Children's Home run by First 4 Care Limited in Doncaster

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:

 The young people continue to make significant progress in all areas of their lives.  The young people are cared for by committed staff who have a good understanding of their highly individualised needs where they are thriving.  One young person continues to develop their independence skills and travels independently to college.  One young person’s language skills has significantly improved enabling them to communicate effectively with staff.  Both young people have excellent school or college attendance. One of them has exceeded their educational targets.

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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 person may only employ an individual to work at the home if full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. (Regulation 32 (2)(a)(3)(d)(Schedule 2. 3)) In Particular, Two written references, including a reference from the person’s most recent employer 31/01/2016

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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 children are effectively safeguarded; and the conduct of the home promotes children’s well-being (Regulation 44 (4)(a)(b)) 31/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must give notice in writing to HMCI, as soon as is reasonably practicable to do so, if a person other than the registered person carries on or manages the children’s home or if a person ceases to carry on or manage the home. (Regulation 49(a)(b)) 31/12/2015

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Information about this children's home

This privately run children’s home is registered to provide care for two children with learning difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

09/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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good

The boys have made significant progress; this has been made possible by the effective support and nurturing care provided by a committed staff team. A parent said, ‘The support given to (name) at (name of home) is excellent.’ Each of the boys have very differing needs. Staff ensure that their care plans and daily routines are in good detail to ensure that they are provided with individualised care. The level of detail in these plans and routines ensure that they have a consistency to their care which provides stability.

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good

The boys enjoy warm nurturing relationships with the staff. One of them said, ‘Things are good here, there is always someone I can talk to, I trust them.’ It is very apparent that the boys also get on well with one another. For example, on arrival back from college the first port of call was to go and speak to the other boy in a warm and affectionate manner. Staff likened their relationship to, ‘They are like brothers.’

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good

The boys continue to make good progress with their education. One school reported that he is exceeding his expected targets. School report that he will move around the classroom and is becoming more attentive. His vocabulary is increasing and he has the ability to approach staff and make his wishes known. He previously would spend a lot of time in his room playing on his computer. An iPad was sourced for him and he now uses this in the company of staff and interacts well whilst using this equipment. However, the time spent on his iPad is time limited to ensure that he participates in other activities in the home. The other young person continues to do well at college, he also has a work experience placement which helps to develop his social skills further. At college he was involved in making a video of a conference and was given an award for his participation. His understanding and knowledge of technology has impressed the staff team who on

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good

occasion will seek his advice. This impacts positively on his self-esteem and enhances his life opportunities.

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good

The boys’ health needs are well met and there is clear progress in how their health needs are managed. Epilepsy protocols advise staff about what action to take in the event of one of them having a seizure. Advice was sought from the specialist epilepsy nurse who recommended equipment to support the young person at night. This ensures appropriate action is taken if necessary. This young person is now managing his own personal hygiene which promotes his dignity. He has a limited diet but staff work hard in trying to introduce new foods. He now will eat away from the home and they have replaced a high sugar content drink with a low calorific one. This is quite an achievement and promotes his health. The other young person now self-medicates his daytime medication. This enhances his independence which impacts on his self-confidence.

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good

Staff work hard to ascertain the wishes and feelings of both the boys. Whilst one is quite vocal and is confident in sharing his views; the other has limited verbal speech but is able to make staff aware of his wishes. He moves around the home with confidence approaching staff to ask for what he wants. Parents are very involved in the care of their children and there is good liaison. One of the boys chose his bedroom wallpaper and is involved in menu planning.

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good

The boys enjoy living in this well-maintained home providing a homely environment. It is very child friendly with easy access to their toys. One of the boys who would not tolerate anything but fixed furniture and bare walls in their bedroom now has a colourful, age appropriate wall-papered bedroom with some items around his room. Both boys enjoy a range of activities, some together and some apart. For example, they go trampolining, visits to the coast, the circus, regular walks, and visits to a local park. They have visited London and other closer city museums. Staff record a daily diary for each of the boys. This is a useful record of how they have spent their time in the home and is particularly important should they or their family wish to access their records in later life. Needs relating to religion are respected and the home celebrates Eid as well as Christmas.

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good

The use of public transport has made a significant positive impact on the social development of one of the boys. He travels independently to college which also promotes his confidence. He maintains his personal space, makes his bed and will also vacuum the upstairs of the home. These are all skills that he will need in adulthood which are being learnt in a safe and nurturing environment.

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good

Parents feel reassured by the regular contact they have with the home. One of the boys is having a shared care arrangement and therefore there is frequent contact with his parent. The father of the other young person is phoned on a daily basis to update on the progress of his son.

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requires improvement

Both the boys are safe. One verbalises that he feels safe and a parent states, ‘I have no issues with regards to safeguarding at all and (name’s) welfare is promoted in varying ways.’ However, the lack of robust recruitment practices has the potential to compromise this safety. Nonetheless telephone enquiries assures the suitability of the most recent recruit. Staff have a good awareness of safeguarding issues and also matters relating to young people’s emerging sexual development. Staff are vigilant in only allowing age appropriate computer games and films to be accessed. Neither of the boys go missing and there are no child sexual exploitation (CSE) concerns. However, staff have been booked on CSE training to further enhance their knowledge.

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requires improvement

The boys are safeguarded by the adherence to detailed risk assessments. These identify potential dangers with strategies to support staff to minimise the risk.

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requires improvement

The boys’ behaviours are well managed whilst in the home. They respond to the consistent boundaries that are imposed, which provides for a happy and stable environment. A number of sanctions are recorded but in the main these relate to behaviours that are presented during home visits where parents impose a sanction.

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requires improvement

There has been some significant changes to the management of the home over recent months. The Registered Manager left the home in September and a new manager commenced working on the first day of this inspection. However, Ofsted was not notified of the departure of the Registered Manager or the recruitment of a new manager as required by regulation.

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requires improvement

The new manager has extensive management experience working with children and is appropriately qualified. She is yet to register with Ofsted. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience to the home.

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requires improvement

Despite no manager being in post the deputy has fulfilled the leadership role. The staff have continued to put the boys at the centre of their practice providing a good standard of care where they have both progressed. A parent stated, ‘(name of deputy) in particular is an amazing asset to the home and ensures (name) is safe and well at all times.’

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requires improvement

The boys benefit from being cared for a stable core staff team. The deputy has continued to provide effective supervision to the staff team who have good training opportunities. All have either attained the level 3 diploma or are near to completion. This ensures that the boys are cared for by staff who are suitably trained.

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requires improvement

The previous Registered Manager had effective monitoring systems in place. There is good consultation with stakeholders who consider that the home provides a good standard of care. The Regulation 44 visitor undertakes an in-depth monitoring of the systems and home’s records, but does not always consult with parents. Neither does she state her opinion as to whether the boys are safeguarded and their welfare is promoted, as required by regulation.

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requires improvement

The newly appointed manager has yet to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the home from which she can formulate a development plan. The Statement of Purpose is a comprehensive document which clearly sets out what services the home has to offer.

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requires improvement

The home enjoys effective working relationships with other professionals. For example, the epilepsy nurse offers support and guidance. The home produces regular updates for social workers to ensure they are kept informed of the progress of the boys. They benefit from the good relationships that staff have with their parents who on occasion will request staff to help manage some of the challenging behaviours presented whilst on home visits. The staff have been in the forefront in effecting change in some of the developments and progress made by their children. The staff liaise closely with social workers to support parents to implement these developments when the children are in their care.

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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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