Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Birmingham

Unique reference number SC377825 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 Dan Svensson Registered manager Rachel Chatwin Date of last inspection 23/10/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 19/02/2015

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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 improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

The home is efficiently led by a committed and suitably qualified Registered Manager, who has taken effective action to address the requirement made at the last inspection. Following all difficult incidents, young people and staff talk about what happened and reflect on the incident, recording the detail in one main log book. It is then used as an opportunity for learning to improve experiences for children and young people.

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This inspection

Effective monitoring systems are in place to continually review the quality of care provided and improve outcomes for young people. Staff report they are adequately supported in their roles and they have regular supervision to enable them to reflect on their practice and any areas of development. New targets are set for the forthcoming month and a reviewing system is in place. Staff said ‘that the changes to supervision have meant they are focused and reflective, giving goals for your own professional development’. Staff meetings have been developed. They provide an opportunity for the team to consider areas of improvement and identify any themes or issues around practice. Staff said ‘we are encouraged to discuss any new ideas we may have’. For example, the team considered how children and young people are provided with opportunities to gain a better understanding of the diverse society they live in. Working together with the children and young people a new project was

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developed to enable them to gain a clearer understanding about different cultures. Once a month they all complete research around one particular culture. This considers the types of food, music, clothing, history and how this can have different meanings to individuals. They have been encouraged to visit different types of restaurants and cook a wide range of meals. These opportunities enrich learning and promote the knowledge and understanding of children and young people of the wider world they live in.

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This inspection

Children and Young people thrive because they live in a supportive, caring and 3 of 6 nurturing environment which enables them to make excellent progress. One social worker said ‘this is a safe environment with staff that she has grown to trust, this has developed a feeling of safety with the child herself’. They enjoy positive relationships with staff and their peers. As a result they are safe and one young person said ‘the staff are like my family and this is my home’. The voice of the child is at the heart of everything the home does. Staff are skilled at using various communication methods to ensure they are consulted and listened to on all aspects of their care and activities. All plans are individualised and provide an opportunity for children and young people to comment on any improvements they have made, or discuss with their keyworker any support or changes. For example, one young person identified a difficulty she was experiencing in college and the staff supported

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her to make an informed choice about how to manage the situation appropriately. The young person returned to college and there have been no further issues. This means that children and young people develop in the way they wish and are empowered to take a greater role in any decisions made about them. They continue to take part in a wide and creative range of activities and undertake projects which enable them to contribute to their local community. One young person helps at the local animal sanctuary, whilst another young person has looked at helping at a local homeless resource centre. These opportunities enable children and young people to play a full and active part in society and further develop their own confidence and self-esteem.

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Children and young people are supported and encouraged to maintain and develop family contacts and friendships, in accordance with their care plan and placement plan. The staff are proactive in their approach and have helped build back up children’s relationships with their families. Parents and social workers are very complimentary about the staff team and how they have helped support their child. One parent said ’I cannot believe the difference, she is a lot calmer and we can now have a conversation. She is more accepting of consequences to her actions, something that has not happened before’. Staff supervise contact sessions, when appropriate, and ensure that children and young people’s needs are being met throughout the visit. They can have a choice of who attends with them, which has ensured appropriate support is made available. One child said ’I can choose who comes to contact, that is better for me as I can talk to the staff if I am worried or

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upset’. Families and friends are encouraged to visit the home and there are opportunities for them to prepare and have meals together, or go out and take part in activities. This ensures they maintain relationships with people who play a significant role in their lives.

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This inspection

Children and young people continue to make excellent progress in their education. For example, they have 100 % attendance and their overall attainments have improved. There are clear education plans in place and staff actively promote education with them. There are lots of resources within the home and they have been taken to local museums and libraries to research different topics and further their knowledge. They also have the opportunity to engage in after school activities and one child went on an ice skating trip with her friends. She said ‘we had a great 4 of 6 time and it was so much fun’

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This inspection

The Registered Manager regularly monitors all records kept by the home to ensure compliance with the homes policies, identifying any concerns about specific incidents, themes and patterns. Immediate action is taken to address any issues that are raised. She is aware of the strengths of the home and continually looks at areas they can improve in. For example, the homes development plan now provides an opportunity for children, young people and staff to add their comments, thoughts and suggestions. This provides a more holistic view and ensures that they are listened to and their views represented. The manager works hard to secure improvements and make a difference to children and young people’s lives; ensuring they are fully consulted about the day to day running of the home. One young person said ‘The staff are amazing, they care, keep us safe and always want what is best for us, this has helped me succeed’

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This inspection

There are no requirements or recommendations made at this inspection. 5 of 6

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The service is owned and operated by a private company.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/10/2014 Full outstanding 27/03/2014 Interim good progress 17/10/2013 Full outstanding 06/03/2013 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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