Children's Home run by Hull City Council in Kingston upon Hull

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:

 An inappropriate placement made on the instruction of senior managers in July 2015, without the approval of the Registered Manager has negatively impacted on the group dynamics and the team‟s capacity to meet some highly complex needs. Consequently, some young people‟s life experiences, peer relationships, sense of safety and well-being have been de-stabilised. This has resulted in the untimely departure of young people who were living relatively stable lives prior to the admission.  Ofsted has not been notified about all significant incidents with respect to police interventions and serious incidents involving the young people.  The independent visitor reports are insufficiently robust and lack rigour, which has the potential to impede improvements in the home.  The management arrangements have not been properly notified to Ofsted, which makes it unclear who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the

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because:

home in the Registered Manager‟s absence over 28 days. Ofsted has not been formally notified of the Registered Manager‟s return to her position.  The impact and effectiveness of leaders and managers is judged to be inadequate. This is due to a number of management shortfalls that have negatively impacted on young people‟s progress, experiences, care and protection.

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The children's home strengths

 Senior managers have responded to the concerns raised about the making of an inappropriate placement. As a result, the reduced number of placements is helping to maintain continuity of care and increased staffing provides closer monitoring of young people‟s safety and whereabouts.  The staff team have shown resilience in their care of the young people during a very challenging and difficult time. They have developed some good relationships with young people.  Staff feel well supported by the Registered Manager and the staff team is well regarded by a number of professional agencies.

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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

Notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised Statement of Purpose within 28 days of the revision and subject to paragraph (6) the registered person must ensure that the home is at all times conducted in a manner which is consistent with its statement of purpose. (Regulation 16 (3)(b) and (5)) 31/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if – an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious and/or there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(b)(e)) 31/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that when the independent person is carrying out a visit, the registered person must help the independent person –

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Requirement Due date

if they consent, to interview in private such of the children, their parents, relatives and persons working in the home as the independent person requires; the independent person must produce a report about a visit (“the independent person‟s report”) which sets out, in particular, the independent person‟s opinion as to whether –

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Requirement Due date

children are effectively safeguarded; and the conduct of the home promotes children‟s well-being. (Regulation 44 (2)(a) and (4)(a)(b)) In particular, ensure that the independent visitor provides an evaluative, rigorous report that shows clear consultation with the young people and staff. 31/12/2015

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11. The positive relationship standard

(1) the positive relationship standard is that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships - (2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure – (a) that staff- (i) meet each child‟s behavioural and emotional needs, as set out in the child‟s relevant plans; (ii) help each child to develop socially aware behaviour; (iii) encourage each child to take responsibility for the child‟s behaviour, in accordance with the child‟s age and understanding; (iv) help each child to develop and practice skills to resolve conflicts positively and without harm to anyone; (v) communicate to each child expectations about the child‟s behaviour and ensure that the child understands those expectations in accordance with the child‟s age and understanding; (vi) help each child to understand, in a way that is appropriate according to the child‟s age and understanding, personal, sexual

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11. The positive relationship standard

and social relationships, and how those relationships can be supportive or harmful; (vii) help each child to develop the understanding and skills to recognise or withdraw from a damaging, exploitative or harmful relationship; (xiii) have the skills to recognise incidents or indication of bullying and how to deal with them; and (b) that each child is encouraged to build and maintain positive relationships with others. 31/12/2015

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12. The Protection of children standard

(1) The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe. (2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure- (a) that staff- (ii) help each child to understand how to keep safe. 31/12/2015

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13. The Leadership and management standard

(1) The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children‟s home; In particular, requires the registered person to – (h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. Specifically produce robust risk assessments and improve children‟s records to consistently show how staff practices 31/12/2015 influence their progress and outcomes.

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14. The care planning standard

(1) The care planning standard is that children – (a) receive effectively planned care in or through the children‟s home; and (b) have a positive experience of arriving at or moving on from the home. (2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure – (a) that children are admitted to the home only if their needs are within the range of needs of children for whom it is intended that the home is to provide care and accommodation, as set out in the home‟s statement of purpose. 31/12/2015

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14. The care planning standard

A person may only manage a children‟s home if- having regard to the size of the home, its statement of purpose , and the number and needs (including any needs arising from any disability) of the children-

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14. The care planning standard

the person has the appropriate experience, qualification and skills to manage the home effectively and lead the care of the children. (Regulation 28(1) (b)) This is with specific reference to ensuring that in the event of the Registered Manager‟s absence, effective management arrangements are in place 31/12/2015

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14. The care planning standard

Ensure that if the person who is in day-to-day charge of the children‟s home proposes to be absent from the home for a continuous period of 28 days or more, the registered person must give notice in writing to HMCI of the proposed absence.

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14. The care planning standard

Except in the case of an emergency or unforeseen absence, a notice under paragraph (1) must- specify with respect to the proposed absence- the address, name and qualifications of the person who will be responsible for the home during the absence; The registered person must notify HMCI of the return to duty of the person in day-to-day charge of the home no later than 7 days after the date of that person‟s return. (Regulation 48(2)(b)(iv)(5)) 31/12/2015

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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 when a child returns to the home after being missing from care or away from the home without permission, the responsible local authority must provide an opportunity for the child to have an independent return home interview. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, Page 45, paragraph 9.30)

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Information about this children's home

This local authority managed children‟s home is registered to provide a service for five young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

19/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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requires improvement

The home‟s Statement of Purpose states, „The aim of the home is to provide a safe and enabling environment as well as a homely and stimulating atmosphere where young people are engaged, supported and aided to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them and to develop the skills to fully participate in society and within a family environment.‟ However, not all young people have consistently prospered under this aspiration. The intent of the Statement of Purpose has been impaired due to the making of an inappropriate placement that significantly impacted on the group dynamics. Consequently, some young people‟s life experiences, sense of safety and well-being have de-stabilised. Other young people‟s similar risky behaviours have increased risk and have led to the untimely departure of young people following serious incidents. Professional stakeholders described the matching process as, „Completely inappropriate‟ and confirm,

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requires improvement

„Absolutely no matching considerations‟ were made and, X was settled until another placement was made.‟ Not all young people express consistently positive experiences due to the disruptive behaviours of others, which has affected their relationships with each other. However, young people recognise the positives. For example, one young person said that living at the home was „Alright‟ whilst another said „I like it here because I get to do fun stuff‟ and „It‟s a nice children‟s home with nice manager and staff.‟ To maintain the status quo, the provider has agreed to cease any further placements at this home. They will keep the matter under review until a satisfactory and safe resolution is sought.

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requires improvement

Young people benefit from good care from staff. They are familiar with most of their needs and they are firmly committed to placing their welfare first. A social worker said, „He receives good care at (Name of the home)‟ and „He doesn‟t hate (Name of the home). ‟ Young people are talked about by the staff with affection, which values them and respects their individuality and quirks. The Registered Manager said, „There is something special about this little guy. He‟s got that little extra sparkle‟ and „When he‟s here, he‟s a lovely child.‟ Staff encouragement and support has resulted in the formation of some trusting relationships. This enables young people to talk to staff about anything of concern to them. Their wishes and feelings are listened to by staff and other professionals. Their views are acted on unless their requests present risks. A social worker said in agreement with the young person, „He told us what he wants, - “Find me a forever family”.‟

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requires improvement

Young people sustain school and alternative education placements. Some are progressing through their excellent attendance and attainment levels. The Registered Manager said that a young person has, „Excellent school attendance and improvement in his concentration levels in the educational setting resulted in him being able to attend a school trip to London and a trip on a barge on the River Humber.‟ For other young people, who were poor attendees prior to moving into the home; their progress is too early to measure and they are yet to reach the required 25 hours per week of education.

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requires improvement

Young people‟s varied interests are enhanced by their participation in leisure activities, chosen and enjoyed by them. For example, going to scouts and swimming, watching movies at the cinema, getting involved in outdoor rambling and watching a rugby league match enhances their social integration. Indoor activities, such as playing computer games, doing arts and crafts and watching television allows them to spend time at home where staff can monitor their safety and well-being. A young person said, „I like going on „Minecraft‟ and building stuff.‟ Young people‟s involvements in inappropriate friendships are discouraged, but despite the best efforts of staff, some continue to associate themselves with undesirable people.

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requires improvement

Overall, young people enjoy good physical health. Most have prompt access to health services that meet their specific heath needs. The staff team implement the guidance and support strategies through their regular consultation with the clinical psychologist in the absence of their relevant assessments. This provides continuity of care. Some young people smoke cigarettes and illegal substances, take legal highs and drink alcohol. Despite interventions and verbal dissuasion from staff and health professionals, they are not deterred. This does not bode well for their future health outcomes. Improved medication management systems following a previous medication error ensures the correct medication is administered to young people.

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requires improvement

Young people are supported to acquire age appropriate life skills that make them less dependent on the adults around them. For example, preparing their own drinks, baking, using cutlery and taking pride in their personal appearance and hygiene. Young people‟s confidence is developed by these useful activities.

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requires improvement

Young people‟s contact with family and significant people is actively promoted, enabling them to maintain their sense of identity. Some positive relationships with family members and staff promote good partnerships and boosts the communication between all parties. Judgement grade

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requires improvement

A young person said that staff, „Try to keep me safe.‟ This is directly attributed to incidents that have occurred since the making of an inappropriate placement that changed the group dynamics. Some young people have been subjected to bullying and assault, which has led to the untimely departure of the young people perpetrating such behaviours. Increased staffing has improved staff vigilance and the protection of vulnerable young people. They feel able to talk to staff about any concerns, enabling staff to monitor their well-being and act on any issues. Mixed reviews from professional stakeholders express concern about some young people‟s behaviour and safety due to other young people‟s risky behaviours. Others disagree. A social worker said, „I am happy with his care and protection.‟

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requires improvement

The staff team has a coherent understanding of the different levels of risk presented by young people and work with good intent to keep them safe. This includes those young people that are drawn to high levels of risk taking behaviours both at home and in the community. The staff team‟s implementation of their safeguarding knowledge and experience informs how they respond to and protect young people from significant harm. However, the written risk assessments do not include all known vulnerabilities or show how all presenting threats will be countered and eliminated. This does not promote a robust approach to risk management.

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requires improvement

Young people benefit from a home that has an established framework of sound routines and boundaries. This is supported by the positive rapport shared between staff and most young people. Good behaviour is promoted by staff who challenge negative behaviours, praise the positives and use their de-escalation skills. Young people‟s gradual behavioural changes have arisen from these positive interventions. This helps young people to understand the virtues of winning people over by showing socially acceptable norms. However, some behavioural strategies have been ineffective due to unpredictable triggers that some young people pose. This has led to young people‟s behaviours escalating to the point of an incident. Similarly, those young people that have ignored staff advice have subsequently got involved in situations that has both criminalised and made them victims of crime. This impedes their life chances. Restraint is used as a last resort to protect young

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requires improvement

people and others from harmful situations. These are monitored to ensure proportional measures and safe practice.

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requires improvement

Young people who go missing from home are protected by the good collaborations between the staff team and the police. Staff do take charge, actively going out in search for young people. They visit known places and deter culpable people from harbouring them. Young people who were frequently missing overnight prior to moving into this home are in bed at a suitable hour and the length of time they are missing is reducing. Staff follow the agreed protocols with the police to ensure young people‟s safe and well return. However, the absence of „return home‟ interviews does not offer an opportunity for young people to talk to an independent person about their reasons for going missing. Staff are aware about the risks associated with child sexual exploitation (CSE). At this time no young people are involved in CSE.

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inadequate

The manager is a qualified social worker that has been registered with Ofsted since January 2015. She has 20 years‟ experience working with children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Her management roles in other children‟s homes contribute to making her suitably qualified and experienced to manage the home.

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inadequate

This outcome area is judged inadequate. This is the result of a number of management shortfalls that have negatively impacted on young people‟s progress, experiences, care and protection.

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inadequate

A significant factor is the making of an inappropriate placement that was directed by senior managers and was not approved by the Registered Manager. This compromised the Registered Manager‟s accountability with respect to admitting young people without sufficient capacity to meet their needs given the existing group dynamics. Consequently, several serious safeguarding incidents since the admission have been very detrimental to a number of young people‟s safety and progress. At a recent statutory review, an independent reviewing officer refused to endorse a placement due to their concerns. Serious incidents have not been notified to the regulator, Ofsted. This has impeded the regulator from promptly responding with the provider to ensure compliance with safeguarding practices. A requirement was made with respect to this shortfall at the last inspection and is re- instated at this one. Ofsted was notified about the Registered Manager‟s absence. However, Ofsted was

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inadequate

not notified about the change of the intended person in charge following the notification or about the Registered Manager‟s return. A dip in standards during the Registered Manager‟s absence does not support effective management arrangements despite the efforts made by the interim manager in a depleted management team. It is not clear what lessons has been learned to sustain good practice and prevent a further incident like this from happening again.

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inadequate

The independent visitor‟s report that is intended to offer a „critical friend‟ through rigorous monitoring is insufficiently robust and lacks evaluation. There is little consultation with young people and staff. It is therefore not clear how a fully informed view is made about child care practices in the home. The independent visitor does not confirm in their report that children are effectively safeguarded and that the conduct of the home promotes children‟s well-being. The provider has not challenged these flaws, which has missed opportunities for them to recognise and act on them sooner.

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inadequate

The home‟s reviewed Statement of Purpose has not been forwarded to Ofsted. This does not appraise the regulator about how the home intends to care for young people and inform on any changes. Not all of the young people‟s records, such as the delivery of their individual support is co-ordinated in a way that shows how staff practices influence their progress and outcomes.

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inadequate

The Registered Manager practices with integrity. She has a very good understanding of the young people‟s individual profiles and speaks about them with high affection. She promotes a child-focussed, aspirational approach to caring for young people and is motivated to improve practice in the team through research informed practice. The well-established and experienced staff team has shown hard work and resilience during a very challenging and difficult time. They have displayed a range of strengths and skills that represent supportive and positive adult role models. A member of staff said, „We all have different skills.‟ The increased staffing levels allow for the current group of young people to be cared for, but this is not without challenge due to the ongoing issues. Staff feel well supported by the Registered Manager to carry out their role, including formal supervision, reflective team meetings and relevant training. A staff member said,

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inadequate

„It‟s a very supportive team‟ and „I would not want to work in any other team.‟

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inadequate

A number of professional partners positively regard the Registered Manager and staff team, which promotes good working relationships. A social worker said that they have a, „Wonderful‟ relationship with staff and the manager is very proactive. Another described their interventions with the home as a, „Wrap around service.‟ The physical environment is undergoing a programme of decoration to ensure that all parts resemble an attractive family home that values young people.

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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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