Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Warrington

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:

 The young person said that all the improvements that she has made are down to the honest and trusting relationships with staff. She said; ‘Staff listen to me and discuss ways forward but they also clearly tell me what I have to do to make things happen.’ These excellent relationships have significantly improved her outcomes in education, health, behaviour and contact.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Educational provision is quickly found to meet young people’s individual needs. Their engagement and attendance within education has improved. An educational professional said; ‘given the young person’s starting point last year, it is a credit to the staff team that she is now sitting exams and is looking forward to undertaking a modern apprenticeship in the retail industry.’  Staff have worked closely with the young person and health professionals to improve her health. She routinely attends health appointments, is up to date with immunisations and takes some responsibility for their own health.  A key strength of this home is how well they have worked with the young person around keeping herself safe. Prior to this placement the young person was prolifically going missing. The staff worked with her around the reasons for going missing and lots of key worker sessions discussed safety issues and concerns. The young person has not been reported missing for a

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The children's home provision is good because:

significant period of time and she can reflect on the concerns that adults had for her.  The new Registered Manager understands the strengths and weakness of the home and has a development plan in place to address any identified shortfalls. Improvements have already been made in recording, overseeing the home and supporting staff.  The manager and staff work closely with placing authorities and a range of professionals to ensure that the young person receives a tailored package of care. This is evident in the feedback gained from professionals as part of this inspection and in the improvements and achievements gained by the young person.

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Information about this children's home

This privately owned children’s home provides accommodation for one young person 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

09/02/2015 CH - Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

11/02/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

p.4

good

The young person fully participated in this inspection. She discussed her hopes and aspirations with the inspector. She was able to reflect on her time at this home and the progress she had made.

p.5

good

The young person said that she has been able to make good progress because staff have listen to her. She said; ‘all I wanted was to go home or have contact with my mum but nobody was listening before I came here. The manager pointed out that if I showed some improvement then she would be able to use this as a bargaining tool with my social worker. So we worked together to improve my education, health and behaviour. I now go home every weekend which is great.’

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good

Staff said that initially, their role is to make the young person feel wanted, supported and cared for. One member of staff said; ‘In the early days it is about building honest and trusting relationships. They learn that we will always be honest and although sometimes it is not the answer they want to hear, they know where they stand.’ The young person said; ‘I have got to know each member of staff individually so I know who is the best to go to with different concerns, worries or for guidance. They discuss solutions, choices and alternatives. Therefore, I can look at things from different points of view and make my own choice.’ She continued to say this had really helped her in recognising some poor choices she has made and the good choices she now makes. In addition to this, the young person said that she knew how to make a complaint but because of these good relationships she has not needed to. She said complaints she had made in the past

p.5

good

had always been fully investigated and concluded satisfactorily. The young person also has an identified independent advocate that she can access if necessary. These good arrangements ensure that she can raise any issue about her care.

p.5

good

A key strength of this service is the multi-agency working with educational professionals to ensure that young people receive education. The young person was initially home tutored but she felt isolated and requested to attend the company school. Academic assessments and visits to the school were undertaken quickly and a place was identified. In conjunction with this, the manager spoke with the young person in identifying that this was an area of improvement that could be used as a negotiating tool. This approach has been very successful. The young person said; ‘The most important thing at the moment for me is to do well in my exams.’ An educational professional said; ‘The fact that this young person is sitting exams is a testament to the staff. They have a bespoke educational package in place that includes extra tuition in the evenings which she fully engages with. They also have additional incentives in place such as shopping vouchers which

p.5

good

encourages her to do well.’ As a result, the young person’s attendance has improved; she is taking exams and has aspirations for her future.

p.6

good

The young person said that they are offered a wide range of activities, but because she is concentrating on her exams at the moment and doing extra tuition she prefers to relax of an evening. She also goes on contact most weekends and is able to do activities with her friends. However, she also said that she has attended pop concerts as part of a reward scheme which she has really enjoyed. She is also discussing arrangements for a summer holiday abroad.

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good

The young person’s health has significantly improved. She had not had all her immunisations and had a fear of needles. The staff discussed these issues with the practice nurse and arrangements were made to administer the injections at the home. In addition to this, staff discussed with her, the importance of good health and regular check-ups with a range of health services. As a result, she now attends regularly and is taking some responsibility in making her own appointments as part of her semi-independence plan. In conjunction with this, the young person’s personal appearance has improved. Specialised services or appropriate information has been gained around her cultural needs. For example, the condition of her hair has improved because staff found a specialised hairdresser for her.

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good

The young person’s culture is embraced at this home. Staff encourage her to visit specialised food shops and cook meals. They have also got some recipes from her grandmother to try at the home. The young person said; ‘I have been brought up with English food but my grandmother always cooks Caribbean food at the weekend. It’s great that the staff try and encourage me to make it but it does not taste the same.’

p.6

good

The young person said that the lack of any formal contact was the root of all past negative behaviours. The staff and manager worked extremely hard with her and the local authority to ensure contact took place. Initially, work was done with the young person on showing progress to instigate contact. Then a high level of supervision was put in place, which meant staff stayed in her home town for the weekend. This included telephone check-ins with staff and visual appointments to see her. Over a period of time, as the young person made progress and was able to keep to the arrangements, supervision was reduced. She now visits her relatives most weekends and returns promptly. The young person said; ‘I really look forward to going home, seeing my mum, grandmother, aunts and friends. It’s great.’ This excellent consultation with the young person has impacted positively across all areas of her life.

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good

The young person is being well prepared for semi-independence. She said that plans to move are to be finalised at her forthcoming review. She was confident that she had the skills to care for herself because staff encourage her to be independent. As part of this process she receives a weekly budget and she is able manage large sums of money to cater for travelling independently and for her personal needs. In preparation for employment she has prepared a CV and has secured a placement in the retail industry.

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outstanding

The young person said; ‘This is the safest place I have been. Staff have taken time to discuss why adults were concerned about me and I now understand.’ She continued to say; ‘I only ran away because I wanted to see my family. Now that my contact has been sorted I have not been missing. I have completed loads of work around safety issues and I feel I am much wiser and don’t put myself in unsafe situations.’ Excellent risk assessments identify the vulnerability of the young person. They are clear with strategies to reduce risk and actions for staff to take. Further to this, these assessments highlight how risk has been reduced for the young person. This illustrates the progress the young person has made overtime.

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outstanding

The young person has not been reported missing from this home for a significant period of time. Several safeguarding professionals commented on the excellent practice at this home, the exceptional multi-agency working, being very efficient and thorough in information sharing and excellent communication between them and the home. Staff know what to do to protect young people if they have concerns. They clearly demonstrated their understanding of their roles and responsibilities and ensure that young people are fully safeguarded.

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outstanding

Young people have not required physical intervention. However, staff have been fully trained in these areas to ensure that young people are fully protect. The young person’s behaviour has significantly improved. This is due to a combination of excellent relationships, listening to the young person and her seeing positive outcomes for her efforts and with good rewards and incentive schemes in place. For example, the young person can earn trips to pop concerts, mobile top ups and personal items. Consequences for unacceptable behaviour are minimal but when applied, the young person said they were fair.

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outstanding

High staffing levels and a stable staff team means that the young person receives excellent support and continuity of care. There has been only one new staff member since the last full inspection. Recruitment records show that there is a robust procedure, which includes verifying documents and a thorough induction for staff. This prevents unsuitable adults from working with vulnerable young people.

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outstanding

The young person lives in a safe environment because staff ensure that all health and safety issues are addressed. Renewal certificates are in place for the safety equipment and fire evacuations are completed regularly.

p.8

good

The manager was registered with Ofsted in May 2015. She has appropriate child care and management qualifications. She has experience of working with young people on a one-to-one basis and within group settings. She also manages two other single bed homes. She ensures that she spends equal periods of time within each home. A qualified deputy manager supports her in her management role. The manager uses her knowledge and experience well. She is a strong ambassador for young people and prioritises staff support.

p.8

good

Most staff are qualified in caring for young people. New staff are quickly registered on the appropriate qualification. Staff said that the supervision, training and development opportunities that they received support them to give good, consistent care to the young person. Staff meeting are held regularly and young people contribute to them. These meetings are an opportunity to reflect on practice, to discuss any changes and ensure everybody knows where they young person is up to. For example, staff have recently discussed the new Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, the new Quality Standards and the supporting Guide. Therefore, they have been able to assess how these will impact on their service and records. This ensures that staff are kept up to date with changes within legislation.

p.8

good

An independent visitor monitors the home on a monthly basis. The report reflects the findings on the quality of care within the home. The manager uses this report in her monitoring to evaluate the records and care given. Ofsted receives these in a timely way.

p.8

good

The home’s Statement of Purpose reflects the service offered at this home. The staff team and manager understand the aims and objectives set out in the statement. Therefore, young people are admitted, discharged and care for in line with its ethos. It is currently being updated in line with the new Children’s Homes Regulations 2015.

p.8

good

The home’s development plan is constantly reviewed and amended as the service progresses. The manager makes good use of feedback from consultation with young people, staff and professionals to identify areas for improvement. For example, staff have identified additional training opportunities within their annual appraisals. These have been sourced. In addition to this, selected members of staff are becoming ‘clinical champions’. This means they attend specialised training around self-harm and attachment and cascade the information to the staff team. Through these good consultations the young person has been involved in designing and picking things for the new refurbishment of the kitchen.

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good

The young person said she fully understood her care plan and was confident that she could influence the plan. Records clearly reflect the plans for the young person and show the progress she has made over time. They are up dated regularly and sent to the relevant professionals. This ensures that all parties are aware of any recent changes to the plan.

p.9

good

The staff and manger work collaboratively and effectively with a range of professionals and other agencies. All the professionals spoken with as part of this inspection spoke positively about the home, especially in the progress the young person had made. One professional said; ‘Staff respond timely to any communication or requests I have. They have built good relationships with the young person and this has impacted on her aspirations to return home, have a career and the positive changes in her behaviour.’

p.9

good

Two recommendations set at the last inspection have been fully addressed. All staff now have received annual appraisals. This ensures that their practice is monitored and their any developmental needs supported. The home has the most recently revised missing from home protocol and staff have a full understanding of how to implement the procedure, if the young person should go missing. As a result they have the knowledge to take the appropriate action and safeguard young people.

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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

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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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