Children's Home run by Care Focus Limited in Essex

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were no requirements or recommendations made at the last full inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make exceptionally good progress. They study for and sit GCSEs. One young person sat GCSE humanities one year earlier than required. Another young person, who has recently left, has a college placement. Staff take young people to visit the library and offer guidance to help them to become involved in volunteering in the local community. This means that potential is recognised and staff routinely provide all young people with encouragement to think about their future employability.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people recently admitted to the home say they feel supported and well cared for. A social worker said: ‘The staff work really well with young people, particularly when it comes to reducing risk taking behaviours.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Physical interventions rose for a short period and have again reduced. There were no breaches of regulation identified in this area. Staff consistently employ a range of effective strategies, incentives and techniques to help young people modify their behaviour. The result is that incidents decrease. Young people recognise that they benefit from the structure and daily routine provided. Consequently, they have confidence that their care givers know how to help them. The children’s guide provides useful information about the home; however, it falls short specifically regarding the description in relation to what young people can expect to happen for sanctions or consequences.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people routinely access the spectrum of services linked to ensuring healthy physical and emotional well-being. Where young people develop concerning symptoms, staff are attentive and responsive. They go above and beyond to ensure that young people’s needs are thoroughly investigated, which includes remaining over night with them in hospital and liaising with specialist services where necessary.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last full inspection incidents of missing from the home were nil. Incidents did increase temporarily and have again recently reduced to nil. When young people place themselves in danger by running away, managers respond proactively. They liaise with other agencies. They produce risk assessments towards seeking agreement from all placing local authorities to prevent young people leaving the building using the doors. This practice falls short because the current Statement of Purpose does not accurately reflect that occasionally and temporarily staff lock doors during the day.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Friends and relatives who are important to the young people are welcomed into the home. They benefit from significant contact with their families who receive practical assistance to visit. One parent said: ‘I think they have all been marvellous in helping my child to make progress.’ A professional who visits the home said: ‘The staff are passionate about their job and passionate about helping the young people.’

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Information about this children's home

This privately owned children's home provides accommodation for up to four females with emotional and or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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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

The registered person must revise the statement of purpose specifically in relation to arrangements for the protection of children and young people and notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised statement within 28 days of the revision. (Regulation 16 (3) (a) (b)) 01/10/2015

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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 the children’s guide is reviewed and updated specifically to reflect what children and young people can expect in relation to sanctions and consequences. Ensure children and young people are given an explanation of any changes. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 24 paragraph 4.23)

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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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 focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

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 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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