Children's Home run by Buckinghamshire County Council in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC032058 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Buckinghamshire County Council Registered person address Chief Officer County Hall, Walton Street AYLESBURY Buckinghamshire HP20 1UA Responsible individual Steve Tanner Registered manager Carla Eve Keyte Date of last inspection 09/09/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 09/02/2015

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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 improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

The home was last inspected in September 2014, where it was judged good in all areas. Young people continue to make good progress throughout their time living in the home. Staff are continually evolving their practice to ensure they are able to best meet the needs of the young people they care for. Young people are positive about staff and how they are looked after. They comment on how they are listened to, including changes in pocket money, since the last inspection. Young people are comfortable approaching staff, sharing their day’s news on return from education. They are skilled in negotiation and confident in sharing their ideas. Young people who have moved on maintain links with staff through ad hoc telephone calls and visits, often maintaining contact for many years after they have left.

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This inspection

One young person has moved into the home since the last inspection. Planning prior to placement is thorough and tailored to individual needs and circumstances. The management team are thoughtful in how they will meet individual’s needs safely while considering the needs of the rest of the group. Care plans have dramatically improved since the last inspection. They reflect on life history and experiences, in addition to expressing what is important to individuals and how they should be cared for. The booklet style document incudes day to day care, risk assessments and how to support individuals when they are distressed or upset. These highly personalised plans afford space to recognise achievements in addition to future goals and areas for development. Individual successes include; reduction in substance misuse and offending; reduction in incidents of unwanted behaviour and increased positive engagement in social activities; success in education and training and increased trust

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This inspection

Staff create a calm and increasingly nurturing environment where young people say they feel safe. Improved consistency in approach to managing anxiety and distress has led to a limited use of restraint. Interventions focus on de-escalation and 3 of 5 redirection rather than holding. Sanctions are fair and proportionate with most young people keen to share their views on the effectiveness of the measure. Extremely effective evaluation of significant incidents provides a reflective approach to behaviour management. Young people do go missing from care on occasions; however joint working and effective close liaison with specialist police officers and external organisations ensures individuals are protected as best as possible through risk management plans. On return, young people have the best support possible to reflect on the risks and reasons they go missing. Further support from emotional wellbeing, youth offending and drug and alcohol services ensures young people

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This inspection

receive specialist intervention when they are struggling or in crisis.

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This inspection

The suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager is effectively leading the enthusiastic staff team. She has forged considerable change in the approach to care practice, which is now entrenched in daily routine within the home. Staff are confident in their roles and have a good understanding of the young people they care for. Key workers are well informed on the individual needs and progress of their key child. Partnership working is entrenched in daily practice. Regular meetings between staff and a variety of agencies ensures plans for young people are consistent and amended when required. External and managers monitoring highlights areas for improvement within the home and notes any significant trends and patterns. The manager is keen to further develop the home and staff team, seeking collaborative working and training with other relevant organisations. The fabric of the building is much improved, providing a homely environment. Plans are

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This inspection

also underway to replace the tired and worn kitchen. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This is a local authority children's home, providing residential care for up to six young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/09/2014 Full good 17/10/2013 Interim satisfactory progress 30/04/2013 Full adequate 18/03/2013 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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