Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire YMCA in Nottingham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people make very good progress in all aspects of their care. Their attendance at education is excellent and some are achieving beyond expectation. They develop good social skills and form positive relationships with each other, their friends outside of the home and staff. This provides a sense of stability and improves their confidence and self-worth. For some, this confidence has enabled them to self-regulate their behaviour, and develop coping mechanisms to manage their emotions and feelings, to such an extent that they have been able to reduce, or stop, medication they previously relied upon. Young people enjoy an extensive range of regular activities such as drama, dance, cinema and walking. They also take part in activities such as trips to the pantomime and Christmas markets providing them with new and exciting experiences. Activities in and out of the home are photographed and recorded in albums providing opportunities for young

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

people to reflect on their time living here and their achievements.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

An intensive independence programme provides young people with the necessary practical skills to prepare them for moving on. In addition, the emotional aspects of independence, such as living alone, are addressed and they are encouraged to form appropriate support networks. The charity provides a range of opportunities to support young people when they leave the home and key staff continue to support young people as they move on. The registered manager said: ‘Young people are part of our organisations family right through to the age of 25 and then supported by our transition team after that as well.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are involved in their care and the operation of the home. They take part in regular key work sessions and resident meetings and their views are also sought through questionnaires. The staff record action taken in response to their comments and this means young people are aware that their views are taken seriously. One young person is involved in the local children in care council and has recently received an award from the Lord Mayor in recognition of his service in improving the lives of children and young people in care. Several staff have become permanent members of the team, having previously been relief staff. This provides a stable and consistent staff team which helps to promote positive relationships with young people. One young person described staff as ‘brilliant’. A social worker commented: ‘Staff go above and beyond. This placement is excellent.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has a wealth of experience and continues to be motivated, ensuring young people get the very best care and opportunities. A young person commented: ‘The manager is really good at what he does.’ He continues to drive improvement; reviewing the recording of interventions, improving the range of training available and developing better monitoring systems. He provides challenge when others are not performing, for example he has raised with the independent person the importance of seeing young people when they carry out their monthly visits. This will ensure their views are heard by an adult outside of the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The requirement made at the last inspection has been met. The manager has improved the monitoring of the care and progress of young people and review reports are sent to the regulator as required. In addition, he has developed other monitoring tools to further improve the evaluation of the care provided. A recommendation made at the last inspection in respect of training has also been addressed. In addition to developing a workforce development plan the manager has undertaken a total review of the training provided and how it is delivered. This means staff are now able to access an improved range of training delivered in a variety of ways. This enables them to develop skills and knowledge to continue to provide very effective care for the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s behaviour continues to improve and there has been a significant reduction in all forms of incidents. Robust risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in behaviour or risk. Strategies for managing and reducing risk are understood by staff and implemented effectively. As a result, behaviours such as self-harm have substantially reduced, improving young people’s emotional health and well-being.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Incidents of absence and missing from the home have reduced. This is because staff, other professionals and young people have established clear protocols and boundaries, enabling young people to show they are mature and can be trusted when they are away from the home. Where there are any incidents, these are dealt with effectively ensuring as swift a return as possible. Staff work well with other agencies identifying any trends, patterns or additional concerns such as risk of exploitation. This keeps young people as safe as possible. The manager is looking at how the recording of this partnership work can be improved.

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Information about this children's home

This home is operated by a national charity and provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/02/2015 Interim Improved Effectiveness

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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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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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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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