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:

 Young people say that staff at this home are very good. One young person said, ‘I do not know what I would do without my keyworker.’ Staff form honest and trusting relationships. A professional said, ‘They are excellent parents.’ As a result, young people are making notable progress across many areas of their lives.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Some young people are doing extremely well in education and have aspirations for their future. Specialised educational provision has been quickly identified when young people have struggled in mainstream school. Alternatively, a mainstream school was quickly resourced for a young person who was being home tutored. Therefore, young people receive education tailored to their individual needs.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people receive good support and advice around their health needs. In particular, with their cultural needs. One young person said, ‘Staff ensure that I get all the right products for my skin and hair.’ They also receive good guidance and support around healthy lifestyle choices, for example, in their diet and improved exercise.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Most young people have progressed to having unsupervised contact with people that are important to them. One young person said, ‘I feel like a normal person because I now stay over at friends’ homes.’ Other young people have struggled when contact has been temporarily suspended at the request of the family. The manager is working closely with the family to resolve the current issues, to help them re-engage with the young person. For example, by writing to each other.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people say they are very safe at this home. They say staff talk to them and give good advice, on a range of safety issues such as being safe on-line. A professional described the home as ‘one of the best’ in ensuring young people’s safety. The staff team demonstrate a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities in following protocols and procedures to keep young people safe.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 The manager is suitably qualified and experienced. Staff are well supported through good supervision and training and the stable staff group provide good continuity of care.  Good internal and external monitoring of the quality of care within the home ensures that any issue identified is quickly addressed. Therefore, the manager understands the strengths and weakness of the home and has a good development plan in place to secure continued improvements.

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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

In order to meet the education standard the registered person must ensure - (2)(a)(i) that staff help each child to achieve the child's education and training targets, as recorded in the child's relevant plans. This is specifically in relation to ensuring that young people’s education plans are relevant, updated and includes all actions and targets. 30/09/2015

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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 that the workforce plan is updated to include any new training and qualifications completed by staff at the home, and used to record the ongoing training and continuing professional development needs of staff - including the home's manager. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 53, paragraph 10.8)

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Recommendations

 Ensure appropriate forms of contact should be promoted and facilitated for each child. This is specifically in relation to ensuring that any restrictions to contact are recorded in the child's contact plan. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 58, paragraph 11.18)

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Recent inspection history

This private children’s home accommodates up to three young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/02/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

p.5

good

Two young people fully engaged with the inspector on this inspection. One young person was very positive and complimentary about the home. Another young person was having more difficulty in expressing his emotions and frustrations. However, a range of professionals were very complimentary about the service. One professional said, ‘This place is not like a residential it is like a normal family home.’ Another commented, ‘The home does everything they can. They are very proactive and the progress she is making is fantastic.’

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good

The home’s Statement of Purpose clearly identifies the procedures for admission to and discharge from the home. There have been no young people admitted or discharged from this home since their last inspection. As a result, young people say that they all get on well together. One young person said, ‘We may bicker and get on each other’s nerves now and again but there is no bullying. Staff would not allow that.’ Staff say that they are vigilant in ensuring that relationships remain respectful.

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good

On the whole, young people are making good progress across all areas of their lives. They contribute this to staff listening to their views, wishes, feelings and being cared for well. One young person said, ‘Everything has improved in my life because my key worker has listened to me and made things happen.’ Another young person said, ‘Yeah, they are good at listening but they are not doing anything. I want to go into foster care.’ Information held within the home shows that the manager, staff and professionals have identified that this is the plan for the young person. But careful consideration and planning needs to be completed to make it successful. The manager said, ‘because of his young age he does not understand that things cannot happen today. But we continue to talk to him and support him wherever possible.’

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good

Young people have not made any complaints but said that they were fully aware of the in-house complaint system, that they could talk to the independent visitor or contact other services. One young person said, ‘I have an advocate but staff are fantastic and I can talk to them about anything.’ Therefore, young people have a range of independent people that they can contact if they are unhappy about their care. In addition to this, young people routinely attend meetings to discuss any issues, routines and plans for the coming week. The manager responds to any requests quickly. Young people said that they can influence changes in the home. For example, the home had a small room that was not being used for anything. They said they would like a room where they could chill out. This room was made into a sensory room for them. This has been extremely beneficial for one young person who is struggling with his emotions. He said, ‘It’s great, quiet, has lights,

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good

music and a back massager which I love.’ As a result, young people see the benefit of their input into the development of the home.

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good

One young person is doing extremely well in education. She has full attendance. Over the last year she has moved up two grades in her academic level. She said, ‘Everything has affected everything else. I now have free time. I go out with school friends. I sleep over. I am seeing my mum. I am settled in school. I enjoy living here. That’s why I am doing well.’ She continued to say, ‘I have plans for my future. I want to work with people who have dementia but I cannot get on a college course for this until I am eighteen, so I am doing another course in beauty and hairdressing.’ Her social worker said, ‘She has come so far and is looking forward to her future.’ This improvement has been made possible because of the firm routines, support and guidance given to young people within the home. Another young person was being home tutored after a long spell of not attending education whilst placed at home. She engaged well with tutors and a mainstream

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good

school was quickly identified. Initial reports say that she has settled well and that she is working in line with her peers. However, her attendance has recently dropped due to her being missing from the home. Another young person is starting a new specialised school in the September term. Staff and a range of professionals identified that he was not coping in a large class. He said, ‘I am looking forward to going to my new school and I want to be a farmer.’ Therefore, young people receive identified, individual support that is tailored to meet the educational needs. Young people have aspirations for their future and are proud of their achievements, displaying certificates and awards on their bedroom wall. However, information received such as school reports or actions from personal education plans (PEP) have not been routinely entered into the homes educational plan. As a result, they do not clearly show the history, actions, progress from their starting

p.7

good

points and continuing support that young people made need.

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good

Young people participate in a wide range of individual and group activities. One young person likes spending time with her friends, going to the cinema and attending Zumba classes. One young person likes to go to a caravan in Wales. He said, ‘It’s great, we go fishing, walking and have fun. I especially like it when …. (staff name) takes me because we do boy things.’ Young people said that they often go to the park, swimming or play with friends in the local community. This means that they access local amenities and spend time with their peers.

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good

Young people are in good health because they are supported to attend all routine check-ups and any health concern is quickly addressed. Staff have worked closely with young people on a variety of issues. For example, in making healthier dietary choices and increasing exercise. Staff work closely with the Looked After Children (LAC) nurse on nutrition, diet and exercise and use good consultation sessions with the young person to offer useful and informative advice about heathy eating. As a result young people have learnt to make healthier choices. In addition to this, one young person has been receiving extra help and advice with her cultural needs. She said, ‘Staff make sure I have all the products I need for my hair and skin and I go to a Caribbean restaurant. We have also made Caribbean food here and I think it is really good that staff try these meals.’ Young people said their health, fitness and appearance had improved because of the good systems and routines in place,

p.7

good

Most young people have benefited from excellent contact arrangements. This means that they have gone from supervised to unsupervised contact. One young person said, ‘I have worked hard to build up trust and now I have free time, stay over at friends’ houses and see my mum. I feel like a normal person.’ Another young person is struggling with his emotions because contact was terminated by the family. This has impacted on all past progress and he has become unsettled in school and within the home. When the family wanted to restart contact the manager was firm and addressed the issues and impact this was having on him. Therefore, she suggested writing to him for a period of time and staff have supported him in reading and answering these letters. Since the exchange of these letters his behaviour has improved. This means that significant attachments are maintained but within a closely monitored environment. Arrangements for contact

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good

are within young contact plans but any restrictions to contact are not identified within. As a result, staff and young people are not fully protected from known unsuitable adults. This has not impacted on the good arrangements in place but has the potential to do so in the future.

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good

One young person said that since living at this home she was being prepared for semi-independence. She said, ‘I have learnt to cook, clean, look after myself and we all do chores around the home.’ She said she had just got a new social worker and the main thing she wanted to do was start a pathway plan early. She felt this was important because she wanted to apply to colleges in her home town and this would need to be done early in the new year. She said, ‘I don’t want to start college here and then have to move. It would be hard to make friends in the middle of a course.’ This shows that young people are planning their future and have thought about obstacles that would hinder a smooth transition.

p.8

good

Young people said that they felt safe and protected in this home. One young person said, ‘I stay in touch with staff when I am out with friends and I call them if I am going to be late.’ She continued to say, ‘I have weekly sessions with my key worker. We talk about everything. She has been open and honest so I now understand how unsafe I was before coming here.’ Another young person said, ‘They do risk assessments on some activities like tobogganing in Wales. It’s a bit boring but I know they have to make sure the activity is safe and that they have insurance.’ Good risk assessments are in place that identify young people’s individual vulnerabilities and set out what strategies and actions staff need to take to protect them. In addition to this, staff have completed an e-safety training programme to increase their knowledge and awareness around protection issues in regards to social media. Staff have worked closely with young people in ensuring

p.8

good

that they understand the risks associated with accessing social network sites, so they are able to access the internet safely. All professionals said that young people’s safety had been at the forefront of the homes practice and that identified risks had significantly reduced because of this.

p.9

good

There have been no concerns raised with the Looked Authority Designated Officer (LADO) but she said that staff are proactive, communicate well and have robustly reported any incident, in the past, quickly.

p.9

good

One young person has recently started going missing from home. There have been concerns for her safety because she has been missing for longer periods. The staff follow the local missing from home protocol and search for her in the local area and in her local town. They try to contact on her mobile and send reassuring texts to her. When she has been found at known address the police have taken swift action on adults who have been harbouring her. The missing from home co- ordinator from the police described the staff and home as ‘One of the best they have in reporting, following, searching and working with them when young people are missing from home.’ She continued to say that the manager is very proactive in calling strategy meetings and ensuring that the local authority understands the need for them and their concerns.

p.9

good

Generally, young people behave very well and responded to firm but fair boundaries. One professional said, ‘Staff are strict but fair, consistent and warm. The young person can be very dramatic and staff just make things fun. Staff stick to boundaries, they are clear and the young person knows the expectations.’ One young person has struggled with his emotions and has damaged some property and personal belongings. On one occasion he was physically held to protect staff and other young people. The intervention was robustly recorded and he was given the opportunity to reflect on his actions. Consequences for unacceptable behaviour are minimal but when applied, young people said they were fair. Staff say that their continuing success in turning unacceptable behaviour around is because they install good values and reward good behaviour. For example, young people have received additional trips to a caravan for good educational results and had beauty

p.9

good

treatments for being mature. One young person said, ‘It’s great, especially when it comes out of the blue and you haven’t realised that you have done anything.’ Further to this, the home has nominated one young person for a local authority award to recognise the excellent progress she has made.

p.9

good

A long standing stable staff team cares for the young people. This means that young people receive continuity of care. There has been one new staff since the homes last full inspection. But she had previously worked at the home and remained on the casual list to cover sickness and holiday periods. She said, ‘I left because I moved a distance away. I started a job in another field but it did not give me job satisfaction that I had here. I have now returned permanently and the progress young people make, makes the travelling worth it.’ Recruitment records show that a robust interview, induction and checking of suitability where carried out, as they would be for a new employee.

p.9

good

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

p.10

good

The manager was registered with Ofsted in 2005. She has the relevant qualifications and experience to lead the staff group and manage the home. She also managers another single bed home. She ensures that she spends equal periods of time within each home. Two experienced and qualified deputy managers also support her across the homes. Since the last inspection she has taken on a more senior role within the company as part of her on-going development. She is currently taking responsibility for completing supervisions of other managers within the company. Wherever possible, she is attending operational meetings. She said this gives her an opportunity to see issues from a corporative aspect. She is mindful that these things do not impinge on her role of being a Registered Manager, but sees this as an opportunity to learn and broaden her horizons.

p.10

good

The homes Statement of Purpose (SOP) reflects the service offered at this home. Professionals say that the ethos of the home is evident in the excellent outcomes for the young person. Young people’s reviews take place regularly. Young people said they fully understood their care plan and were confident that they could influence the plan.

p.10

good

Most staff are qualified in caring for young people. One new staff has been registered on the appropriate award. Staff say that the supervision, training and development opportunities that they receive support them to give good, consistent care to young people. Staff describe the manager as ‘fair’, ‘approachable’ and ‘knowledgeable’. A strong theme was apparent of being able to discuss any issues whether, personal, of practice or about young people, openly and honestly with the manager. Staff said they valued her opinion and that she could often give them a better understanding of a situation or look at the issue impartially. They contributed this level of support to their success in working with young people.

p.10

good

Staff say that staff meetings are frequent and are a forum to discuss practice issues, developments in the home, young people’s progress and any support that they require. Staff were aware of the recent changes within the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the supporting Children’s Guide. As a result, staff are kept up to date with changes within legislation and are looking at changes that may need to be made in their paperwork. For example, the homes SOP has recently been updated to reflect these changes.

p.11

good

Staff have received all mandatory training which is refreshed within time scales. They have received additional training that supports young people’s individual needs such as attachment training. Staff say that training opportunities have significantly improved and through the appraisal system have been able to access management courses. They said that they welcome the opportunity to develop and progress within the company. The home has a training matrix which identifies what training has been completed and when it should be renewed. However, it has not been updated for a significant period of time. This does not ensure that robust systems are in place to capture all the information required by the company.

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good

Independent visitors monitor the home on a monthly basis. Their reports reflect the findings on the quality of care within the home. The manager uses this report in her monitoring record to evaluate the recordings and care given. Ofsted receives these timely. As part of this process, the visitor and manager routinely consult with a range of professionals, parents, stakeholders and young people to incorporate the views, suggestions and findings into the outcome of the quality of care. The manager uses this information well. For example, feedback from these individuals is incorporated into her development plan for the home. This ensures that the home continues to improve the service. The inspector discussed with the manager that improvements could be made in looking at the quality of the recordings rather than the quantity. This is because some records are a little vague in parts and need clearer explanations.

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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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