Children's Home run by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council in Tameside

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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The children's home provision requires improvement because:

 There has been no registered manager for more than 26 weeks, resulting in a lack of proper management oversight.  Shortfalls in monitoring systems have led to a failure to identify weaknesses or take appropriate action for improvement  Some records are incomplete, written in older formats and do not support effective risk management or practice development. This includes the home‘s development plan, young people‘s risk assessments and pathway plans  Policies have not been updated in line with the new regulations and quality standards. This restricts staff members knowledge in relation to relevant legislation and guidance  Care planning, particularly young people‘s placement plans are large, duplicated and not individual to young people.  Outdated legislation and guidance is kept in the office and serves no purpose to staff members in the home  Arrangements for staff members sleeping overnight in the home are

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The children's home strengths

From their starting point in the home young people have made very good progress. They are supported well to achieve and respect between them and staff members is excellent Young people have positive relationships with staff members and each other. They are supported and guided to change their behaviours. This is a settled home and young people feel comfortable and safe Young people consistently maintain attendance at schools or colleges and are preparing well for their future Staff members work closely with support agencies and professionals to ensure young people‘s health, emotional, social and psychological needs are identified and met Young people feel listened to and involved in the daily operation of the home, providing them with a sense of belonging and security Behaviour is managed well with clear boundaries which young people understand and respond to. Previous risk taking behaviours have significantly reduced

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The children's home strengths

The practice manager has returned to work following a period of absence. He is beginning to address shortfalls and implement new systems.

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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 provider must appoint a person to manage the children‘s home if –

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Requirement Due date

(a) There is no registered manager in respect of the home (Regulation 27 (1) (a) 22/01/2016

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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

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must provide personalised care that meets each child‘s needs, as recorded in the child‘s relevant plans, taking into account the child‘s background (Regulation 6 (b) (IV)) 21/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

44: Independent person: visits and reports

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Requirement Due date

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— (a) children are effectively safeguarded; and (b) the conduct of how the home promotes children‘s well-being. (Regulation 44 (4) (a) (b) 21/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating any actions that the registered person considers necessary in order to improve or maintain the quality of care provided for children. (Regulation 45 (2) (c)) 21/12/2015

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation  The design of the home should provide staff that sleep in the home overnight with appropriate accommodation to do so. (The guide to the quality standards paragraph 3.26 page 17)

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Information about this children's home

 The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for three young people with emotional and/or learning difficulties  The home is operated by a local authority  The home aims to offer a secure and safe environment where young people may live and be assisted to reach their full potential until they are either ready to live independently, return home, live within an alternative family or move to an alternative placement in line with the child‘s assessed needs. As outlined in the home's statement of purpose

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

26/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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requires improvement

The home has a good track record and continues to deliver good care to young people with a background of trauma, neglect and abuse. From their starting point young people make very good progress. This is because positive, trusting relationships enable them to build confidence and benefit from the support provided.

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requires improvement

Staff members demonstrate an excellent understanding of young people‘s individual personalities, interests, strengths and needs. They spend time with young people on a daily basis and engage them in meaningful conversation, some of which are educational and fun. Young people are involved in the running of the home, feel listened to and their views, wishes and feelings acted upon. One young person says, ‗Yes, I really like the staff here, they give me time, take me places and we have a laugh‘. Another says, ‗I‘m happy here, and have no complaints‘.

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requires improvement

Young people know what to do and have information freely available to them if they have a concern or a complaint about the home. Independent organisations are available, such as, advocacy services and children‘s rights. This provides them with opportunities to speak with a person independent of the home.

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requires improvement

Young people are regularly consulted, and confirm any questions they raise at meetings with each other, completing feedback questionnaires or suggestions forms are always verbally responded back to them, by staff members. Although, some paperwork within the young people‘s consultation file, where they have made comments, do not show details of the actions staff members have taken.

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requires improvement

Young people‘s health needs are identified and addressed and they are registered with local health services. Where specific needs or specialist interventions are required, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or counselling is provided to young people.

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requires improvement

Those who need these services do engage and benefit from the support provided and progress they make in relation to their emotional, social and psychological well-being. A specialist doctor says, ‗staff support young people extremely well, and they are consistent in carrying on the work we do in our sessions with the young people in the home.‘ She has no issues with this home, and feel they (staff) are doing a splendid job.

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requires improvement

Young people engage and regularly attend school or college placements. One young person has completed his exams, and is involved in an education to employment course. Others regularly attend school and one is being supported by staff members during his assessment for an EHC plan. This will provide further support in relation to education, health and social care which will benefit them in the future.

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requires improvement

Young people participate in a range of group or individual activities inside the home and within the local community. They have experienced holidays together and have memorable photographs of their enjoyment and achievements they have made. Some of which are displayed throughout the home.

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requires improvement

Young people know their arrangements for contact with family and friends all of whom are welcome to visit them in the home. Some young people spend overnights with family and join them on holidays. Where restrictions are in place, staff support young people to understand the reasons why and they facilitate contact visits, when needed.

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requires improvement

Although staff members are very much aware of the needs of young people, and meet these very well, young people‘s individual care and placement plans require improvement. For example, placement plans contain too much information, some of which is dated and does not reflect the work the staff carry out in line with the placing authority care plan.

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requires improvement

Young people who are engaging on a plan of independence are developing their skills and confidence to manage adult life. Progress has been made in relation to cooking, independent travel and managing money. ‗However‘, this progress is not shown within their pathway plan and could restrict further progress if plans are not consistently updated.

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requires improvement

This home provides young people with stability and young people who have moved on from the home, often return or telephone staff members for advice, support or to let them know how they are doing. Positive feedback from such young people includes:-

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requires improvement

‗Living here was one of the best experiences of my life I have learned so much and met some amazing people. I just want to say thank you for everything you helped me achieve.‘ And, ‗the staff at this home have brought me up for four years and made sure I had the best possible chances in life. I enjoyed my time here and I still visit regularly and they still help me out‘. Judgement grade

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good

Young people are safe in the home and say they feel safe. Previous risk taking behaviour has significantly reduced. Safeguarding arrangements are managed well. Staff members are trained to recognise or manage potential or actual child protection concerns. This includes Internet safety, bullying, whistle blowing and managing allegations against staff. Reflective practice and refresher training keep staff up to date with risks and how to manage these. Young people say they feel confident to talk to staff members, about anything, and know they will be listened to.

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good

Staff responses are prompt when young people take risks, in line with the strategies set out in risk assessments. They work closely with other professionals and are involved in multi-disciplinary meetings, which review risks and agree strategies. Any action agreed is communicated to young people in order for them to understand and keep themselves safe. Young people‘s risk assessments are in the process of being moved from a generic system to one which will be individualised, although this task is incomplete.

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good

There are no concerns with the young people in respect of offending, misusing drugs, legal highs or being suspected or involved in sexual exploitation. Young people have good information on how to be safe and the consequences and effects of drug and alcohol use. This information is in leaflet form and displayed within the home. Regular key work sessions and young people‘s meetings explore social issues and inspire conversations, further educating young people how to be safe and feel safe.

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good

Effective staff responses to young people who may be absent or missing from the home have reduced incidents significantly. Staff follow young people when they leave the home, and encourage them to return. Where this is not achieved, all relevant agencies are informed. Detailed records are kept showing a chronology of attempts to keep in touch with young people during their absence. Meetings are convened to identify triggers and agree solutions to discourage this behaviour. Return home interviews are carried out with young people, and information is shared, on how to keep young people safe. As a result, there are no concerns in relation to young people being absent or missing and placing themselves at risk.

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good

There are no concerning behaviours displayed by the young people and staff are skilled quickly de-escalating situations, such as, name calling. There have been no physical restraints of young people and sanctions are minimal, with incentive and rewards being the preferred method, to which young people respond positively.

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good

Staff members have designated responsibilities which they take seriously. There are also arrangements for regular health and safety checks, fire drills and stock balances of medication. These arrangements protect young people. Vetting of staff is carried out at regular intervals and this prevents unsuitable people from having the opportunity to harm young people or to place them at risk. All visitors to the home sign in and are not left unsupervised with young people.

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inadequate

The home has not been managed effectively by a registered manager since February 2015. From this time the home had a practice manager in place, who also had responsibility for another two homes, restricting the amount of time spent in this home. From 19 October 2015 the practice manager resumed his full time position in this home. He is beginning to address shortfalls and implement new systems.

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inadequate

The local authority is recruiting to fill the vacant manager‘s post and a requirement is made. This is to ensure the home has a registered manager in place.

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inadequate

Staffing is sufficient to meet the needs of young people. Support through supervision and team meetings has not been affected, as a result of having no registered manger. Staff members confirm they feel supported and that the training provided is useful and helps them in their role.

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inadequate

Internal and external quality assurance monitoring takes place regularly but does not always identify administration shortfalls. Some records are incomplete or are of poor quality which does not support effective risk management. These include the home‘s development plan, placement plans and risk assessments. As a result, these monitoring processes carried out by an independent person and the practice manager have not contributed to the ongoing development and improvement in the home. As a result, requirements are made in relation to the effectiveness of these monitoring systems.

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inadequate

Young people‘s progress has and is improving in all areas of their development, staff, independent reviewing officer, social worker and young people recognise this. One social worker says, ‗This home really nurtures young people and she responds well to this. The staff always keep me updated about her progress, I have no issues with this home and really pleased with the placement.‘ An independent reviewing officer, has written, ‗The young person has been very settled in placement at this home, and the time I have been involved I am extremely happy with the care and support he receives from all staff‘. But care planning documents do not reflect this progress nor do assessments in the home. As a result a requirement is raised. This is to ensure records in the home improve, and evidence how personalised care that meets young people‘s needs is regularly updated to demonstrate how these needs are being met.

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inadequate

Some policies and procedures are not in line with the new quality standards or regulations. Guidance in the staff office, which is cluttered with outdated material, is not relevant to staff members or the work they do.

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inadequate

The Statement of Purpose document describes the staffing arrangements as, ‗two members of staff sleeping on the premises from 11.00pm to 7.00am‘. There is a pull-out bed which one staff member sleeps on during the night, situated in the second smaller lounge. This is inappropriate and as a result, a recommendation is made. This is to ensure appropriate facilities are provided to staff members that sleep in the home overnight.

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inadequate

There has been one significant event since the last inspection. This has been notified to all appropriate agencies and Ofsted. Staff understand the importance of sharing information. They work well with partner agencies and families in reducing any further incidents and keeping young people safe.

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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. 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

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What the inspection judgements mean

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 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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