Children's Home run by Surrey County Council in Surrey

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the last 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 is strong leadership and management in the home. The manager knows the strengths of the home and areas for development. These are shared with the staff team so they are working to consistent goals and use this to lead the day-to-day shift planning and risk assessment. There is robust monitoring of the service both through the visits by the independent visitor and monthly checks and regular evaluation by the management team. These systems are used to identify shortfalls and take appropriate action. Relationships continue to develop between young people and staff that enable young people to feel safe and confident while developing a positive self-awareness. This ensures that young people are making good progress in their lives while coming to understand the issues relating to their care. Since the last inspection in February 2015, the home has experienced three young people leaving the home and four new admissions. One young person has moved

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

on to independent living and staff continue to support him to ensure he is prepared with the skills to move on successfully. Staff work with professionals to ensure they have the necessary information prior to placement. This ensures they are equipped to support the young people. Feedback from a parent included ‘thank you for all the love and support with X, he has changed and matured under your care.’ In recent months, the home has experienced a change within the group dynamics. Staff describe it as ‘difficult to manage at times’ and young people feel they ‘miss out’ on time with staff as a result of some behaviours young people are exhibiting. All spoken to felt the current dynamics are having an impact on the home in either how they are being supported or how they support others. Impact risk assessments have not been compiled and although young people were not identified as having specific risks at the time of placement, this lack of assessments

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

fails to demonstrate how safe admission decisions are made, taking into account the unique needs of young people who could be placed and their potential impact those already living in the home. In addition, as this information is not present review is not taking place to ensure the placements are still appropriate. Some young people are benefitting as a result of a nurturing environment with clear boundaries and beginning on the journey of reflecting on the impact of their own behaviours. Some young people continue to place themselves at risk and engage in risk taking behaviours such as going missing from care. Some young people who have been or are in placement are deemed as at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation. There are risk assessments in place however, these are not detailed and do not give staff the necessary information to enable them to know how to keep young people safe. On discussion with staff they were clear on their

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

responsibilities and have undertaken training which has improved their understanding in this area. The home is working with professionals and the young people to enable a reduction in these behaviours. Despite engaging in these behaviours, young people report that they feel safe. Staff report they feel supported and receive advice and discussion in relation to young people, mostly in an informal manner. The organisations expectation in relation to formal supervision as outlined in the homes policy is still not being followed. Due to time pressures the management team agree formal supervision is not regular. This does not enable the staff and managers to fully reflect on practice. Staff are trained in the management and de-escalation of behaviour. The need to physically intervene is rare, on the few occasions it has taken place suitable records have been made. Since the last inspection, there has been one physical

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

intervention. This intervention led to an internal investigation. The home liaised with the necessary professionals and the young people and all involved have reflected and learnt from this incident. Sanctions, are no longer being used and staff work with the young people in a restorative manner; this is enabling young people to take ownership and have a sense of personal responsibility. At the last inspection, two recommendations were set in relation to helping young people reduce their smoking and ensure the smoking areas in the garden are kept clean and tidy. These have been met. Young people have reduced the amount they are smoking and have engaged in smoking cessation programmes. Staff discuss with the young people the benefits of ceasing smoking during one-to-one time. The garden area has been tidied and is now clean. There is a commitment from the management and staff in the home to improve outcomes for young people; staff have positive and realistic aspirations for young

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

people. Young people are generally positive about the quality of care they receive. Young people know and understand what is expected of them.

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Information about this children's home

The home is a local authority children’s home which may accommodate up to six young people of either gender. The home supports children and young people who present emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

12/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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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 care planning standard the registered person is required to ensure:

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Requirement Due date

‘14(b)(ii) that arrangements are in place to manage and review the placement of each child in the home. This specifically relates ensuring impact risk assessments are completed and reviewed.’ 22/10/2015

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that all employees receive practice-related supervisions by a person with appropriate experience. This specifically relates to providing supervision at the frequency outlined in the homes policy.

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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 all care planning information contains detailed steps the home will take to manage any assessed risks on a day to day basis. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 42 paragraph 9.5)

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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

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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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