. The staff and management team are considerate in how they will meet individual’s needs with the young people central to all plans. Records are clear in evaluating young people’s progress, including the life and social skills as agreed with education and other relevant professionals. Many of the young people placed are preparing for adulthood and moving onto future placements. Transitions are well planned in line with individual need to ensure they have as smooth as move as possible.

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This inspection

Staff work effectively to create a nurturing environment, where young people mostly feel safe. Safeguarding and child protection concerns are now responded to promptly. An internal investigation highlighted concerns in reporting processes following an incident in August 2014. As a result, the home’s management team devised a new reporting and recording system, which is much more effective. 3 of 5 Incidents within the home are reported to appropriate external professionals in a timely manner. However, the process to report incidents at weekends lacks clarity.

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This inspection

Consistency in approach and to behaviour management leads to limited use of restraint. Recorded inventions focus on de-escalation and guiding away rather than holding. Sanctions are fair and proportionate and in line with young people’s understanding. The thoughtful evaluation of significant incidents, with parents and relevant professional’s, ensures a reflective approach to practice.

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This inspection

There has been an increase in some young people leaving the home without permission since the last inspection. Individual response plans are clear and staff remain in sight of young people if they leave the grounds. This is managed effectively.

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This inspection

The suitably qualified Registered Manager is eager to continually improve the service. The management team effectively leads the enthusiastic staff team. Staff are confident in their roles and sensitive to young people’s needs. The quality of supervision has improved significantly since the last inspection, with staff benefiting from greater challenge. The supervision of the Registered Manager is not sufficiently regular. Responses to poor practice are challenged robustly through the disciplinary procedure. Partnership working, particularly with the onsite school, is embedded in daily practice. There is strong communication between family and key professionals. Managers work hard to alleviate any concerns parents may have and respond to complaints promptly. External monitoring (by the regulation 33 visitor) highlights areas for improvement and any significant trends and patterns, and the managers own quality assurance complements this. The homes' development plan is reflective

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This inspection

of monitoring. Notifications are timely in their arrival to those listed in Schedule 5.

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This inspection

Requirements and recommendations recommendation made at the last inspection have been met. The Statement of Purpose has been updated to reflect all matters in Schedule 1; records of restraints are effectively recorded in tamper evident books and placement documents have been sourced from all placing authorities. In addition, the use of door alarms has been reviewed and these now only remain on external exits. Young people are being afforded the opportunity to access the internet, including social media, in line with their understanding of how to use the internet safely. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned by a large organisation. It sets out to provide care and accommodation for up to 4 young people with learning disabilities.

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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

(2001) ensure the written a policy sets out the procedure to be followed in the event of any allegation of abuse or neglect; including at weekends. (Regulation 16(1)(b)) 06/03/2015

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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

 ensure all staff, including the Registered Manager, have access to support and advice, and are provided with regular supervision by appropriately qualified and experienced staff. (NMS 19.4) 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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