Children's Home run by MGM Care Services Ltd in Telford and Wrekin

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 receive good individualised care from a committed staff team. Care planning is personalised to each young person and reflects their current needs.  Good relationships exist between young people and staff. Young people know that staff care about them and they are treated with respect and dignity.  Young people respond positively to a reward scheme in place to support their behaviour. Staff work well together with a consistent approach to support positive behaviour.  The atmosphere in the home is calm and welcoming. Staff work with young people to promote harmonious living.  Good multi agency working reinforces young people’s progress.  The Registered Manager ensures that the focus of care is on young people’s safety and welfare.  Education is prioritised and young people have excellent attendance. There is good liaison between school and home reinforcing seamless care.  Young people have access to all general and specialist health services.

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The children's home provision is good because:

Young people’s attendance at health appointments is excellent.  There are shortfalls in a few areas of practice. For example, the statement of purpose is not fully updated to reflect the recent changes in legislation. There is an incomplete location risk assessment. The registered manager has not demonstrated how continuous improvements are made in the quality of care for young people, and there is a patch of uneven concrete in the garden which poses a safety hazard to young people.

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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

12: The protection of children standard In order to meet the protection of children standard and with particular reference to the garden, the registered provider must ensure that:-

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Requirement Due date

(d) the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health 31/08/2015

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Requirement Due date

13. The leadership and management standard In order to meet the leadership and management standard the responsible person must:-

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Requirement Due date

(h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. 31/08/2015

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must update the Statement of Purpose to reflect changes in legislation since April 2015. (Regulation 16 (3) (a)). 31/08/2015

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must review the appropriateness and suitability of the location of the premises used for the purposes of the children's home at least once in each calendar year taking into account the requirement in regulation 12(2)(c)(the protection of children standard (Regulation 46 (1)). 31/08/2015

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure the Children's Guide is updated to include details of how to contact the Office of the Children's Commissioner (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 24, paragraph 4.22).

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Recommendations

 Ensure the Children's Guide is written in a style that is accessible to young people living at the home. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 24, paragraph 4.22).

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Information about this children's home

This service is a small private children’s home looking after up to 2 young people aged from 10 to 17 years, who may have learning disabilities or emotional and/or behavioural problems.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 CH - Interim Declined in effectiveness

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good

Young people make progress in all aspects of their care in relation to their starting points. They develop secure relationships with staff and learn to trust adults caring for them. Young people are able to approach and talk to staff and know that their requests are taken seriously. For example, how they want to spend their leisure time, or favourite venues at the weekend. Young people say that they are confident that staff listen to them.

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good

Social Workers say,’ The home is fantastic; it has made such a difference’. A young person who recently moved from the home said, ’Staff helped me get ready to move on. I have good memories of my life there’.

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good

New young people are introduced to the home gradually so that they develop confidence about their move and are comfortable joining the home. They choose the decoration and furnishings for their rooms contributing to a sense of ownership and belonging.

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good

All young people attend full time education and their attendance and punctuality are excellent. When they return home from school, young people are supported with completing homework and staff attend parents evenings ensuring that educational opportunities are maximised.

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good

Young people say that they know who to talk to if they are worried. Daily dialogue, one to one meetings with staff, and regular young people’s meetings ensures that young people’s voices are heard. An independent advocate visits the home to provide advice and support to young people. Minutes of young people’s meetings include picture symbols making them more accessible to young people and enhancing communication. Young people make progress in communicating with others, for example one young person was reluctant to verbalise any wishes or views, but is now able to tell others what he would like or where he would like to go.

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good

Young people’s lives are enriched by enjoying a variety of activities in the home and in the community, including regular swimming, theme parks, sport and meals out. Young people integrate into the community and learn valuable social skills. Activities are individualised and responsive to their likes and dislikes.

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good

Young people enjoy good health and attend regular routine health appointments with their GP, doctor and dentist. In addition, any specialist health provision, such as those with child and adolescent mental health professionals are identified and staff support young people to attend, maximising good emotional and psychological health.

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good

Given their ages and stage of development, young people learn appropriate self- care and independence tasks, such as looking after their rooms, laundry and cooking skills. They develop confidence and self-esteem as their skills grow. Young people are better prepared for semi-independent living in the future.

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good

Where appropriate, young people’s families are welcomed to the home. One family member said, ‘Staff are so welcoming. I feel part of this family’. Young people retain connections with important people in their lives enhancing their understanding of their identities.

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good

Young people are protected and safe as staff are responsive to them. Given the complexity of young people’s needs, they are supported at all times in the home and out in the community. Parents say, ‘I have no worries about my son at the home’. Social Workers say, ‘I have no concerns about X’s safety’.

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good

Placement plans and individual risk assessments identify risks associated with young people. They are protected as staff are familiar with and understand these and the strategies in place to manage risks including challenging behaviour. Young people understand that staff talk to them, each other and other professionals to make sure that they are supported in a consistent way. For example, communication books between school and home identify any difficulties as well as achievements during the day. Young people are supported as adults are informed about their progress, and can respond appropriately.

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good

Staff are trained in techniques of physical intervention and de-escalation. Young people remain safe as staff identify the triggers of behavioural escalation. Young people learn to self-regulate their behaviour, promoting self-esteem and security. Where physical intervention is used, records are completed promptly. Young people are spoken to after the event and their views are recorded. Young people progress as they are supported to understand why an intervention was necessary and how to avoid this in the future.

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good

There have been no incidents of young people missing from care or having unauthorised absences since the last inspection. Where there is historic information relating to risks, such as self-harm, young people’s safety is prioritised and adjustments made within the home to minimise any potential risks, for example from wires and electrical sockets.

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good

Where young people are new to the home, staff are well briefed about previous safety issues relating to them. Risk assessments are reviewed and updated reflecting staff’s developing relationships with them. Young people respond positively to the routines of the home and their relationships with staff, for example there has been a reduction of behavioural incidents relating to one young person, resulting in a calmer and less confrontational environment.

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good

Young people are supported to manage their behaviour through a reward and incentive scheme. Star charts enable young people to gain rewards which go towards a treat of their choice. Their understanding of the reward chart is helped as information is presented pictorially. Young people say that they enjoy participating with the charts and look forward to their extra treats at the weekend. The scheme is effective and has, for example, helped reduce behavioural incidents.

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good

Young people are assisted to help understand the risks posed by internet use through one to one sessions with staff and discussions at young people’s meetings. Individual risk assessments detail the supervision, time and venue of internet use for each young person. Risks from online bullying and grooming are minimised as surveillance and supervision maximises young people’s safety. Young people develop an understanding about bullying, including the different forms this takes. Citizenship is enhanced as they listen to staff advice and support about treating each other with respect.

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good

Searches of young people’s rooms are rare, but occasionally happen when school or a family member may notice that an item is missing. Some young people like to gather and hide things in their room, but young people’s dignity and respect is maintained if room searches are necessary.

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good

Young people’s safety is promoted through the appropriate vetting of staff. There are effective and safe recruitment practices in place meaning that young people are protected from adults who may wish to harm them. Young people are familiar with the local police community support officer who visits occasionally. Young people experience police officers as visitors to the home and understand their role in the community increasing their understanding of how society works.

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good

Young people benefit from living in a home which has a safe and secure internal environment. There is a patch of uneven concrete in the garden which poses a safety hazard to young people.

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good

Regular checks ensure that the equipment works well and poses no risks to young people. Fire drills are regularly completed and fire equipment serviced to ensure that it functions properly. All staff and young people are conversant with the fire drills and the need for evacuations from time to time to maintain vigilance and safety for all.

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good

The Registered Manager has an NVQ 4 in health, social care and young people, leadership and management gained in 2010. The registered manager has been in post for over 3 years. He is currently completing his level 5 diploma in children and young people care and management, and aims to complete this in 2015.

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good

The home is well managed and the registered manager sets high standards for staff and his priority is the well-being of young people in his care. The registered manager monitors and records areas of progress for young people. Social Workers say, ’My young person has made substantial progress with behaviour, self-care and communication. He has done really well’.

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good

Young people benefit as staff are motivated and caring. Staff have regular monthly supervision and this enables them to understand and reflect upon young people’s needs. Targets for improving practice and extending skills ensures that staff understand all aspects of caring for young people. Annual appraisals are undertaken with all staff and young people receive good coordinated care as staff are supported and challenged.

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good

Young people benefit from a suitably qualified and mixed experienced staff team. Where staff do not have the necessary level 3 diploma qualification, plans are in place for this training to begin. Staff have a thorough induction and say that they feel prepared for working with young people. Young people are supported by staff who have the skills, abilities and interest to meet their needs. Staff training is updated regularly. Core training is refreshed at frequent intervals to ensure that staff remain knowledgeable. Staff receive additional training relevant to young people’s needs, for example in preparation for a new young person joining the home, a speech and language therapist talked to the staff group about communicating with young people with communication difficulties. A psychologist talked to the staff team about managing a new young person with challenging behaviour. Young people benefit as staff knowledge is enhanced and confidence

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good

Professionals and family say that the quality of communication with staff at the home is excellent. A professional said, ‘I have been really impressed with the information I receive from staff – detailed and frequent. It helps me keep in touch with what is happening’. Young people’s welfare is improved as there is a coordinated and well informed approach to their care.

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good

Young people’s records are very well organised and maintained. The registered manager ensures that systems in place to record any gaps in records are adhered to. Consequently, young people’s needs are met as staff have all the information they need. Young people’s risk assessments and placement plans are regularly reviewed and audited by the registered manager. This helps to ensure changing patterns in behaviour, for example, are reflected in behavioural strategies.

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good

The statement of purpose accurately describes the service offered to young people by the home but this needs updating to reflect changes in legislation since April 2015. The associated young people’s guide is written in detailed language which may not be accessible to young people living at the home. In addition, young people may wish to contact the Children’s Commissioner for advice or support, but the guide does not include the contact details.

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good

Independent monitoring visits occur monthly and the registered manager welcomes external scrutiny and oversight. This report provides scrutiny of all aspects of young people’s care in the home and promotes their safety and a good standard of good care. The registered manager self-scrutinises the quality of care offered to young people, including identifying priorities for the year ahead. The priorities do not fully explain how the service will continue to improve and meet young people’s needs in the future.

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good

There is an incomplete location assessment. Whilst there is evidence of collaborative working with police, health, education and children’s services, a location risk assessment is required to ensure that all aspects of young people’s safety are fully explored. Where new young people have joined the home, the location risk assessment does consider the risks in the location relating to their needs. This means that young people’s safety is not comprehensively addressed.

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good

Requirements made at the last inspection have been met. Young people’s records are complete and updated in their files ensuring staff have all the relevant information they need to meet young people’s needs. The independent visitor interviews young people, professionals and families gaining valuable feedback about care provided for young people. Young people’s experience improves as the registered manager completes self-monitoring reports at the required intervals and returns these to Ofsted.

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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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