Children's Home run by Independent Living Services (North West) Limited in Sefton

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:

 Staff work hard to improve the overall experience and progress of young people living in the home. As a result young people are making progress since they moved in relative to their individual circumstances.  Staff ensure that young people are safe at the home and their views are taken into account when decisions are made. The staff team understand how to protect young people from harm and work effectively with the police.  Staff support and encourage young people within their education and take appropriate action when progress is not satisfactory or school is becoming difficult. Staff encourage young people to access a wide range of social and recreational opportunities. Staff support young people to develop their independence skills and confidence to successfully manage their life as adults.  Staff work with young people to ensure they have a clear understanding of the boundaries and routines within the home. This includes coming in times,

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The children's home provision is good because:

bedtimes and mealtimes. When young people do not agree with any routines these are discussed and reviewed to ensure they are age appropriate and consistent.  Leaders and managers regularly review the quality of care provided, identify areas of development, and make improvements. Staff receive regular professional supervision and training to further their skills and knowledge. The statement of purpose needs to be reviewed and reflect clearly the ethos and objectives of the home. The children’s guide does not provide young people with all the information they need to know about the home. Medication records are not clearly recorded and do not show the correct times when medication has been administrated and does not identify when medication has been refused. The behaviour management policy does not describe the home’s approach to promoting positive behaviours and the measures of control, discipline, and restraint which may be used in the

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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

7. The children’s views, wishes and feelings standard . In order to meet the children’s views, wishes and feelings standard the registered person must — 2(a) ensure that staff— (c) keep the children’s guide and the home’s complaints procedure under review and seek children’s comments before revising either document. 10/08/2015

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must compile in relation to the children’s home a statement (“the Statement of purpose”) which covers the matters listed in Schedule 1 and keep the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it. (Regulation 16 (1)(3)(a)) 10/08/2015

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must prepare and implement a policy (“the behaviour management policy”) which sets out how appropriate behaviour is to be promoted in the children’s home; and the measures of control, discipline and restraint which may be used in relation to children in the home. The registered person must keep the behaviour management policy under review and, where appropriate, revise it. (Regulation 35 (1)(a)(b)(2)) 10/08/2015

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must make arrangements for the handling, recording, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines received into the children’s home. In particular the registered person must ensure that a record is kept of the administration of medicine to each child. (Regulation 23 (1)(2)(c)) 10/08/2015

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

Ensure that when a child is found after being missing from care, they must be offered an independent return interview. Independent return interviews provide an opportunity to uncover information that can help protect children from risk of going missing again, from risks they may have been exposed to while missing or from risk factors in their home. (Statutory guidance on children who run away or go missing from home or care , page 14, paragraph 31)

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Information about this children's home

The home is run by a private company providing care for up to four children and 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

12/08/2014 CH - Interim declined in effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

17/09/2013 CH - Interim Inadequate Progress

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Good

Young people benefit from individualised and exceptionally well-planned care, provided by a competent enthusiastic staff team and knowledgeable manager. Through warm, nurturing relationships young people continue to grow in confidence and develop a positive image. Social workers and parents are extremely positive about the staff and the quality of care provided. One parent said ‘I could not ask for anymore, I know my child is safe.’ The open and transparent relationship between staff and young people demonstrates they trust those responsible for their care. One young person commented ‘I love it here, the staff are kind, fun and listen to me, I know they care.’ Young people are able to develop an appropriate sense of belonging and permanence.

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Good

Young people have all made significant progress in their education provision. Attendance has increased significantly and all young people now have 100 % attendance. Education and achievements are actively promoted by the staff team and incentives are in place to recognise young people’s goals. One young person is now a member of the school council and is the head of the football team. He had certificates to recognise his hard work and these were displayed in the home and copies placed in his memory box. This enabled him to celebrate his achievements and increased his self–esteem.

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Good

Staff work closely with education to ensure that additional support is available to young people if required. For example, one young man is preparing to move on to a new school in September 2015. All the professionals involved have worked together to identify the right provision, with staff taking him for a gradual introduction visits. This has enabled the young person to ask any questions they may have and ensure support was readily available when he has been anxious and upset. The focus on inclusion and participation allows young people to learn and develop and have high aspirations for their future. One young person said: ‘I never went to school before I lived her as I did not see the point. It was hard at the start, but the staff kept pushing me and my keyworker said if I did not get a good education I would not get a good job, I have just sat my GCSEs and want to be a nurse.’ Young people are encouraged to take part in a wide range of social and leisure

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Good

activities. Staff have established good links within the local community and young people are accessing youth groups, gym clubs and swimming lessons. One young person said, ‘I am off to scout camp for the first time, I am so excited.’ Staff take an active interest to learn about young people’s hobbies from the beginning of their placement to ensure they have every opportunity to try new things and develop their individual interests and talents. One young man had been to find out about dance classes and another had been to a looked at the possibility of trying water sports. This is helping them to become more confident in making friends and developing their individual characters and talents.

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Good

Young people maintain positive relationships with people who play a significant role in their lives. They are supported to sustain and develop family contacts with appropriate people. Staff are available during and after contact sessions and have a good understanding of the support the young person may need. If issues have arisen around contact being cancelled or re-arranged, staff have ensured that young people can access support and provided with an opportunity to discuss their wishes and feelings. Families are encouraged to visit the home and attend meetings when appropriate. Staff are proactive in their approach to promote meaningful and safe contact and continuity of care. One father said, ‘I took my son out for a meal on father’s day and it’s the first time for a while that we were able to sit and talk, this meant a lot.’

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Good

Transitions into and out of the home are carefully planned. Since the last inspection one young person is planning to move to her new semi-independent provision. This has been carefully planned and she has been encouraged to take part in the transition process. She has had the opportunity to spend time with her keyworker at her new home, plan the layout of her room and identify what items she may need to buy. She has been involved in learning lots of practical skills, such as budgeting, cooking and shopping. Consequently this will help prepare her for adulthood. She said ‘I know it’s time to move on and I am a bit anxious, but at least I know where I am going to.’ Support is available to ensure young people are being well prepared for their future lives.

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Good

Before young people move in a detailed impact risk assessment is completed to consider the suitability of the placement. It identifies their individual needs and carefully considers their compatibility with the existing group. This ensures that young people are appropriately placed and enables staff to meet their needs effectively. Introductions took place and the young person had the opportunity to visit and meet people before he moved in. This enabled him to be actively involved in the decision to move and gain a clear understanding of the ethos of the home he will be living in.

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good

Safeguarding young people is a priority for the staff team and central to their practice. Young people are supported to keep safe. Sufficient levels of supervision both inside and outside of the home recognise their vulnerabilities. Staff understand their responsibilities to protect young people and act within clear procedures when required. They have good links with the Local Designated Officer, working closely with local authorities when concerns have arisen. For example following a potential allegation immediate action was taken to make all professionals involved aware of the concern and a full and detailed report compiled for the relevant meeting. This ensures that appropriate action is taken and young people are protected.

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good

Risk assessments sufficiently identify potential risks and how these will be managed effectively. Therefore potential hazards are adequately defined and addressed. These assessments are regularly monitored and reviewed to capture the changing circumstances and show the progression young people have made, highlighting the significant reductions in risk taking behaviours, including missing from care, drug taking and child sexual exploitation

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good

Although the number of missing from care events had greatly reduced for one young person, some staff lacked the knowledge of the responsibilities of other professionals. This was specifically around independent return interviews and who should be undertaking them. Consequently, young people were not always provided with an opportunity to speak to an independent person following each missing episode. This is a missed opportunity to find out more about the reasons why young people go missing and identify any further support systems.

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good

There have been some improvements in the management of medication, but the arrangement are still not strong enough. For example, staff do not always record when young people refuse medication and the numbers of tablets left did not correspond with the amount reported.

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good

Behaviour management strategies are effective. Incidents of challenging behaviours are regularly reviewed by the Registered Manager to find out whether any trends, patterns or issues emerge. This information is reflected upon and any learning gained is used to inform future practice. For example, the manager had noted that the same sanction had been imposed on a young person that was clearly ineffective. This was discussed with the team and different ways of managing the behaviour were agreed. The behaviour was also discussed with the young person and the impact they were having on others. This provided an opportunity for the young person to discuss what they thought was an appropriate sanction and be involved in the decision making process. This promotes their confidence and encourages participation. However on several occasions young people had been given financial penalties for damage they have caused but the

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good

records did not say how much young people were expected to pay and when this would be repaid.

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good

The behaviour management policy has recently been updated, however was not available to staff. Consequently this may lead to staff inadvertently not following the correct strategies for managing young people’s behaviours.

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good

Young people are aware of the complaints procedure and can identify who they would talk to if they are unhappy or worried. One young person said: ‘I have not had to make a formal complaint as when I have talked to staff about things that upset me; they have always helped me to sort it out.’ This helps young people deal with their difficulties in a child friend way with appropriate outcomes achieved.

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good

The home is effectively led by a motivated and committed manager who has high expectations and aspirations for young people. She has only been the Registered Manager at this home for a short period of time, but has already shown a clear understanding of areas of improvement within the home. She has continued her own development through training and in consultation with other agencies. For example; when there had been concerns around a young person’s behaviour and the impact on their emotional well-being, she has liaised directly with the social worker and health professionals to ensure they were acting appropriately and effectively to minimise any risks. Sharing the knowledge gained directly with the staff team to protect and support the young person.

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good

The statement of purpose is currently in the process of being updated. This did not provide clear details on all aspects of care provided by the home. Although both the manager and staff had a clear understanding of the purpose and ethos of the home and how they will achieve this. The children’s guide currently does not provide young people with an up-to-date guide with clear explanations and information. It has been written by senior managers with limited consultation with young people. It does not explain in an appropriate format what happens in the home and what each young person can expect to receive while living there.

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good

Leaders and managers work well together and have good leadership qualities. They show committed to the young people and have a good overview of care practices in the home. The Registered Manager uses learning from practice to improve the overall experiences of young people. For example, during team meetings routines were discussed in detail to ensure a consistent approach was being used by all staff members. This ensures young people are cared for by a competent staff team.

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good

The home’s recruitment practices have improved to make sure only suitable people work with young people. A clear record is kept of all relevant checks, including references and qualifications. Staff possess the competencies, skills and knowledge to look after young people and feel supported by the manager. Staff said, ‘the manager is very approachable, fair and available to listen and advise.’ Regular supervision along with weekly team meetings both consider in detail practice issues, personal and professional development and areas of improvement. This ensures the staff team are consistent in their approach and have the right skills and knowledge to work effectively with young people. One staff member said, ‘The changes in the home have been for the better, we work together now as a team and this has improved consistency with young people.’

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good

Staff benefit from monthly consultation with a clinical psychologist. This supports the assessment of young people’s needs taking into account their experiences and presenting behaviours. Staff reported these sessions are beneficial and provide opportunities to look at different strategies for communication and managing behaviour. As a result the assessment of young people’s needs is comprehensive and well informed. The home’s response to any serious incidents is robust. The Registered Manager and staff team work in partnership with external professionals including social workers, Local Designated Officer, police and health professionals. The manager also ensures that Ofsted is kept informed of serious incident relating to the safety and well-being of young people. This enables the regulator to effectively carry out its safeguarding responsibilities to ensure that young people are protected from harm.

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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. procedures set out in 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

regulates and inspects to 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

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Information about this inspection

Policy Team, 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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