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

Unique reference number SC407783 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 Graeme Cheyne Registered manager Marion McGinnis Date of last inspection 12/08/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 18/03/2015

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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 improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

The home was last inspected in August 2014, where it was judged as adequate overall and good in the quality of care provided. Staff aim to provide a safe and caring environment for all young people. Young people who stay in the home as education placement only are afforded the same level of care as those who are looked after. A social worker commented that a young person’s mother ‘has noticed a distinct improvement in their child's behaviour’ since staying in the home. Staff form and continuously nurture positive relationships with individuals, resulting in young people making good progress. Only one young person was available to comment at the time of inspection, and they said they liked their key worker and staff ‘arrange activities I want to do, like climbing’.

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This inspection

Planning prior to young people moving into the home is thorough. The process now includes individual impact assessments to ensure the home can meet the needs of all young people; tailored planned introductory visits and gaining all appropriate paperwork prior to young people moving in. Records are clear in evaluating young people’s progress, such as increased attendance in education or a reduction in incidents. Staff know how to care for each individual and all statutory placement documents or statement decisions are available in young people’s files. When moving on, the home source college placements for young people and identify any extra support needs they may have, ensuring this is in place prior to their start. They also advocate for young people, requesting placements in the local area where young people have established support networks. Partnership working with local education authorities, social workers, parents and other specialist agencies leads to

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This inspection

consistency of approach and improved outcomes for young people.

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This inspection

Staff are creating an open environment where young people can feel safe. There is an increased awareness of bullying. Through discussion in staff and young people’s meetings and staff's vigilance incidents are identified and managed straight away. 3 of 6 Joint working with therapists helps staff support individuals more effectively to prevent young people becoming a victim or exerting their power over others. Consistency in approach to behaviour management has led to limited use of restraint, with recorded inventions being mostly de-escalation or guiding away. Sanctions are fair and proportionate and young people understand the home rules and consequences. There are increased levels of evaluation of significant incidents and cross reference to sanctions imposed. However management oversight has not noted that records do not consistently contain all the required information.

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This inspection

There have been no safeguarding or child protection concerns since the last inspection; although staff and managers clearly understand their role should they have any concerns. Young people have engaged in sessions focusing on e-safety and how to be safe on-line and when using communication technology. The home computer does not have access to social networking sites. While this hinders social interaction with peers, it has little impact on the current group as most are below the age where they are legally able to use social networking sites.

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This inspection

The suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager is consistently striving for improvement within the home. Areas of progress include redecoration of many areas and new furniture has been purchased, creating a more homely environment. Staff have a greater focus on meeting individual needs and work creatively to ensure education attendance. Requirements and recommendations set at the last inspection have all been met. These include: an increased understanding of bullying and the impact on young people; better use of and adhering to individual risk assessments; replacement of window restrictors and laminated glass; and staff supervision is now effectively record including supervisors and supervisees signatures.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager effectively leads the consistent and skilled staff team who are confident in their roles. Staff say they feel well supported through training and access to senior staff and managers. External monitoring in line with regulation 33 in addition to managers monitoring ensures identification of areas for improvement and any significant trends and patterns. The homes development plan reflects external and internal monitoring. Plans are clear and time-limited, reflecting improvements for both the fabric of the building and care experience for young people. However; mould and mildew in most bathrooms has not been highlighted as a concern. There have been no complaints since the last inspection. The location assessment for the home is comprehensive, although it does not include a written evaluation of whether the home is in a suitable location to meet the needs of the young people currently

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a national private organisation and provides accommodation for an associated residential special school. The home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people aged nine to seventeen years who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

12/08/2014 Full adequate 22/10/2013 Interim good progress 18/07/2013 Full adequate 10/01/2013 Full adequate

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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 that when reviewing the appropriateness and suitability of the location of the premises at least once in each calendar year, identify the decision made on the suitability of the location. (Regulation 31 (1A)(b)) 30/04/2015

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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 the home provides a comfortable and homely environment. This specifically relates deep cleaning, and removal of mould and mildew from 5 of 6 bathrooms (NMS 10.3)  ensure there is a system in place to monitor the quality and adequacy of record keeping and take action when needed. This specifically relates to ensuring all section s are completed in records for restraints and sanctions. (NMS 22.1) 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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