Children's Home run by Good Foundations Limited in Cheshire West and Chester

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:

 Young people are cared for, by staff who are committed to meeting their individual needs.  Young people live in a safe environment and become increasingly safe because of the actions staff take to support and protect them.  Young people can identify a trusted adult they can talk to about any concerns. They report that adults listen to them, take their concerns seriously and respond appropriately.  Young people are supported to actively participate in day-to-day decisions about their lives. They are encouraged to attend all meetings, including care planning and education meetings.  Young people maintain positive contact with important people in their lives. This enables them to maintain their identity.  Young people are provided with appropriate support to address their physical and emotional health.  Excellent partnership working with schools, colleges and training centres has led to improvements in educational outcomes for young people.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 The acting manager is new to the role and is making positive changes to practice and recording systems.  Policies and procedures within the home need to be updated to include changes in legislation and guidance; this includes the homes behavioural management policy.  The statement of purpose and children’s guide are currently being reviewed. They should reflect the ethos and objectives of the home and provide young people with all information they need to know.

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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 -

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Requirement Due date

2(c) keep the children's guide and the home's complaints procedure under review and seek children's comments before revising either document. 23/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

13. The leadership and management standard.

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard the registered person must -

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Requirement Due date

(2) (h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. Specifically in relation to the auditing of the home’s records to ensure they are accurate, up-to-date and reflect young people’s full range of needs and risks 23/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

Ensure the registered person compiles in relation to the children's home a statement ("the Statement of purpose") which covers the matters listed in Schedule 1 and keeps the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it. (Regulation 16 (1)(3)(a)) 23/12/2015

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Requirement Due date

Ensure the registered person prepares and implements a policy ("the behaviour management policy") which sets out how appropriate behaviour is to be promoted in the children's home; and the measures of control, discipline and restraint, which may be used in relation to children in the home. The registered person must keep the behaviour management policy under review and, where appropriate, revise it. (Regulation 35 (1)(a)(b)(2)) 23/12/2015

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

Ensure that staff record information on individual children in a non-stigmatising way that distinguishes between fact, opinion and third-party information. Particularly in relation to the daily records maintained about young people and their Keyworking sessions. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

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Recommendations

Ensure to provide an environment that is welcoming, demonstrating that the staff care for the child and value them. This is in relation to ensuring that bedroom furnishings and flooring is well maintained and replaced when necessary. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15, paragraph 3.7)

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

30/03/2015 Interim improved effectiveness

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good

Since moving to the home young people have made progress in all areas of their lives. This has included health, education and general well-being. Young people talk openly about the progress they have made. They expressed genuine surprise about the support they have received from staff in making changes for the better in their lives. One young person said ‘I have lived in other children’s homes and this one is by far the best. I know the staff care and want me to do well. They are always ‘nagging’ and checking up on me’, but I know they want the best for me. They have helped me get back into college, which I never thought would happen and I’ve now got a part time job and I’m doing ok.’

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good

The staff team are committed to building positive, trusting relationships. The home is warm and comfortable with a relaxed atmosphere. Around the home are photographs of young people taking part in a variety of activities, with smiling, happy faces. One young man said ‘I have four dads and one mum looking out for me, I love it here.’ Because positive relationships are achieved, young people have developed their self-esteem and emotional resilience.

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good

A key strength of the home is the aspirations the acting manager and staff have for young people, particularly in education. Since moving to the home all young people are now attending school, college or a training programme. This is a significant improvement for young people who had not attended for long periods. Staff said ‘We have to make sure our young people are given the best opportunities in life, education is key to this. We work hard to make sure they get the right support at school, college and home. We help with homework and if we become aware of issues happening in school, we will meet with teachers and tutors.’ For example, one young person was struggling with his friendship group this was affecting both his home and school life. Staff requested a meeting to discuss their concerns. Consequently, the new strategies identified further support systems. This has enabled the young person to return to school with improved

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good

Staff promote young people’s health and well-being. Health care plans identify individual health needs and support. Statutory health assessments have been completed. Young people contribute to their health plans. This provides an opportunity for discussion around any risks or concerns. A clear explanation around the affect to their health and well-being is given. This has included risks associated with cannabis, alcohol misuse and smoking. A range of support systems are identified and information around how to access them. This provides young people with an opportunity to learn and seek support when they feel ready.

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good

Young people enjoy healthy, nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs. They are encouraged to develop their independence skills by taking part in the planning, shopping and preparation of meals. Young people eat meals at the table and share social occasions. One young person said ‘the scran (food) is the best I have ever had’. Staff use this as an opportunity to find out how young people’s days have been and discuss and plan activities for the evening. Young people are encouraged to pursue their own interests, this included Martial arts, football and going to the gym. Young people are supported to develop confidence in their skills and if needed will be supported by staff to engage in their leisure pursuits.

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good

Staff have good working relationships with young person’s family and professionals. They support young people to maintain contact with important people in their lives and develop friendships in the local community. This is in conjunction with the Local Authorities plan. If there are difficulties within contact staff respond quickly and effectively to resolve the issue and maintain these important links. For example, discussing with both young people and family members the structure of contact and expectations in regards to acceptable behaviours. One Parent said ‘I cannot believe the change in my son. He will actually listen to me now and we look forward to him visiting instead of being anxious all the time. The staff know him so well and have really helped’. Both Social workers and Independent Reviewing Officers confirmed that, communication is excellent and regular updates, including progress reports are

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good

available. This ensures that those involved are kept fully informed, updated and everyone is working together to ensure that the young person’s needs are met.

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good

The home has set routines, which includes; cleaning, shopping, mealtimes and bedtimes, which staff and young people know and understand. These routines cater for the young person's individual needs and promote their learning about the importance of healthy lifestyles. Overall, The home is comfortable and well maintained and the layout gives young people adequate privacy when they want it. Young people have their own bedrooms, which they personalise to reflect their identity and interests. They feel comfortable to put up their own posters, photographs and mementoes, and this helps them to feel settled and at home. However, a carpet in a young person’s bedroom was threadbare and curtains were hanging off the rails. This detracts from the welcoming, homely feeling, which staff have worked hard to achieve.

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good

Individual care plans and Keyworking sessions provide a comprehensive picture of young people’s needs and their progress. However, on occasions staff have not recorded information in a non-stigmatising or objective way. Furthermore, some records contain the names of different young people within the body of text. This is not helpful to young people who may wish to read their records in the future.

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good

Before young people move in, a detailed impact risk assessment is completed. This carefully assesses the suitability of the placement. It identifies young people’s individual needs and considers their compatibility with the existing group. This ensures that young people are appropriately placed and staff are able to meet their individual needs. Through the introductions process, young people have an opportunity to meet staff before they move. They are also encouraged to visit and ask any questions. This enables young people to be actively involved in the decision to move. They will also gain a clear understanding of the ethos of the home they will be living in. One young person said ‘I got to come and have tea and meet the others who live here. The last time I moved I did not even know where I was going, this time it felt better and I was asked what I thought’.

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good

The home has robust safeguarding measures in place that promote young people’s safety and wellbeing. For example, staff follow clear missing from care policies and procedures when incidents occur. Since young people have moved to the home these incidents have significantly decreased and staff are proactive in making sure they know where young people are going to and ring them whilst out to check on their welfare. Whilst young people found this to be ‘annoying and a pain’, they understood the reason for this and said ‘at least we know staff care.’ Additionally, the acting manager ensures that independent return interviews are undertaken. This provides young people with the opportunity to discuss the reasons behind their behaviours and in turn prevent re-occurrences. When Local Authorities have failed to arrange these, he has successfully challenged this, explaining the importance of learning from each episode.

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good

Young peoples risk assessments are in place to inform staff of potential risks. However, these are not always individualised and some lacked sufficient detail to guide staff. Also insufficient action has been taken to ensure they are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. This is of particular concern where there had been an incident of young people smoking cannabis in their bedroom. Consequently, the manager cannot be assured that all staff are aware of the risks associated with behaviours or whether additional safeguards are required to reduce risks to the young person or others.

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good

Staff understand the risks to young people of child sexual exploitation. They know the signs and symptoms and pro-actively monitor young people. While there have been no current concerns, staff demonstrated a clear understanding about the risks, triggers and action to take if they were concerned. Staff work closely with all professionals, including social workers, to ensure there are clear risk management plans in place and these are adhered to. This ensures that the young person’s safety is paramount.

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good

Young people do not always benefit from clear and consistent boundaries in behaviour management. For example, all consequences currently used involve taking or restricting young people’s pocket monies. There is no clear overview of why the decision was agreed. Records also did not show that the consequence given resulted in the young person learning from their actions. This does not help staff to evaluate and identify the effectiveness of the measure used in helping young people make changes to their behaviours. However, the acting manager had identified this within his monthly monitoring and had planned to discuss this at the next team meeting. This will ensure that measures used are appropriate.

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good

Staff have established proactive and effective working relationships with the police and other safeguarding professionals, including the Local Designated Officer and safeguarding board. This ensures that young people are fully supported, and protected. Regular meetings take place to discuss any safeguarding concerns and identify any further support systems available. For example, one young person had a history of criminal offending behaviours. Through Keyworking and individualised sessions, discussions took place around impact and consequences of behaviours. This included how this affected others, including family members. Using a restorative approach, supported the young person to gain a better understanding and prevent any further involvement in the criminal justice system.

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good

Young people are aware of the complaints procedure and can identify who they would talk to if they are unhappy or worried. Clear procedures are in place for accessing an advocate and all staff are fully aware of this. Young people said they had not needed to use the formal complaints procedure as staff, always dealt with any concerns they have raised. Young people said they felt ‘listened to’ by all staff.

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good

The acting manager has applied to be the registered manager and attended his formal interview. He is about to register on the Level 5 qualification in leadership and management. He has already identified areas of improvement; including updating and personalising both the Statement of Purpose and children’s guide, to reflect the new children’s home regulations and ensure that young people are aware of the care and support they can expect to receive. He has also highlighted paperwork and effective monitoring as further areas of improvement.

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good

Staff are accountable and supported in their work with young people, through regular and reflective supervision. Records show that these sessions take place on a monthly basis. They provide opportunities to discuss young people’s needs, the working practice of staff, as well as areas of personal and professional development. Staff said ‘I have found supervision very important in my new role. It has given me a chance to think about the work I do and how I can help young people. I do have planned supervision sessions, but I do not have to wait for them if I am concerned or need to discuss an incident. Any of the managers will listen and help.’ Effective supervision is of vital importance to improving the quality of care provided to young people.

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good

Regular and effective team meetings ensure good communication is taking place. Staff regularly review practice issues, individual care plans and approaches to caring for young people. Discussions also take place around training and any health and safety factors. This ensures all staff are fully aware of any changes or expectations within their roles. The team also discussed in detail the children’s homes regulations, 2015 and the impact on practice. This ensures that young people benefit from a staff team that are knowledgeable, experienced and continually developing.

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good

The acting manager recognises the strengths in the staff team and wishes to empower and develop their creativity. He encourages their involvement in the daily running of the home and encourages new ideas. This has included changes in practice, including a more proactive approach to young people who may be missing and improvements in paperwork. Staff said the acting manager is ‘very supportive, approachable and is already making a difference.’

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good

Staff receive regular in house training which provides opportunities to increase their knowledge base. Guest speakers, including the police and other health professionals have attended. This provides opportunities to discuss any changes in legislation or recent research findings. For example, discussions around Child Sexual Exploitation and the new screening tool. These sessions support staff to ask any questions they may have and further increase their skills and knowledge base.

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good

The home’s response to any serious incidents is robust. The Registered Manager and staff team work in partnership with external professionals including social workers, Local Designated Officer, police and health professionals. The manager also ensures that Ofsted is kept informed of serious incident relating to the safety and well-being of young people. This enables the regulator to effectively carry out its safeguarding responsibilities to ensure that young people are protected from harm.

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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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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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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