Children's Home run by Warrington Borough Council in Warrington

Unique reference number SC442779 Inspector Pamela Nuckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Warrington Borough Council Registered person address Children's Services Directorate New Town House, Buttermarket Street Warrington Cheshire WA1 2NJ Responsible individual Paul Connolly Registered manager Julia Elizabeth Donnelly Date of last inspection 16/12/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 16/03/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection There has been no enforcement action since the homes last inspection.

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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

Young people are making measurable and increasing progress over all aspects of their lives. Due to the excellent consultation opportunities young people have their voices heard and see the benefits of discussing their views. One young person has a lifelong health condition that requires monitoring and daily injections. A specialist nurse consults with him and the staff on a regular basis. Because of these excellent relationships he has learnt to self-medicate and understand how this condition impacts on him on a daily basis. The young person wanted to be able to stay overnight at a friend’s home. Careful planning, which included consultation with the friend’s parents, his social worker and specialist nurse, allowed the risks to be managed and his has had several successful overnight stays. As a result, young people have the same opportunities as their peers and they are able to sustain relationships.

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This inspection

Young people have excellent attendance at school. One young person requested to attend mainstream school. A detailed transition plan was put in place to ensure that this went at his pace. Staff have worked closely with education staff, on a monthly basis, to ensure that the transition goes as smooth as possible. The young person now attends three days a week and is looking forward to attending full time next term. In addition to this, staff have secured extra tutoring for the young person so he can focus on subjects that need improving. He is a keen footballer and is already part of the school team. He also volunteers at a youth football club, where he coaches younger children. As a result, young people are making excellent progress within education and their confidence has improved.

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This inspection

Safeguarding is a high priority at this home. Any concern is quickly discussed with the relevant professionals and decisive action is taken. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and strategies are discussed within team meetings. This ensures 3 of 5 that staff are working consistently with young people. The outcome of these good systems is that young people have not been restrained or been reported missing from home since the last inspection. Staff receive regular training in these areas and clearly understand their roles and responsibilities. This ensures that staff have the knowledge and skills to protect young people as far as possible. Minimal sanctions have been imposed because the staff recognise that reward systems work better. They have seen improvements in young people’s attitudes, personal hygiene and general behaviour. The manager’s good oversight of sanctions ensures that sanctions are effective.

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This inspection

Excellent transition plans have enabled a young person to move into semi- independence at his own pace. A range of professionals were consulted throughout this process, so that ongoing support could be transferred smoothly. Staff are continuing to support him through visits and telephone contact. The young person and staff have a detailed contact plan for these arrangements. This means that he is fully supported through this period of change. A professional said, ‘I would like to thank the home for all their hard work, understanding and dedication in working with the young person. He has been fully supported in all aspects of his life and they have equipped him with the skills in order for him to move on successfully.’

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This inspection

The quality of care at this home is robustly monitored. The manager responds to any improvement needed and has an effective development plan which addresses these points. Therefore, she is able to continually assess, improve and change things within the home. Effective consultation with professionals, in particular the Youth Offending Service (YOS) and the local police has allowed the manager to produce a detailed location risk assessment. This will enable the home to make informed decisions on the suitability of any new referrals to the home. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This local authority provision provides care and accommodation for two young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/12/2014 Full good 26/02/2014 Interim good progress 14/08/2013 Full good 06/02/2013 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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