Children's Home run by Esland South Limited in Greenwich

Unique reference number SC386134 Inspector Stella Elliott Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Esland South Limited Registered person address Unit 1 & 5 Foundry Lane Milford Belper DE56 0RN Responsible individual John Stamp Registered manager POST VACANT Date of last inspection 04/11/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 25/03/2015

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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 sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

Since the last inspection the deputy manager and her team has sustained an adequate level of effectiveness. The deputy manager has been able to address the six requirements and the five recommendations made with some measure of success, which demonstrates that the manager is able to apply learning from inspections and is committed to developing the home further.

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This inspection

An action plan has been developed to assist in meeting the requirements raised at the last inspection. The Statement of Purpose has been revised to reflect a description of the children's home approach to the monitoring of the children living in the home, and a revised record to measure physical intervention has been implemented. There have been no restraints since the last inspection but the Registered Manager recognises that some physical intervention measures may be necessary in some extreme circumstances. All established staff have been trained in team teach methodology, with the emphasis on de-escalation of behaviours. New members of staff are due to have this training shortly.

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This inspection

The recording for any physical interventions has been strengthened, with a life space interview to be undertaken with the young person involved in an incident, as well as a debriefing session with all involved to ensure the effectiveness of any intervention is fully analysed. The impact of these robust measures will support reflective practice, and keep young people safe.

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This inspection

The repairs to the windows and general refurbishment required to the home have been progressed, and the manager has ensured weekly health and safety checks are carried out to make sure standards are maintained. The Regulation 33 visitor now comments on health and safety issues in her reports, but notes some files were not readily available. This lack of administrative organisation deflects from the work that is taking place to improve the home. At this inspection similar disorganisation was 3 of 5 evident, and the deputy manager recognises the need to improve organisation to ensure appropriate rigour and oversight is clear in all processes.

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This inspection

A locality assessment has been developed, which fully details potential risks related to gang culture and other relevant risks. This is due for review at the end of March and the manager has been liaising with external agencies to ensure all risk factors are fully considered. The lack of response from some agencies has hindered the full compilation of all factors and a recommendation has been raised to underpin the expectation of the manager to vigorously pursue non - responders. The complete assessment will enable appropriate matching of new young people to the home and help protect everyone living there.

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This inspection

Young people living in the home have some positive outcomes. Although missing from home incidents have lessened recently, the potential dangers of these remaining episodes leave young people at risk of harm. Some young people are receiving specialist external therapeutic input, which for one young person has resulted in reduced incidents of self-harm and in becoming calmer.

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This inspection

A variety of activities are arranged and provided for the young people such as; outward bound short breaks, art classes, ice hockey, computer skills and ice skating which serve to and support new opportunities, increased self-esteem as they master new challenges, and being involved in the wider community. One young person has been accessing Esland Adventures, prior to coming to live in the home. The risk assessments and planning for such preparatory provision were not clear and the manager has undertaken to clarify this immediately.

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This inspection

Staff in the home are described by the social worker of one young person as ' very committed and very proactive, the staff are consistent, available and will support [ name] in any activity. Independence planning has been good especially budgeting.' The staff present at the inspection were clearly child focused and experienced, some having specialist skills such as conflict engagement and in mediation.

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This inspection

The deputy manager is described by staff as ' brilliant, a real people person.' The deputy manager has applied to be the Registered Manager of this home and acknowledges there has been a delay in submitting her application , but this has now been rectified.

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This inspection

The deputy manager recognises the strengths and development needs of the home, especially the shortfalls identified relating to staff recruitment. The organisation has now further developed recruitment processes and interview techniques to fully explore the motivation of people applying to work with vulnerable young people. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is owned by a limited company. It provides care for up to five young people who may have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/11/2014 Full adequate 10/06/2014 Full adequate 22/11/2013 Interim good progress 28/05/2013 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 all staff are trained in the use of physical restraint techniques, and that training is recognised in the home's Statement of Purpose (NMS 3.15)  ensure the assessment of the location of the home is fully supported by information sourced from relevant external agencies. ( NMS 10.1) 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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