Children's Home run by North East Lincolnshire Council in North East Lincolnshire

Good

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

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people feel valued and safe enabling them to engage with the care provided if they choose.  Staff provide young people with consistent and nurturing care in a safe and homely environment.  The quality of positive relationships with staff enables all young people to learn how to behave appropriately negating the need for physical intervention.  Young people’s growth in self-esteem and confidence empowers them to engage with education provision enhancing their future life opportunities.  Young people’s increased understanding of healthy lifestyles enables them to make significant improvements to their health.  Proactive partnership working with relevant agencies provides young people with a consistent, shared approach to their care.  The manager leads the home in a way that is consistent with the home’s Statement of Purpose.  One area for further improvement is identified. This does not have any negative

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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 (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.

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Requirement Due date

13 The leadership and management standard.

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Requirement Due date

(2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to –

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Requirement Due date

(h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous 28/07/2015 improvements in the quality of care provided in the home.

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Information about this children's home

This is a local authority long-stay children’s home. It is registered to accommodate up to five young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

06/01/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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good

Young people live in a comfortable, welcoming setting which is well equipped to meet their needs. The homely touches, including photographs of young people on the walls, increasing young people’s sense of belonging and security. A young person said, ‘This is the closest to a home you could ever get without being an actual family home.’

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good

Good care plans ensure that all of a young person’s individual and holistic needs are identified and sensitively addressed. Starting points are carefully recorded enabling progress and achievements to be monitored and built upon. The enthusiastic and skilled staff team provide outstanding care to meet young people’s needs. The emphasis on providing them with a safe and stable home allows the growth of positive relationships. Young people feel cared about and secure allowing them to achieve steadily in all aspects of their lives, with some making outstanding progress. The growth in self-esteem and confidence in their abilities empowers young people to make positive choices. A staff member said, ‘We make them feel safe so that they can try other things and grow up wanting a positive and happy future.’

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good

One young person has chosen to detach himself from the home. He does not participate in all of the group activities and spends a good proportion of his time out with friends. Nevertheless, he has made progress in stopping his criminal activities and in the development of his independence skills. He takes responsibility for cooking his own meals, completing his laundry and keeping his bedroom clean. As a result he is being well prepared for transition to semi-independent living, in line with his care plan. An independent reviewing officer (IRO) said, ‘He’s not getting arrested, not involved in crime, stopped being involved in crime and he’s got some very good independence skills with guidance from staff.’

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good

Young people and staff enjoy strong, caring relationships. The emphasis on building these relationships enriches young people so that they feel valued and important. The proactive staff team extend this level of care to young people’s family members. This enhances young people’s care experiences; allowing them to concentrate on their needs rather than feeling responsible for their parents and maintaining important cultural and community links. A parent said, ‘They've done really well with (Name) and I’m really proud of them for what they’ve done and I’m proud of (Name) too for how far she’s come.’

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good

The growth in the majority of young people’s feelings of self-worth and self-esteem empower them to embrace the opportunities provided. Young people participate in activities they would not previously have done which broadens their horizons and enriches their life experiences. For example, horse riding, swimming and preparing for their first holiday abroad. A staff member said, ‘We’ve worked really hard to get these kids to engage with education and take on activities to prepare them for a successful future.’

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good

Three of the four young people in the home attend full time education where they are making significant progress. They are taking nationally recognised qualifications and have aspirations to go on to further education including university. For example, one young person plans to be a midwife. The fourth young person has now left school and is in the process of identifying an apprenticeship position. An education provider stated, ‘She is doing really well now and was able to take part in the university taster. She looks fab.’

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good

Young people’s physical health improves as a result of the promotion of a lifestyle and healthy diet provided. Regular exercise and for some young people, attendance at a slimming club result in substantial health benefits. These include a young person achieving a healthy weight and ceasing to be at risk of developing diabetes. A staff member reported, ‘One of our young people has lost over 35 lb in weight and is a lot more confident because of this,’ and a young person said, ‘I feel I really have the confidence to wear stylish clothes now.’

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good

Young people’s emotional and psychological health grow as they recognise the achievements they are making in other areas of their lives. Good partnership working with specialist agencies, including the Child and Adolescent Mental Health services, ensure that targeted support is available to young people if necessary.

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good

Young people confidently express their views sure in the knowledge that they will be listened to and actioned where possible. For example, they used the young people’s meeting to discuss with staff whether or not their family and friends should be allowed in their bedrooms. Young people take great pride in being able to influence the care they receive and the plans for their future. A young person said, ‘I am happy here.’

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good

From the start of their time in the home young people feel valued and respected as individuals. They have a consistency and pattern to their days which promote their sense of security and belonging. As well as attending school they participate in inclusive activities in the community. As a result their social and life skills are enhanced providing them with the opportunity to make new friends. The kitchen remains the heart of the home where young people gather with staff at the end of each day to eat their evening meal and share their experiences. A social worker said, ‘What is really good is her being able to make friends now.’

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good

Individual risk assessments are complemented by much improved behaviour management and positive handling plans. Young people are actively involved in developing these documents therefore they know what is expected of them and staff fully understand each young person’s vulnerabilities. Staff are positive nurturing role models and build trusting relationships with the majority of young people. The growth in self-esteem enables young people to recognise the value of behaving appropriately. A parent said, ‘All the trouble she was in before, she doesn’t do that now and that’s down to them.’

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good

Young people fully understand both the local authorities and home’s complaints procedures and are confident to use them. Consequently they gain confidence in their ability to express their views positively. Young people feel listened to and valued. A young person said, ‘I can’t think of any improvements they could make.’

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good

A staff member said, ‘We praise for positive behaviours and discourage negative ones.’ Young people benefit from the use of positive incentives which encourage them to behave appropriately. Any sanctions imposed are appropriate and provide young people with the opportunity to learn from their behaviours. For example, repairing the damage caused to a garden shed and then offering to sweep the leaves off the path.

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good

Young people are further safeguarded by effective partnership working between all relevant agencies. In addition, all significant events are notified appropriately within requisite timescales. A social worker said, ‘Contact with them is good, overall I would say they were very good.’

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good

The majority of young people have fully engaged with the care provided and have not been missing from the home. For some young people this is a marked improvement and demonstrates their sense of security and belonging. One young person however continues to absent himself to spend the night with friends despite the best efforts of staff to dissuade him. Staff follow locally agreed protocols following any missing episodes, including arranging multi-agency strategy meetings, to address concerns. Young people are safeguarded by these measures. A social worker reported, ‘Staff make every effort to contact young people who fail to return at the appropriate time. By phone, driving around the local area, making house calls to friends and liaising with family. If all these are exhausted staff will contact the police.’

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good

None of the young people in the home are at risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE) at this time, although some were when they were first admitted. This significant improvement in young people’s safety and welfare is as a result of the proactive approach employed by the manager and staff team. The manager sits on a local CSE management and operation group. Information gathered as part of that informs the home’s comprehensive locality assessment. Young people are protected by these measures. A social worker reported, ‘Staff are trained in CSE and have a good understanding of the risks young people possibly may be at risk from.’

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good

Young people feel safe and respond positively to the warm, nurturing atmosphere provided by the staff. Consistent boundaries and realistic behavioural expectations enable young people to learn appropriate ways of managing their feelings. The majority of young people see the setting very much as their home and respond accordingly. As a result physical intervention has not been necessary. The increased sense of security and well-being provides young people with the confidence to achieve in all aspects of their lives. A young person said, ‘I feel really safe here, not just in the house because nobody could get in to hurt me but when I’m out because staff always know where I am and I like that.’

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good

The suitably qualified manager has held Registered Manager status of this home since 2014. She has extensive experience in residential care.

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good

The majority of young people make significant progress across all aspects of their lives. For some young people this progress is marked and evident, for example, a substantial weight loss, for others it is less obvious but demonstrates they have understood that they belong. For example, providing the manager with a photograph of themselves to go on the wall in the lounge. The manager can clearly demonstrate young people’s individual development and progress both through their care plans but also in her ‘evidence file’. Young people take great pride in recognising their achievements empowering them to make further strides towards a fulfilled adulthood.

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good

All staff report extremely positively about the nurturing, inspiring culture and ethos provided by the manager. Staff are well supported on an informal basis and formally through directed and regular supervision sessions. All staff hold the requisite national qualifications and are encouraged to undertake further training. This ensures that young people are cared for by an enthusiastic and committed staff team who are well trained to meet their needs. A staff member said, ‘It’s all down to the way (Name) leads. She is the best manager I’ve ever had.’

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good

The manager is continually striving to improve care and outcomes for young people. The recommendation made at the last inspection was met and young people are now actively involved in developing their behaviour management plan. The manager implements a range of comprehensive monitoring processes which include ensuring that the newly released regulations are fully understood by all staff members. She has been operating a number of systems to maintain all care practices and records at a high standard. However, on occasion having more than one system has led to confusion meaning that not all records are being seen in a timely fashion. This does not have a negative impact on young people but could lead to some records being missed.

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good

The comprehensive Statement of Purpose details the work and partnership arrangements that the home practices. Consequently young people are appropriately placed allowing them to make the most of their opportunities. A social worker reported, ‘The home provides a nurturing, supportive environment and if there is additional support need the staff will take this on board, for example attending slimming class with young people.’

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good

Excellent relationships between the home, parents and professionals ensure that young people receive consistent levels of care. Regular communication between the home and professionals ensure they are fully aware of the progress young people are making and if there is the need to provide any further service. Parents report that they feel welcome to attend the home and spend time with their child in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. As a result supportive relationships are maintained which benefit young people now and in their future independent adult lives. One parent said, ‘My daughter is kept safe and is well looked after and her needs are being met and she has settled in well and seems to be happy,’ and another stated, ‘It's perfect.’

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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.

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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

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What the inspection judgements mean

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

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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

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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 .

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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,

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Information about this inspection

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

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Information about this inspection

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

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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

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