Children's Home run by Oak House Children's Home Limited in Redbridge

Requires improvement

The children's home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

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because:

 Oak House generally offers a good service. However, the staff have struggled with the dynamics of the current group of young women. This has resulted in behavioural management issues, which impact on the home’s atmosphere. Some young women have transferred their inner anger on to staff, the environment and occasionally each other.  Behaviour management is not strong. Staff are not working in a consistent manner and are not able to confidently manage behaviour. The home involves police unnecessarily, which can result in criminalising young women.  Staff morale is low and staff do not have sufficient support. There are plans to reintroduce reflective clinical supervision with the psychotherapist. Staff welcome this input as they feel it made the team ‘solid’ in the past and provided an opportunity for them to discuss their feelings. Contingency plans are not in place to address occasions when staff do not turn up for

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because:

their shifts. This does not ensure sufficient staff are available at all times to ensure the effective running of the home. Staff do not receive sufficient training or additional resources to help them understand mental health, gender identity and reassignment.  Young women and staff would like a more homely environment. There is an issue with maintaining the environment. The refurbishment of the home is ongoing to combat the damage caused by some residents. Walls have been repainted and some are currently bare. There are holes in two bedroom walls and a wall in one room requires cleaning. Due to destructive tendencies, plastic crockery has been introduced; this is currently being reviewed.  The statement of purpose has not been reviewed to reflect all the necessary information required in the new regulations.  The home requires improvement in all areas. Help and protection is a limiting judgement and has an impact on all other areas. Shortfalls relate

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The children's home strengths

 Young women receive an extensive level of support to address their complex needs and tackle their negative feelings. The home gives young women the tools to creatively address their personal histories and manage their feelings. They benefit from individual on-site psychotherapy, dedicated key work sessions and holistic therapies.

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The children's home strengths

 A key strength of the home is the quality of relationships between the young women and staff. Parents highlight that staff ‘are great’ and have their children’s ‘best interests at heart’. Young women comment on the ‘nice staff’ and they admire the fact they ‘never give up’.

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The children's home strengths

 Young women are making progress and are addressing current and past issues. Due to the significant nature of their histories this is commendable. Some young women have made phenomenal progress and are achieving academically. They benefit from flexible on-site education, which is creatively tailored to each young woman’s needs.  Young women have satisfying social lives. They recently enjoyed a holiday, which they described as being ‘really good’. Young women explore local amenities and they also enjoy trips further afield, including visiting attractions in Central London.  Positive behaviour is rewarded and the use of sanctions is minimal. Restorative practice helps young woman understand the impact of their actions. The home has a good relationship with the neighbourhood police who undertake weekly visits. The home provides nationally recognised workshops which cover child sexual exploitation, raising young women’s

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The children's home strengths

awareness regarding their vulnerability.

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The children's home strengths

 Leaders and managers actively monitor the quality of care, in accordance with regulations. The new quality standards have been linked to the home’s development plan. In recognition of recent changes, behaviour management is under greater scrutiny. Leaders and managers monitor trends and they know the home’s strengths and the areas for development. In acknowledgement of this, a decision not to have full occupancy within the home to prevent further issues is taken.

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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

6: The quality and purpose of care standard

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the quality and purpose of care standard with particular reference to the physical environment the registered person must ensure that staff- (vii) provide to children living in the home the physical necessities they need in order to live there comfortably; this relates to repairing the holes in walls, removing graffiti, and providing appropriate crockery. 01/10/2015

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard the registered person must ensure that staff- (iv) manage relationships between children to prevent them from harming each other. 05/08/2015

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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.This specifically relates to details of the qualifications and professional supervision of the staff involved in providing therapy; details of the experience and qualifications of staff, including any staff commissioned to provide education; arrangements for the professional supervision of staff that provide education or health care; and to also address how the home promotes appropriate role models of both sexes. (Regulation 16 (1)) 01/11/2015

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendations:  provide a homely domestic environment (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15 paragraph 3.9)  agree with the local police force, procedures and guidance on police involvement with the home to reduce unnecessary police involvement in managing behaviour and criminalisation of behaviours. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 47 paragraph 9.40)  ensure staff supervision enables them to reflect upon how their own feelings and behaviour may be affected by the behaviour of the children they care for. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 39 paragraph 8.15)  ensure contingency plans are prepared in the event of a shortfall in staffing levels. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 54 paragraph 10.18)  ensure that staff can access appropriate facilities and resources to support their

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Recommendations

training needs, particularly in relation to mental health and transgender and gender identity and reassignment. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 53 paragraph 10.11)

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Information about this children's home

This section should outline: The home is a privately owned and registered to provide care for five young women with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is also registered as a school and onsite education is available.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

30/01/2015 Interim improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

07/01/2014 Interim satisfactory progress

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requires improvement

Young women report that ‘not much’ is good about the home There have been occasions when young women state they have not felt ‘comfortable or safe’ due to several incidents. This relates to incidents of fire-setting, young women attacking each other, climbing on the roof, and vandalising their home. The young women’s high-presenting needs has had an impact on group dynamics. Staff highlight that young women can become ‘jealous’ of the attention others receive. This results in a perpetuation of negative behaviour patterns. These weaknesses are not addressed to fully support young women’s progress and experience.

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requires improvement

Young women receive an extensive level of support to address their complex needs and tackle their negative feelings. Social workers say that staff appear ‘very supportive and engaging with the young people’. They state that young women appear to be ‘happy there’. The home gives young women the tools to creatively address their personal histories and manage their feelings. They benefit from individual on-site psychotherapy, dedicated key work sessions and holistic therapies. Examples of the latter are Indian head massage, biofeedback therapy which relaxes the body and mind and a massage chair. Young women explain that this helps them feel ‘relaxed, calmer and less worried’.

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requires improvement

Young women imaginatively express their feelings through art, song writing, poetry, creative writing and using a journal. They participate in cognitive behavioural therapy through drama and role play. Training in Gestalt counselling enables staff to positively assist young women to build their emotional resilience. They learn to identity negative self-talk, understand their internal self, link their past and try not to be overwhelmed by emotions. The latter is an ongoing issue for young women.

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requires improvement

Staff highlight that some young women are more ‘confident’, ‘more expressive’ and have ‘really matured’. Training in social skills endeavours to help them better communicate and interact with their peers and adults. A key strength of the home is the quality of relationships between the young women and staff. Parents highlight that staff ‘are great’ and have their children’s ‘best interests at heart’. Young women comment on the ‘nice staff’ and they admire the fact they ‘never give up’. They demonstrate a caring thoughtful attitude; a good example of this is planning a surprise birthday party for a staff member.

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requires improvement

Young women feel safe to discuss their past, their fears, and their sexuality and disclose incidents of abuse. Staff provide support to young women during legal proceedings, health appointments and hospital admissions. They also have an amicable time cooking together, hairdressing or having fun during activities. Staff aim to provide positive parenting and help young women develop secure attachments.

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requires improvement

Young women have a satisfying social life. They recently enjoyed a holiday, which they described as being ‘really good’. Young women explore local amenities and they also enjoy trips further afield, including visiting attractions in Central London. Eating out is part of their weekly routine, for example, going out for brunch and picnics. They are also making the most of the summer through having regular barbecues. Young women receive encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle. They benefit from the provision of an onsite personal trainer. They also participate in sports including boxing and basketball. They also enjoy trampolining, Zumba, going for walks and are members of a gym. Young women are making efforts to maintain a healthy weight and cease smoking. They also understand the dangers of misusing illegal substances and alcohol. The home provides flexible on-site education, which is creatively tailored to each

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requires improvement

young woman’s needs. However, the level of engagement is sporadic. Some young women also attend mainstream school and they are achieving academically; this includes obtaining Level 1 qualifications and taking GCSEs. Young women are considering their future options, which include further education and apprenticeships. Their routines include educational activities, for example visiting the library. The home holds cultural evenings to increase their awareness of different countries such as Jamaica and Mexico. Their learning extends to independent living; this includes taking care of themselves and learning practical skills. Young women undertake their own laundry, are responsible for changing their bedding, keeping their rooms clean and contributing to the cleaning of communal areas. Young women take pride in their appearance and are developing their own sense of style. They visit the hairdresser and also enjoy pamper evenings where they have pedicures and other beauty

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requires improvement

treatments. Young women’s views are instrumental to decision making. They contribute to menu and activity planning, voice their opinions collectively in house meetings and individually with staff. They are not afraid to use the complaints procedure and their grievances are taken seriously.

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requires improvement

Staff help them keep in touch with their families; this includes accompanying them on visits to their immediate and extended family members. Staff escort young women to prisons, care homes, restaurants, shopping centres and funfairs to facilitate contact with their families. They also help young women with key family events for example on Mothering Sunday young people are encouraged to buy a card and flowers for their parent. Judgement grade

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requires improvement

Young women live in an environment which is generally safe. There have been occasions where young women report that they have felt ‘scared’ This is the result of some young women transferring their inner anger on staff, the environment, each other or themselves. Social workers have a good understanding of issues, highlighting that young women ‘may be struggling with’ others who are ‘demanding a lot of attention’. Parents highlight that ‘staff care’ and that they ‘try to keep’ their children safe.

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requires improvement

Staff do not manage incidents in a consistent manner, although behavioural management plans and individualised agreed sanctions are in place. Staff state that they approach incidents ‘in a different way’ explaining it is based on ‘personal decisions’. An example of this is involving the police in behavioural management issues. Young women feel that they are ‘punished for having emotions’. They state that they ‘get arrested for silly reasons’. Young women resent their peers vandalising their home, stating that they all have to ‘suffer’. An example of this is the introduction of plastic crockery to prevent unnecessary breakages. This is currently being reviewed but does not promote a homely environment.

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requires improvement

Staff have a strong understanding of associated risks relating to each young woman. Risk assessments clearly highlight these concerns. Social workers state that staff are ‘on the ball and use restorative justice techniques to resolve any resident issues’. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to helping young women understand their behaviour and take responsibility for their actions. The home has a zero tolerance of bullying. Key work sessions incorporate anger management, which includes learning coping strategies. An example of this is that all young people have their own punch bag in their rooms. They use this equipment positively and highlight how beneficial it is.

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requires improvement

Staff occasionally use estraint. Some staff explain that they may use restraints as a calming influence when young women are causing a danger to others, the environment or themselves. Positive behaviour is rewarded and the use of sanctions is minimal. Restorative practice helps young woman understand the impact of their actions. It helps them to rebuild relationships and repair harm to help prevent future conflict. Young women improve their mutual understanding of an issue and jointly endeavour to reach the best possible solution. The home has a good relationship with the neighbourhood police who undertake weekly visits.

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requires improvement

The home provides nationally recognised workshops which cover child sexual exploitation. Staff encourage young women to hand their mobile phones in at night and the importance of on-line safety is regularly discussed. Young women are reminded of the dangers of ‘sexting’, ‘video-calling’ and meeting up with other young people they meet on the internet. They have discussions regarding sex within a healthy relationship and the lawful age of consent. Young women receive praise for not engaging in sexual activity. These measure help promote their safety.

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requires improvement

Self-harm is a prevalent issue for some young women and the home offers them a safe place to reflect on this behaviour. Young women are able to verbalise their desire to self-harm and their suicidal thoughts. One of the methods used to address this is through use of a self-harm workbook, where they explore their self-neglect and risky behaviour. Young women have the courage to discuss past abuse and link this to the start of their self-harming behaviour. They state that making loom bands is a distraction technique, which makes them feel ‘a bit better’. Young woman also have a ‘self-harm’ kit which consists of a red pen, stress bands, a first aid kit and a thought journal. Staff highlight a ‘dramatic decrease in self- harm and risky behaviour’.

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requires improvement

The home maintains effective liaison with the placing authority and other agencies. An example of this is the local fire brigade who came to the home to give a fire safety talk following a fire setting incident. There are also effective links with safeguarding personnel in the local authority. There are currently no issues with young women going missing. On occasions where this does happen, staff follow the young woman. However, the aim is to positively engage with young women so they do not go off-site unless authorised. No risks exist in regards to radicalisation.

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requires improvement

The physical environment is safe. Relevant certificates and regular health and safety checks confirm young women’s protection from the risk of harm. Staff are carefully selected and vetted on a regular and on-going basis. Young women also contribute to the recruitment process, by interviewing potential applicants.

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requires improvement

Young women benefit from a competent, culturally diverse staff team. More male staff are being employed to provide positive role models. The increase in challenging incidents has affected staff morale. Management are aware of this and are planning to introduce more team building exercises and reintroduce psychotherapist involvement in clinical supervision. Staff welcome the opportunity to reflect on their work and the personal impact of young women’s challenging behaviours.

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requires improvement

Generally the home has sufficient staff, although at times staff may not turn up for their shift. Contingency plans are not in place to manage these emergency situations. This is an issue when young women are presenting with high levels of need.

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requires improvement

Staff highlight that ‘management are quite supportive’ and they ‘have a lot of in- house training’; this includes the home’s therapeutic way of working. Although the majority of young women use mental health services, staff have not had mental health training. They have limited awareness of gender identity, gender reassignment and transgender issues. Training does not focus entirely on ensuring that staff can meet the specific needs of the young women placed at the home.

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requires improvement

The statement of purpose clearly sets out the ethos and objectives of the home but it has not been reviewed to reflect all the information required in the new regulations. There are plans to update policies and procedures in October.

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requires improvement

The refurbishment of the home is ongoing to address the damage caused by some of the young women. Efforts are being made to make the environment more comfortable, for example with new kitchen flooring, carpet and painted walls, Young women would like the premises to ‘look nice’ and ‘like a home not a youth centre’. Walls within parts of the home are bare due to being recently painted. Some bedroom walls need cleaning and have holes in them. Graffiti is written on the lounge door and an egg has been smashed against the external office window.

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requires improvement

Young women benefit from an enthusiastic Registered Manager who is currently undertaking their leadership and management qualification. They have substantial experience within the home, having risen through the ranks to their current management position. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been actioned to improve the young women’s experiences. This includes the refurbishment, the purchase of a new fridge, football table and other leisure equipment. The home is employing more male staff which enables them to pursue a wider range of sports.

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requires improvement

Leaders and managers actively monitor the quality of care, in accordance with regulations. The new quality standards have been linked to the home’s development plan. In recognition of recent changes, behaviour management is under greater scrutiny. They are measuring outcomes and implementing graphs to gain a better understanding of issues and progress. Leaders and managers monitor trends and they know the home’s strengths and the areas for development. In acknowledgement of this, a decision was taken not to have full occupancy within the home to prevent further issues.

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requires improvement

All significant events relating to the welfare and protection of the young people are promptly notified to Ofsted. Case records provide a fair analysis of the young women’s lives and the positive impact that living at the home has had on them. Social workers and parents highlight that they are kept appropriately informed of incidents and progress.

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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

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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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