Children's Home run by Meadows Care Limited in Rochdale

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 have the best interests of young people at the heart of all that they do. They work hard to help young people move on from an unhappy, chaotic and unsettled life to a more stable and fulfilling one.  Taking starting points into consideration young people who are new to the home are making good progress socially, emotionally and in education.  Staff work proactively with education providers to meet the complex needs of the young people. This includes regular contact with teachers, attending meetings and ensuring that there is a structured programme of work in place for them to do with young people in the home.  Staff work well with family and friends to promote well planned and meaningful contact.  Behaviour management is handled in a caring, nurturing and non-punitive manner. This gives young people a sense of security and helps them to manage their thoughts and feelings in alternative ways.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 The manager provides effective leadership to the staff team and demonstrates a strong commitment to driving forward improvements in the home.  Good working relationships with partner agencies promotes a collaborative approach to care. This ensures that young people receive effective multi agency responses to meet their specific needs.  There are some shortfalls in practice. These relate to ensuring the views of young people are fully explored following complaints. Secondly, risk assessments do not robustly demonstrate how staff intend to manage issues relating to e- safety.

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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.

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the children's views, wishes and feelings standard the registered person must ensure that children receive care from staff who—

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Requirement Due date

(2)(iii) help each child understand how the child's views, wishes and feelings have been taken into account and give the child reasons for the decision in relation to the child.

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Requirement Due date

This is with specific reference to ensuring that concerns and complaints are robustly followed up; in relation to the action taken and outcome for the young person. 27/11/2015

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  The home should consider whether and how it can support the child to access a computer and the internet safely. This specifically relates to ensuring that risks relating to e-safety is reflected in young people's records. (The Guide page 29 5.19)

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Information about this children's home

This is one of a number of privately run children’s homes operated by a private company. The home is registered to provide care and accommodate for two young people who may need support with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The organisation also has a registered school and a therapy department, which young people can access if required.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

good

Staff work tirelessly to provide opportunities for young people to succeed and they are not daunted by setbacks. Many of the young people arrive in the home having experienced considerable early childhood trauma. Staff understand this and make every effort to help them settle and get back on track. Evidence gathered at this inspection suggests that those who are new to placement are starting to make progress in terms of their education, health and in making safer choices. For example, young people who have displayed significant self-harming behaviour in the past are now adopting other methods to express their feelings. There was a vast amount of evidence to highlight how staff intervention has helped young people to regulate their emotions more constructively. This means that over time, young people become more able to manage their emotions and impulses in a safer way. There is no doubt that these skills will better equip young people for a

p.6

good

Staff work hard to help young people build trusted and secure relationships. Currently, there is a mixed picture as to how successful this is as some relationships fluctuate on a day to day basis. However, this tends to be at the early stages of admission and indicators suggest that this is improving as young people settle. Despite the challenges, staff are enthusiastic and dedicated with high aspirations and a genuine drive to help young people achieve. They have an unconditional positive regard for young people and respond consistently with warmth, affection and empathy. Over time, this helps young people feel better about themselves and forge positive relationships with their caregivers.

p.6

good

Young people’s involvement in their care planning is age appropriate and this ensures they have a say in their life journey. They are encouraged to attend their reviews which means they are fully informed and are able to contribute to the decisions being made about them. Placement plans provide a good picture of the young people’s needs and staff understand how to implement plans on a day to day basis. Staff recognise young people as individuals with different needs, backgrounds, interests and talents. This means that young people consistently receive personalised care from staff who know them well.

p.6

good

Educational progress for young people is steadily improving. They are supported every step of the way and as a result their attendance has greatly improved as they settle into their daily routines. Young people are becoming more motivated to learn, developing confidence and are more willing to engage in a variety of learning opportunities. Excellent communication is maintained between school and education staff which allows for achievements to be shared and celebrated. Staff have a good understanding of young people’s current progress and the areas that require further support. Records indicate that young people’s learning has improved due to the care they receive. This further demonstrates that young people are given every opportunity to reach their full potential and excellent support is in place for them to do so.

p.6

good

Young people benefit from regular contact with family and friends. The home has excellent communication with families which ensures that young people develop and sustain relationships with people important to them. One family member states ‘staff brought (name) here to see me and gave us some space for family time. I am not always able to travel so it good that they are so accommodating. I know that (name) is ok because she was happy to put her coat on and leave with staff when contact came to an end.’ There is no doubt that every effort is made to ensure that contact is well organised and purposeful. This helps strengthen the relationship young people have with their families, which reinforces their sense of belonging and personal identity. Young people have opportunities to express their wishes and feelings on a daily basis. They have regular consultation and individual sessions with staff and know

p.7

good

how to complain and feel able to do so. The home has a complaints policy which is appropriately defined in the young people’s guide. There are however, some shortfalls in relation to complaints. This includes complaints that on the face of it appear relatively insignificant that young people have later retracted. Not all of these have been followed up with sufficient rigour and are not documented clearly in records. This means that young people have not had the opportunity to reflect, give their views on the action taken and understand the outcome. Furthermore, this hinders the manager’s ability to monitor such matters and address as necessary. Young people have developed useful skills that will benefit them as they get older. They are supported by staff to learn how to cook and prepare meals, clean their rooms and budget their pocket money. These skills empower young people and equip them for their move to independence.

p.7

good

The home offers a pleasant environment and is well-maintained throughout. It looks and feels like a family home which gives a clear message to young people that they are valued. Wear and tear is promptly addressed which means that young people can feel comfortable in their home and are proud when they are showing friends, family and visitors around. Judgement grade

p.7

good

Not all young people have a positive view of the home. However, evidence gathered at this inspection highlights that this view changes as they begin to settle in. Staff work hard to build relationships and view this as an essential factor in creating a secure base for young people. Birth families and professionals express satisfaction and feel that young people are safe in this home. One family member stated ‘I have no worries about the home’s safe keeping of (name). She has been very emotional and her behaviour has been challenging. But staff understand that and handled it well. Last time I saw her she looked very well and I know she’s ok.’ Behaviour management is handled sensitively, with responses linked to individual plans and assessment of risk. Staff know young people well and understand how to support them when they become anxious, frustrated or upset. They use positive behaviour management strategies that acknowledge and reward positive

p.8

good

behaviour. Strategies such as a ‘chat book’ and incentive charts have proved to be effective. Young people are encouraged to self–regulate their emotions through reflection, project work and individual keyworker session. As a result young people are making better, more sociably acceptable choices and are developing other ways of expressing their feelings. Incidents of young people going missing from the home are few. Individual risk management plans relating to young people going missing are undertaken and clear procedures are followed in the event of any missing episodes. Also where Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a known concern, careful consideration is given to the risks associated with going missing. This means that the level of risk is understood by all and triggers can be identified and preventative strategies agreed. Staff recognise the benefits and risks associated with young people using the

p.8

good

internet. Staff were able to demonstrate a good knowledge of E-safety and there is clear evidence that they regularly explore this with young people during individual sessions. However, E-safety guidance is not consistently recorded in young people’s risk assessments. This means that records are unclear in relation to E- safety which could lead to staff not being fully equipped to safeguard young people from the risks presented when using the internet. Staff receive regularly updated safeguarding training. They are clear about safe care practices. They are knowledgeable and confident in implementing the home’s safeguarding policies and procedures and take a proactive approach to ensuring the welfare of young people remains paramount at all times. Two new staff members have been employed since the last inspection. Safe recruitment systems ensure that staff are carefully selected and vetted before starting work. Visitors are checked and appropriately monitored. This helps prevent

p.8

good

unsuitable people from having access to vulnerable young people.

p.9

good

Young people benefit from living in a home that is effectively managed. The Registered Manager is very experienced and demonstrates strong leadership qualities. She has high expectations of how the home should run and has clear plans and ideas about how these will be implemented over time. The Registered Manager is liked by the team and young people and demonstrates a high level of integrity and accountability. The home’s deputy manager is also suitably qualified and experienced. This ensures that the home continues to operate effectively in any absence of the Registered Manager.

p.9

good

The Registered Manager ensures the home is sufficiently resourced and staff have a broad range of experiences and skills to meet the everyday challenges of caring for young people. Staff undertake mandatory training which includes safeguarding, behaviour management and first aid. Further specific training is identified in response to young people’s needs. A number of staff are now qualified or working towards completing a recognised qualification. This ensures that all staff are appropriately qualified, have the necessary skills and knowledge to care for complex and vulnerable young people.

p.9

good

Staff confirm that they are well supported by their colleagues and managers through regular formal and informal supervision, team meetings and daily communication. This provides staff with ample opportunity to reflect and develop their practice. Furthermore, the manager routinely monitors staff performance, competency and conduct through observation of practice, regular supervision and annual appraisals; this ensures that staff practice within the home is safe, nurturing and consistent.

p.9

good

The manager and the team share good quality relationships with external agencies. Professionals report that they are satisfied with the care offered to young people and feel generally positive about the level of communication with the home. Relatives also comment highly about the team and feel they are doing a ‘good job and developing a good relationship with their child.’ Consistent internal and external monitoring enables the manager to understand the home’s strengths and weaknesses. The Registered Manager responds to any issues raised by the independent visitor to ensure improved outcomes for young people. Where possible, the visitor consults with young people, social workers and relatives during the visits to ascertain their views. This ensures that the independent visitor is confident that young people are safe and are being cared for in a safe manner.

p.9

good

Young people’s records are well maintained, appropriately detailed and present a good overview of their experiences within the home. Regular file consultation with young people ensures they have a say about what is important to them and help them understand what is written about them. Over time this enables young people have greater control over their lives, which will impacts positively on their self- esteem and confidence.

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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

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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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