Children's Home run by Hopscotch Care Limited in Lancashire

Good

The children's home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

p.2

The children's home provision is good because:

Young people make progress in all areas of their development and have a sense of belonging in the home. Staff members provide a high level of care to them and demonstrate sensitivity, humour and appropriate affection to young people Staff members are good role models and work to a model of positive parenting, young people respond well enabling secure and long lasting relationships. Staff members and the group of young people get on extremely well together. This is a settled home Young people are provided with an extensive range of resources and respond well to the therapeutic work carried out to meet and improve their specific need. This ensures they make progress in relation to their health, emotional, social and psychological well-being Education is encouraged and supported and young people’s attendance and attainment at school is very good. Staff are interested in school projects and promote completion of homework. Young people who have left school are actively

p.3

The children's home provision is good because:

supported to look for suitable college courses or apprenticeship jobs. This positive focus on education and work prepares young people well for their future Young people, parents and social workers have confidence in the care provided and praise the relationships and support provided in the home. They are positive about the progress young people make from their starting point in the home Young people are active, have structured daily routines and enjoy a range of activities inside and outside of the home. Hobbies and interests are carried on and they enjoy holiday breaks away with staff. Young people are provided with the same opportunities as they would receive in a family home The registered manager and staff have a clear understanding of any risks associated with young people and know how to keep them safe Incidents of young people gong missing and restraints are rare as young people respect and adhere to the boundaries in the home. Reward schemes and support

p.3

The children's home provision is good because:

from staff help them develop acceptable behaviour and self-regulation skills An experienced and suitable qualified management team, lead the staff who are provided with good support and supervision to give them the suport to meet the changing needs of young people Two requirements and one recommendation is made at this inspection

p.3

Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person 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 must comply with the given timescales.

p.4

Requirement Due date

6: The quality and purpose of care standard

p.4

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the quality and purpose of care standard

p.4

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 of the child’s background (Regulation 6 (b) (iv)) 31/12/2015

p.4

Requirement Due date

The registered person must provide a copy of the statement of purpose to HMCI. (Regulation 16 (1) (2)) 18/12/2015

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation:  The registered person is responsible for ensuring that all their staff have been adequately trained in the principals of restraint and any restraint techniques appropriate to the needs of the children the home is set up to care for. (The Guide to the Quality Standards paragraph 9.57 page 49)

p.4

Information about this children's home

 The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for five young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD)  The home is privately owned  Our approach to holistic care involves working with individuals as a whole, thinking about their short term, medium term and long term goals, giving them the confidence to achieve their goals. Thinking about their background experiences, family dynamics and individual needs and strengths, as written in the home's statement of purpose  We employ creative psychologist association (CPA) to provide additional therapeutic support for our staff and young people to ensure we are providing the best care possible, as outlined in the home's statement of purpose

p.5

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

Recent inspection history

13/03/2015 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

p.5

Recent inspection history

03/12/2013 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

p.5

good

From their starting point in the home young people benefit from exceptional care and support, effectively promoting their needs. Care practice is individual to meet and support the needs of young people, enabling them to progress, experience and enjoy good relationships with staff and sustain positive attachments.

p.6

good

Consideration is given to new placements ensuring any impact on the current resident group is minimised. This provides a stable environment and ensures young people are compatible with each other. Staff, who know the young people well, spend time with them on a daily basis and promote their welfare. Young people are proud of their achievements, and recognise the progress they have made, all of which is celebrated with them. As a result, their confidence, self- esteem and sense of belonging improves.

p.6

good

‘It’s a good home, plenty of things to do and we all get on with each other.’ I am supported, doing really well and trust my staff.’ ‘They (staff) show an interest in you and help me to do well.’ ‘I would give the home eight out of ten’ are some of the positive individual comments made by young people about the home. Collectively young people support one another, respect their environment and have clear daily routines which they engage and participate in.

p.6

good

All young people are encouraged and supported in their education. Their attendance at school is excellent and all are making progress, assessed as being capable of taking examinations and involved in school projects and extra curriculum activities. For those young people who have left school, support and encouragement is provided to seek further study, training or employment. This will benefit young people as they approach adulthood and prepare to move on from the home.

p.6

good

Young people who have moved on continue to receive support from staff members, they often keep in touch or call into the home. This provides re- assurance knowing they have support and someone they trust to provide them with advice.

p.6

good

Young people’s physical health needs are met by local services or by choosing to remain with their own doctor and dentist. Arrangements for managing medication are safe and effective. Specialist health services support young people and staff are trained to understand, manage, and monitor epilepsy and self-harm. This promotes young people’s good health. Individual therapy sessions are tailored around young people’s specific need and are carried out by experienced and qualified professionals. Young people have access to an occupational therapist working in the home and respond well to the service she provides to them. They engage in therapeutic sessions bought in by the home. This approach engages young people and helps them to understand, address and improve their emotional, social and psychological well-being. These arrangements reduce any waiting times, for professional services, ensuring young people’s needs are addressed promptly.

p.6

good

Social workers were positive about the services the home provides and say, ‘The level of care for her has been exceptional, and another colleague recommended this home to me and the home has lived up to the expectations.’ Another says, ‘He has settled in really well, I can see when I visit the group of young people are all compatible, the home keeps me informed regularly.’

p.7

good

Parents expressed their positive views about the home and say, ‘This is a good home compared to other homes, I am always welcomed and the staff keep me in touch about everything, I have no issues with the care the home provides.’ And, ‘It’s been absolutely brilliant, staffing here, I couldn’t fault anything. He is definitely having a positive experience and I can’t fault anyone. The staff are always polite, supportive and brilliant’.

p.7

good

Young people know their contact arrangements and are supported and transported to and from contact by staff. Their friends are welcome to visit them in the home. This ensures young people keep in touch with those significant people in their lives.

p.7

good

Young people feel listened to in the home and have confidence in the staff members, knowing any questions they ask are always responded to. They demonstrate a good understanding of what to do if they have a concern about the care provided to them and they know how and who to make a complaint to. They have access to information of independent organisations who will advocate on their behalf. No complaints have been made by young people since the previous inspection.

p.7

good

Young people enjoy a good range of activities, and keep up with their interests and hobbies. For example, football, rugby, horse riding and movies at the cinema. They have the same opportunities as they would living in a family home. One young person is taking driving lessons, supported by the home, which will benefit him when he moves on.

p.7

good

All thoroughly enjoyed a mini-break to London and have pictures and videos of their experiences and enjoyment. Young people have commented positively with their remarks being included in the organisations newsletter, for example, ‘London was well amazing, it was the first time I had been, I was well happy.’ And, ‘I enjoyed going back to London as it has been a very long time since I was there, I don’t remember the past but I really enjoyed seeing all the attractions and the boat rides.’

p.7

good

Young people are safe in the home and say they feel safe. They trust the staff who look after them and there are no concerns of young people being suspected or subjected to sexual exploitation. Young people say there is no bullying in the home. Social workers confirm the home maintains professional links with them, and staff encourage and involve young people in their review meetings. This enables everyone to discuss and agree daily living routines and plans for young people’s future.

p.8

good

Detailed risk assessments in relation to young people’s behaviours and known risks are in place, understood by staff members and signed by young people. This ensures everyone is aware of the strategies to be followed should a young person display concerning behaviour. Restraint is rare and sanctions imposed for inappropriate behaviour are minimal. This is testament of the positive relationships which exist between young people and staff members. Young people understand and adhere to the rules in the home and respond well to the incentives and rewards scheme.

p.8

good

There are no issues with young people being missing or absent from the home and clear strategies, understood by staff members, are followed should a young person be missing or absent. There are no risks of young people offending, they do not smoke tobacco, misuse drugs, legal highs, and alcohol or self-harm. This is a settled home where young people make good progress.

p.8

good

Young people have access to the internet and satellite television. The management team and staff oversee the use of electronic equipment and social media sites, and take immediate action if they are concerned about unsafe behaviours or inappropriate web or channel content.

p.8

good

There has been significant financial investment into the home. New carpets have been laid throughout and a full decoration programme completed. Fixtures and fittings are of a high quality and young people have personalised their bedrooms and been consulted on some of the improvements made, such as colour schemes, ornaments and pictures displayed throughout the home.

p.8

good

There are no health and safety concerns with regular checks on equipment, fire system and evacuations being carried out. All visitors to the home sign in and are not left unsupervised with young people. Staff files show all recruitment checks are taken including verifying references before new staff commence work in the home. These arrangements protect young people, staff and visitors in the home.

p.8

good

The registered manager has experience and completed his Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. He is supported by two experienced deputies who are currently undertaking their level 5 Diploma. It is evident that young people’s needs are prioritised, with the management team monitoring and analysing the work staff complete with young people. New systems introduced by the registered manager are work in progress. Some have yet to be embedded into the home and tested out, to see how this impacts on the care and improvements in the home.

p.9

good

These new systems for all records, including young people’s placement and care plans are being recorded electronically through the computer. It is clear through observations and staff knowledge the progress young people are making in this home. ‘However’, this is not evidenced sufficiently within their care, placement plans or other records in the home. As a result, a requirement is made. This is to ensure there is clear evidence of the progress young people make from their targets set, how they are to achieve these and the positive impact this is having on them.

p.9

good

The home is fully staffed to meet the needs of the young people. The majority of staff have completed their Level 3 Diploma and are experienced in working with young people. Following the last inspection new staff have commenced work in the home and are being supported by the management team and shadow experienced staff members.

p.9

good

Although new staff receive an induction, staff records do not clearly demonstrate how robust the induction programme is, in helping staff to acquire the specific skills and knowledge they need to work with young people. For example, all mandatory training, including behaviour management is only signed and dated. There is no certificated evidence of training completed. As a result, a recommendation is raised. This is to ensure there is evidence to show the content of the induction and how staff competencies are assessed to meet these.

p.9

good

The management team provide a good supportive environment. Staff members confirm they receive regular supervision which is effective in supporting them. The responsible individual confirms they provide support to the registered manager and regular management meetings take place.

p.9

good

The home is meeting its aims and objectives as described in the statement of purpose document. This document has been updated in June 2015 and October 2015. but this has not been provided to HMCI as required by regulation. As a result, a requirement is made. This is to ensure Ofsted have an up to date copy of the statement of purpose document showing any changes made, for example changes in staffing.

p.10

good

Quality assurance monitoring takes place regularly. An independent person produces monthly reports which are detailed, evaluative and show the progress young people are making. Regular internal audits are carried out by the management team with any issues identified being discussed with the staff. For example, the detail needed within the records kept by the home. This resulted in training being provided for staff in relation to report writing, ensuring they understand the importance of evidence within the records kept by the home.

p.10

good

The management team work well with outside partners and agencies and advocate on behalf of young people. This ensures young people are receiving a service in line with the expectations from their placing authority.

p.10

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.

p.11

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

p.11

What the inspection judgements mean

harmed or at risk of harm or result in children looked after not having their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

p.11

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

p.12

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 .

p.12

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,

p.13

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.13

Information about this inspection

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

p.13

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

p.13