Children's Home run by Castle Homes Limited in Bromley

Unique reference number SC419334 Inspector Stella Elliott Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Castle Homes Limited Registered person address The Manor House High Street, Rothwell KETTERING Northamptonshire NN14 6BQ Responsible individual Christopher Darren Wells Registered manager Tara Jane Cordrey Date of last inspection 24/02/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 11/03/2015

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Previous inspection good progress 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 sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

The home was last inspected in January 2015. At that time the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good. Following that visit one statutory requirement was made which related to appropriately notifying Ofsted of incidents in a timely manner. Three good practice recommendations were also made. They highlighted the need for clear recording of keyworker sessions, some improvements in the maintenance of the home, and that any sanctions were clear and effectively evaluated for impact.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager has responded quickly and robustly to the identified shortfalls. She has designed and implemented escalation forms to ensure notifications to Ofsted and other agencies happen immediately. Since the last inspection notifications have been received by Ofsted in line with regulations.

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This inspection

Information in the children's individual files now reflect what was discussed in key work sessions, although more detail regarding the engagement of the young person in the key work session would serve to demonstrate how their views and comments are being captured.

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This inspection

A refurbishment and decoration plan has been developed to address the essential outstanding repairs to the home. A new front door has been fitted as well as several new windows. Painting of the home was due to start the week after this inspection, and there is a clear evidence that the young people living in the home have been able to contribute their strong views about how they wish their home to be decorated; this has helped increase the young people's feelings of ownership of their home. Most of the decoration will be completed during the school holidays when the staff and young people are on a planned trip. This will minimise disruption.

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This inspection

The development of the locality risk assessment has enabled the manager and staff 3 of 5 to address specific potential concerns relating to child sexual exploitation [CSE] and missing from home incidents with the Metropolitan Police and other agencies. A training session for staff has been organised in conjunction with the police Missing from Home Coordinator to further explore CSE, and quarterly meetings have now been arranged to provide an opportunity to share common areas of concern and potential risks. British Transport Police also regularly visit the home to reinforce the potential dangers of the nearby railway line.

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This inspection

Outcomes for young people in this home remain good. Missing from home incidents have reduced. Proactive residential placement planning, effective liaison and collaboration with external agencies, and consultation between staff and young people have resulted in a home that supports young people to be enthusiastic about their future, and know they are well supported to reach their full potential.

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This inspection

The staff team are well established and aspirational for the young people in their care. The Social Worker for one of the young people stated ' x has made huge progress. She had significant risky behaviours - she is a different young person - they have really helped her with a consistency of practice. They have helped her to engage with education. Helped her refocus on her future. Staff have worked really hard and the impact has been huge.' One of the key workers is referred to as key mother by the young person she supports, which demonstrates the nurturing nature of the staff, which is clearly evident from the individualised work undertaken with the young people, and the extent of contact from young people who have previously lived in the home and come back to visit.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager has a sound understanding of the strengths of the home and areas for development. Her leadership is visible yet flexible. Staff comment ' She is reflective and encourages others to be so - she listens and can offer solutions.' She has responded to the shortfalls identified at the last inspection immediately and effectively which demonstrates her commitment to learning from inspection activity and using feedback to make effective changes.

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This inspection

In conclusion, the service has been able to demonstrate sustained effectiveness, with strong child-focused practice, in a safe and increasingly comfortable home. One recommendation has been restated with regards to ensuring the views of young people are captured. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned children's home provides care and accommodation for up to four children or young people who may have emotional or behavioural difficulties. The home has a registered school on site which is available to children and young people not attending an external school or alternative education provision.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/02/2014 Interim good progress 07/10/2013 Full good 26/02/2013 Interim good progress 16/10/2012 Full good

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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 information is clearly recorded, specifically in key work sessions. Children to be encouraged to inform recording and comment regularly. 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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