Children's Home run by Wessex College Limited in Wiltshire

Good

The children's home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

p.2

The children's home provision is good because:

 Leaders and managers provide sound leadership enabling staff to deliver good quality care. The staff team are enthusiastic about their work and feel supported through effective supervision and training opportunities.  Young people are making progress in relation to their starting point, particularly in their education, behaviour and emotional development. Young people are supported in managing their behaviour through the structure and routines provided. This results in them feeling safe and thereby reducing the number of times they go missing and putting themselves at risk.  Young people receive good health care, enabling them to access some services for the first time.  Consultation with young people is incorporated into daily practice through direct work, house meetings and sharing of records. The organisation has a wider network to gather views from young people across the four homes. This level of consultation promotes the voice of young people and engages

p.3

The children's home provision is good because:

them in decision making about their care planning and the homes.  Leaders and managers understand the strengths of the home and areas for development. The manager and the wider organisation strive for continuous improvement and welcome working with other agencies and professionals to achieve good outcomes for young people.  Improvements are required in relation to records. The regular review of risk assessments means that they are unmanageable to follow and likely to cause confusion. Complaints records do not clearly indicate the outcome of the investigation. Monthly reports capture detail about young people though they lack analysis. Records often include acronyms and jargon making it difficult for young people to understand

p.3

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 (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

p.4

Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard:

p.4

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard with particular reference to documents the registered person must ensure that staff:

p.4

Requirement Due date

(i) assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child's relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child. In particular ensure that risk assessment documents are up to date. 30/06/2015

p.4

Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard:

p.4

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard with particular reference to monitoring of care practices and records the registered person is required to-

p.4

Requirement Due date

(h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. 30/06/2015

p.4

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that a record is made of any complaint, the action taken in response, and the outcome of any investigation. (Regulation 39 (3)) 30/06/2015 To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Requirement Due date

Ensure that staff record information in a way that will be helpful to the child, avoiding the use of jargon and acronyms.

p.5

Requirement Due date

(The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 62 paragraph 14.4)

p.5

Information about this children's home

 This children’s home is registered to provide care and accommodation for four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.  This home is one of four children’s homes operated by a private organisation.  The organisation provides an independent school where young people from this home can attend.

p.6

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.6

Recent inspection history

06/03/2015 CH – Interim sustained effectiveness

p.6

Recent inspection history

18/12/2013 CH – Interim Satisfactory Progress

p.6

Good

Since the last inspection, new staff have arrived to complete a full staff team. This stability in staffing promotes consistency in the quality of care provided. Young people develop significant relationships with the manager and staff, enabling them to talk about their wishes and feelings. They develop their confidence and grow in maturity resulting in fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour. Young people can make mistakes knowing the staff team will not give up on them and will continue to support them in finding solutions to their problems.

p.7

Good

Young people are generally in good health. They attend medical, dental and optical appointments with staff support. Young people have successfully received support for the first time with matters such as dental care and sexual health.These experiences not only result in treatment and advice, they contribute to young people’s education to adopt a healthy lifestyle in relation to their diet, personal hygiene and general wellbeing.

p.7

Good

This organisation has a clinical team providing psychological and psychiatric support and intervention. This professional input contributes to meeting the emotional and behavioural needs of young people. Having direct access to these clinicians reduces the waiting time for community health services. Consequently, young people benefit from this in-house provision. Staff receive professional support and guidance from the clinical team, this assists in their delivery of care and implementation of strategies in managing.

p.7

Good

Young people are consulted daily about personal matters and issues for the group as a whole. The inclusion of young people in daily written records is effective in assisting them to understand their care planning and progress. For example, an open dialogue initiated by staff captures the day’s events and praises young people at every opportunity. When there are difficulties, staff express their disappointment at such behaviour and focus on a positive way forward. The review of behaviour management plans and risk assessments involves young people in a similar way as they write their views and comments during the process. At times, there are acronyms and jargon in records. This institutional language needs to be avoided to ensure that information is recorded in a way that is helpful to young people.

p.7

Good

Consultation occurs through house meetings where young people are encouraged to discuss and agree on the menus, activities and redecoration of the home. The manager uses this forum to discuss current issues and developments within the home such as fire safety, respect towards others, how to keep safe when away from staff and the redesign of the living room. Young people have recently requested to have some garden toys and play equipment, to include a swing. If young people are not happy about something they have confidence to talk to staff. They know of the complaints procedure and have used it with satisfactory outcomes.

p.7

Good

Young people have good attendance either at mainstream school or the one operated by the provider. Young people have made progress in their attainment levels particularly in maths and science. This is significant for those who have a history of poor attendance. Young people are supported with exams and school work. Bespoke packages of education can be provided by the provider’s school to meet individual needs, this includes practical and independent skills such as the Asdan awards. Beyond the school day young people are extending their interests with swimming, walks and access to leisure facilities. Participation in these activities has prompted a request for swimming lessons. Staff are making arrangements for young people to succeed in this important life skill.

p.8

Good

The manager ensures that general house rules balance well with individual differences relating to age and level of understanding risks. For example there are variations in the level of staff supervision, access to the internet and use of mobile telephones. A young person reported that she thought the rules were fair though she would like a later bedtime. Young people complete household tasks such as cleaning, shopping and cooking to contribute to group living. Further life skills develop as they get older in preparation for independent living.

p.8

Good

Since the last inspection the number of incidents of disruptive behaviour has significantly reduced. At the start of this year there were several incidents of anti- social behaviour and criminal damage to the home, resulting in police involvement and the end of this placement for two young people.

p.8

Good

The current group of young people are responding to the consistent boundaries. Incidents of challenging behaviour are far less frequent as young people feel settled and safe in this home. This is reflected in the low number of records of physical intervention since the last inspection in March Occasional incidents of damage to the home lead to sanctions that involve some contribution to repair or enhance its appearance such as painting walls and outdoor furniture. This effective approach encourages young people to take pride in their home environment and ultimately avoid causing further damage. The manager and staff have a good awareness of the risks posed for some young people who go missing. The staff supervision and strategies used have led to a reduction in the number of times this occurs. Staff work openly with young people about the need to keep themselves safe and effectively use incentives and rewards

p.8

Good

to encourage young people to make the right choices. Young people say ‘I like my contract’ where shop vouchers are awarded as daily targets are achieved. Young people report that they do not always like the staff supervision and house rules but they acknowledge they are there for their safety.

p.9

Good

Clear procedures support staff on what to do when young people go missing. Following them to ensure their safety has occurred for up to seven hours on one occasion. This involved staff constantly engaging with a young person to demonstrate that staff care and that they wanted her to return safely. This practice took all evening however it resulted in the young person staying safe and prevented her from going missing.

p.9

Good

The missing person, police co-ordinator within the local authority confirms that this organisation reports incidents promptly providing clear details. Leaders and managers in this organisation are proactive in holding regular meetings with the co-ordinator to share information about any current concerns across the four children’s homes. Return interviews are undertaken by a charity commissioned by the local authority. When this is not provided, leaders and managers challenge the local, and placing, authorities and ensure that someone meets with the young person to listen to their views.

p.9

Good

Behaviour management plans are underpinned by risk assessments. Both documents are regularly reviewed with young people and placing authorities. The practice of amending risk assessments following review leaves some documents unmanageable to follow and at risk of causing confusion. These key documents are not presentable and lack the inclusion of up to date decisions.

p.9

Good

Relationship difficulties posed by group living are managed well through discussion. The manager and staff facilitate meetings where young people develop their skills in negotiation and sharing. Young people are encouraged to be considerate towards others and tolerant of group living arrangements.

p.9

Good

Rigorous recruitment procedures are adopted by this organisation. Careful selection and vetting of staff ensure that only suitable adults are appointed to work at this home.

p.9

Good

The manager of this home is very experienced and suitably qualified holding the Registered Managers Award, she has been managing this home for over 10 years. The manager is supported in her professional development through the organisation’s learning and development programme.

p.10

Good

Leaders and managers of this organisation are responsive to the needs of young people in their care. The development and improvement panel consists of representatives from staff and young people from across the four homes. This level of consultation enables leaders and managers to know what the current issues are for young people and how to engage them with any development within the organisation. Outcomes from these meetings have led to increased access to the internet, changes in some policies and procedures, and a new design of the provider’s school uniform.

p.10

Good

At the start of this year, leaders and managers implemented an assessment tool to benchmark the progress of each young person. A colour coded wheel charts a range of skills covering practical abilities, social and emotional development. This tool provides staff with a structure to support young people to develop their personal skills and reach for goals. Information captured from daily records populates monthly reports for social workers. These reports provide a lot of detail about young people however, they lack analysis to provide clarity on areas of progress and areas of development. For example when the number of incidents of young people going missing escalates, or decreases, the monthly reports fail to evaluate why this may have occurred. Discussion with staff and managers shows an understanding of this in practice, it is not evidenced within the written report.

p.10

Good

Progress, no matter how small, is recognised and built upon as a strength in any direct work with young people. The manager and staff enthusiastically report on positive changes in young people and they proudly report on their achievements. Young people receive open praise and recognition to boost their self-esteem and further establish their relationships with staff.

p.10

Good

Staff members report that they are supported well to do their job through training and supervision. New staff report how helpful their induction training was before they started direct work with young people. In addition to supervision and staff meetings, leaders and managers provide de-brief sessions after any incident of challenging behaviour. Staff members value this time to reflect on their practice and consider any learning points.

p.10

Good

This is indicative of this organisation reflecting on incidents and any complaints to consider if there are any lessons to learn. Records of complaints vary in quality. Matters are thoroughly investigated and resolved however, the complaint log lacks clarity on the outcome of the investigation and the time taken to complete it.

p.10

Good

Leaders and managers reviewed the statement of purpose in line with the new regulations and promptly submitted to Ofsted. This document clearly sets out what this home can offer in supporting vulnerable young people. With the implementation of the new regulations in April 2015, leaders and managers updated their policies and procedures accordingly. Leaders and managers within the organisation keep up to date with changes in local and national policy, and current trends within the field of social care. This enables them to cascade information and training to the staff team to inform their practice and develop their skills and knowledge.

p.11

Good

Social workers report their satisfaction with the care provided to young people in this home. As young people have moved from this placement the organisation has welcomed meetings with the placing authority to review practice to identify strengths of the placement and any areas requiring action. Parents and social workers report that generally communication is very good and any issues raised with the manager are dealt with to their satisfaction.

p.11

What the inspection judgements mean

The experiences and progress of children and young people are at the centre of the inspection. Inspectors will use their professional judgement to determine the weight and significance of their findings in this respect. The judgements included in the report are made against Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

p.12

What the inspection judgements mean

An outstanding children's home provides highly effective services that contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help and protection and care. Their progress exceeds expectations and is sustained over time. A good children's home provides effective services that help, protect and care for children and young people and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. In a children's home that requires improvement , there are no widespread or serious failures that create or leave children being harmed or at risk of harm. The welfare of looked after children is safeguarded and promoted. Minimum requirements are in place, however, the children's home is not yet delivering good protection, help and care for children and young people. A children's home that is inadequate is providing services where there are widespread or serious failures that create or leave children and young people being

p.12

What the inspection judgements mean

harmed or at risk of harm or result in children looked after not having their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

p.12

Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This 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 Children's

p.13

Information about this inspection

Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.13

Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

p.14

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.14

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.14

Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.14