Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC359832 Inspector Stephen Collett Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person My Choice Children's Homes Limited Registered person address My Choice Childrens Homes Ltd, Unit 3/A Mill Green Business Estate, Mill Green Road HAYWARDS HEATH West Sussex RH16 1XQ Responsible individual Peter Christopher Kazmarski Registered manager Edward Lloyd Glaves Date of last inspection 28/07/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 24/02/2015

p.1

Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

p.2

This inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

p.2

This inspection

At the last full inspection in July 2014 the home was judged to be good in its overall effectiveness, and good in all areas of practice except quality of care, which was adequate. Since the last inspection the home has improved and developed practice and young people are making excellent progress in all aspects of their lives.

p.2

This inspection

The home has acted upon all the recommendations made at the last inspection. Young people are cared for in line with their placement plans more effectively, and consequently their needs are consistently met. This has resulted in young people developing an increased sense of belonging and engagement in the day-to-day life of the home. The relaxed but stimulating environment has resulted in some young people wanting to spend less time away with friends, and more time engaging with staff and peers at the home.

p.2

This inspection

Young people speak highly of the quality of care they receive and feel they have an influence on how the home is managed. Young people's meetings are now an effective forum for young people to express their views, which are taken into account and acted upon where appropriate. Young people play an active role in the recruitment of new staff, and this further develops their sense self-worth and feeling valued.

p.2

This inspection

Over time, young people become more emotionally resilient and this enables them to focus on gaining the education and skills they will require to make successful transitions towards independence. Some young people take full advantage of the opportunities their educational placements provide, in gaining valuable life skills that will benefit them when they leave care. The Registered Manager recognises the importance of acknowledging the independence skills young people acquire in college and reflecting these in their individual independence plans. 3 of 5 Since the inspection, many communal areas in the home have been re-decorated and new furnishings and domestic appliances have been installed. Consequently, young people benefit from living in a comfortable, homely environment which is clean and well maintained.

p.2

This inspection

All young people engage well in education and most are making significant progress in their chosen courses. As young people develop a greater sense of psychological well-being they begin to manage their anxieties more effectively and are able to sustain developing attachments with care staff. Most young also enjoy improved relationships with family members and other significant adults in their lives. New admissions to the home settle quickly and begin to engage with support plans that meet their individual needs.

p.3

This inspection

Young people enjoy positive relationships with the staff, who take a genuine interest in the welfare and development of all young people. A social worker commented, ‘he (young person) has developed a good relationship with staff, which is hard for him to do, so credit to them.’ Staff support and encourage young people to do well at school and college, and take steps to ensure young people appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and receive specialist advice and guidance when required.

p.3

This inspection

Peer relationships are positive in the home, and young people are keen to support one another appropriately. This results in new admissions to the home feeling welcomed and accepted by both staff and peers.

p.3

This inspection

Young people report that they feel safe in the home and have the confidence to speak to staff about any worries they may have. Some young people have made significant progress in reducing the frequency of going missing and engaging in unsafe and anti-social behaviour. Robust policies and procedures are in place to safeguard young people's welfare, and care staff are familiar with young people's risk assessments and behaviour management strategies. Despite this overall high standard of safeguarding practice, there has been one occasion when a record was not kept of a conversation with the Local Authority Designated Officer, regarding a potential concern over the actions of an external professional. This shortfall did not have a negative impact on the young person concerned.

p.3

This inspection

The home is well managed, and staff feel supported and motivated to provide a high quality of care for the young people. New staff benefit from undertaking a comprehensive induction programme and this ensures they support young people in accordance with their placement plan and behaviour management strategies. Staff are able to access a full range of training opportunities, and the Registered Manager ensures staff attend courses which will provide them with greater insight into the particular needs of young people placed at the home.

p.3

This inspection

As a result of this inspection, one requirement is made in relation to maintaining written records of potential child protection concerns. 4 of 5

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This setting is registered to accommodate three young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. The home is managed by a private organisation.

p.4

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/07/2014 Full good 17/02/2014 Interim good progress 04/07/2013 Full adequate 25/02/2013 Interim satisfactory progress

p.4

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.

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure written records are kept of any allegation of abuse or neglect, and of the action taken in response; in particular, ensure written records are kept of discussions with the Local Authority Designated Officer, when consultation takes place regarding the conduct of a professional working with young people. (Regulation 16 (2) (d)) 24/04/2015 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5