Children's Home run by United Children's Services Limited in Leicestershire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home has not yet had a full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was re-registered due to a change at Companies House in September this year. The home, under its previous registration, had a full inspection in June this year with no concerns. The home had an overall judgement of good, hence an interim inspection was only required for the home’s first inspection under its new registration. The registered manager was registered in September this year and is currently enrolled on the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. She provides strong leadership and support for staff. She understands the strengths and weaknesses within the home and has plans to address shortfalls. She monitors patterns and trends, putting in place clear strategies to reduce any negative trends. A number of staff have left the home and a number of new staff have been appointed. New staff do not receive a comprehensive induction prior to working with young people because training in topics such as safeguarding and food

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

hygiene are not completed when staff start working with young people. Although staff are restricted from some duties such as lone working and physical intervention, these staff interact with young people daily. Furthermore, staff cook for young people without completing a food hygiene course. This does not ensure all staff are equipped with the skills necessary to keep young people safe. Staff feel well supported by each other and the management, education and therapy teams. A member of staff said that she believes that staff ‘really care about the young people’. They are creative in their approach towards managing behaviour, believing that it is better to educate young people rather than punish them. A member of staff said: ‘The passion for this house is really, really good.’ Staff have a positive approach towards young people. They build strong relationships with them. The empathetic ethos of the home is starting to embed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Most staff have completed recent positive behaviour support training which helps them to understand why young people behave in the way they do and respond positively. Incidents of physical intervention have subsequently reduced since the training took place. Staff take an individual approach to support young people appropriately. For example, a member of staff talked about one young person where humour works when she is angry or upset whereas another prefers for staff to tell her what they want rather than using humour. Staff also say the young people respond well to honesty. Staff have a restorative approach towards bullying behaviour. Young people are helped to understand how the other person feels and consequently any bullying behaviour is quickly stopped. Incidents of young people going missing from this home have dramatically reduced. This is because young people feel safe and secure living at this home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people make good progress in this home, especially with regards to their emotional wellbeing, education and independence. A social worker said: ‘I’ve seen some fantastic progress.’ They form strong relationships with staff and generally get on well with each other. Young people receive a bespoke package of education. Some young people are in college and some are educated at the on-site specialist school. Staff understand the difficulties young people face and support them to attend education. If young people are not able to attend, the school provide educational activities. Young people have access to qualified therapists who also work with staff to help them formulate therapeutic strategies to support young people. Staff work closely with teaching and therapy staff to ensure young people receive a holistic package of care, support and education. Young people are encouraged and supported to become independent young

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

adults. They are helped with budgeting, preparation of meals, transport and completing household chores.

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Information about this children's home

This privately owned home is registered for four young people with emotional and, or, behavioural difficulties. The statement of purpose details the age range of children being between 8 and 18 years of age with no more than five years between the youngest and oldest child.

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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

Ensure that each employee completes an appropriate induction. (Regulation 33(1)(a)) 31/01/2016

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Recommendations

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

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Recommendations

 Ensure that the home complies with relevant health and safety legislations such as food hygiene by ensuring all staff who prepare food for young people are appropriately trained. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15 paragraph 3.9)

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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 focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

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 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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