Children's Home run by PIC Children’s Services in Sefton

Requires improvement

The children's home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

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because:

The young person continues to abuse solvents on a regular basis. The young person’s career and educational outcomes are hindered by the lack of internet access and a computer within the home. Monitoring by the independent person is not robust and does not help the home to move forward. The Registered Manager’s monitoring reports do not always effectively identify what has gone well, the areas for improvement and the action needed to address these. Records do not contain the most up-to-date information and do not always clearly identify the current risks for the young person. In particular, their health needs and issues linked to their solvent abuse. There are some maintenance issues including mould in the young person’s bedroom that require attention.

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The children's home strengths

The young person is happy and settled in the home. He enjoys positive relationships with staff who know him well. Staff have a good understanding of the young person’s needs and are striving to help him to make better life choices. The Registered Manager and staff work very well and in full partnership with other agencies to help keep the young person safe. The young person is rarely missing from home and keeps in contact with staff when he is out with friends. The young person is happy and confident to bring friends and family to the home for meals and other celebrations. Contact with family and friends are supported well. The young person enjoys a range of self-chosen activities such as concert tickets.

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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

In order to meet the education standard the registered person must;

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Requirement Due date

8.-(1)The education standard is that children make measurable progress towards achieving their educational potential and are helped to do so. (2) In particular the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure – (a) staff – (ii)support each child's learning and development, including helping the child to develop independent study skills and, where appropriate, helping the child to complete independent study; (iii) understand the barriers to learning that each child may face and take appropriate action to help the child to overcome any such barriers; (iv) to help the child understand the importance and value of education, learning, training and employment.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure they have access to a computer and internet to access information that will support and enhance their learning, career opportunities, health and well-being and to play an active role in selecting their new home. 22/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard the registered person must ensure;

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Requirement Due date

12. - (1) (b) that the home's day-to- day care is arranged and delivered in so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. In particular ensure risk assessments are sufficiently detailed, 22/01/2016 clearly identify the risks and the action taken to address these.

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Requirement Due date

Ensure the registered person notifies HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised Statement of Purpose within 28 days. (Regulation 16 (3) (b)) 22/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain the records ("case records") for each child which – include the information and documentation listed in Schedule 3 in relation to each child, and are kept up to date in particular the placement plan and health care plans. (Regulation 36 (1) (a) (b)) 22/01/2016

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Requirement Due date

The independent person must produce a report about a visit, which sets out in particular their opinion as to whether, children are effectively safeguarded and the conduct of the home promotes children's well-being. In particular, reports are evaluative, contain current and correct information, and identify shortfalls and the action needed to address these. (Regulation 44 (4) (a) (b)) 22/01/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure the day-to-day basic needs of young people are met with regards to the mould on the young person's bedroom wall and the carpet on the stairs in order to provide a warm, welcoming environment to young people. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, Page 15, paragraph 3.7)

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Recommendations

 Ensure the registered manager makes best use of the independent and internal monitoring of the home to ensure continuous improvement with particular regard to the scrutiny of records and care provided, identifying shortfalls and the action taken to address these. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 55, paragraph 10.24)

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Information about this children's home

The home is owned and managed by a limited company. It is registered to provide care and support for two children 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

18/03/2015 CH - Interim declined in effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

26/02/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

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requires improvement

The young person enjoys very positive relationships with staff. He has lived here for some time and is happy and settled here. He said ‘everything is good, I have the best staff in the company.’

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requires improvement

The staff have a good understanding of the young person’s needs and work in partnership with others, such as the looked after children’s (LAC) nurse and therapists to support him. The young person has a clear understanding of the risks he takes with regards to solvent abuse. He knows that this continued behaviour could result in serious consequences for his health and said, ‘I know what I am doing it will not be staff’s fault if I die.’

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requires improvement

He confidently explained how he has worked with SMASH and youth offending teams (YOT) on solvent and drug abuse and the damage this can do to his health. He said I know ‘I shouldn’t, but it doesn’t help. The more you talk about it the more I want to do. If you tell me not to do something then I will’. As a result of this staff are taking an alternative approach and downplaying his behaviour. They said he has told them he likes the ‘drama’ so therefore they are trying to remove this from their responses. This appears to be having a positive effect. For example, they now say, you are looking good, rather than well done for not using solvents. This is because it gives him the chance to think about why he is looking good and make the connection of the consequences to his behaviour.

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requires improvement

His social worker said, ‘the staff are doing all they can to keep him safe, he is choosing not to take their advice.’ This was echoed by parents who said they were doing all they could within the confines of the legislation.

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requires improvement

Staff said he will tell them when he has used solvents and they are carrying out regular room searches to remove any items. They ensure NHS direct are called after every incident so that they can assess the young person’s health. This means the young person receives the help and support when he needs it. This is further supported by the LAC nurse. She spoke to NHS direct to ensure they respond quickly to staff given the young person’s needs.

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requires improvement

The Registered Manager has conducted an analysis of his solvent abuse to identify any patterns or trends. So far, this has not yielded any patterns. YOT and social workers said staff are very proactive in supporting the young person and are working effectively with them to keep him safe. Placement plan and health care plans are in place but, are not sufficiently detailed about his specific health care needs. This is off set by staff’s secure understanding of his needs and what they are doing to keep him safe. However, should staff from another home cover a shift they would not have all the information available to them to support him and keep him safe.

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requires improvement

The young person has a new partner and recently there have been some issues of domestic violence. The young person is working with YOT on this and staff have asked that as part of the order the young person completes couples therapy with their partner. This will enable them to explore what is an appropriate, respectful, and meaningful relationship. This is being implemented and assisting the young person to understand what a mutual healthy relationship is about

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requires improvement

The young person has not been in education for over a year. He has agreed to attend various placements but has withdrawn at the last moment. He held a seasonal job for a short period in the summer. He is working with connexions on this and has agreed to attend the Prince’s Trust in January. Staff have also secured a placement for his partner as it is felt this would be beneficial for him. Staff have high aspirations for him and are actively encouraging him to seek education or employment.

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requires improvement

However, this is hampered by the lack of internet and access to a computer in the home. This means the young person cannot spontaneously search for employment, or consider and undertake online courses to aid his career prospects. He will ask staff for information, but this takes time as staff have to ask the Registered Manager to search for the information, print it off at head office and bring it to the young person. By which time his interest has dipped.

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requires improvement

The young person is due to move into rented accommodation in 2016 as they turn 18. He will be signed up to an agency in January, but will be unable to apply for any properties outside of office hours when he can gain access to a computer at the library. The young person said this is not good, ‘I have sat outside my partner’s home using his Wi-Fi on my phone, and I can’t search for a job and complete the applications.’

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requires improvement

The young person is being appropriately prepared for moving on. He is becoming more confident to budget and shop for food items. He confidently explained how he can cook a roast dinner and made a birthday cake for his partner. He undertakes a range of jobs within the home such as doing his own laundry. However, the lack of internet in the home impacts upon his progress about learning about paying bills on line, sourcing the best gas and electrical suppliers and other services he will need.

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requires improvement

The young person is a talented actor and spoke knowledgably about his favourite musical, Wicked, and a recent trip to the pantomime. He confidently analysed the actor’s performances and the props. Stating that Aladdin’s basket was not impressive. Staff are actively encouraging him to engage with his theatre group. They said he has a talent for script writing, which they are encouraging him to he explore further.

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requires improvement

The young person enjoys regular contact with those people who are important to him. He has his Christmas arrangements well underway and confidently explained who is visiting and when. The young person said he is looking for accommodation in this area so he can remain in close contact with family and friends.

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requires improvement

Staff have a secure understanding of the young person’s safeguarding plan and effectively follow this. For example, they carry out room searches to remove any aerosols from his room and contact NHS direct for support when he is thought to have used these. Staff continue to work tirelessly to help him cease using solvent and to make better life choices.

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requires improvement

They have a secure understanding of the homes safeguarding policy and initiate this effectively notifying the appropriate persons when there are concerns of child sexual exploitation. This has resulted in safeguarding and multiagency H meetings taking place whereupon detailed strategies are initiated to help keep him safe. However, risk assessments in relation to child sexual exploitation and missing from care are not sufficiently clear about the specific risks and the action to take to reduce these. Similarly, the risk assessment in relation to solvent abuse and self- harm.

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requires improvement

The young person was at significant risk of child sexual exploitation, but this has reduced overtime. Staff are acutely aware that this remains an issue for him. The Registered Manager took effective action in light of a previous concern with the consent of the police regarding a relationship with an older male. As a result of her action and the additional safeguards put into place the young person no longer has contact with this person.

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requires improvement

The young person rarely goes missing. This is a big improvement for them. They are confident to keep in touch with staff when out and alert them if they are going to be late home. This means staff can keep them safe. The young person said ‘I did go missing in the past but not anymore.’ He is currently negotiating with the Registered Manager about coming in later on New Year’s Eve so that he is not reported as missing.

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requires improvement

He is aware of the homes rules and says these are ok. He knows how to make a complaint and feel that when he has these have been looked into and carefully considered. All complaints are recorded with the action taken and the outcome. This includes a letter to the young person. Sanctions are appropriately recorded and the young person is actively involved in setting agreeable sanctions and rewards. He particularly enjoys going to concerts and the theatre so this is woven in to the rewards. Consequently, they are meaningful to him and he is more likely to succeed.

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requires improvement

The home is warm and welcoming. There are many pictures of the young person, his family, friends, and staff scattered throughout the home. There is a large patch of mould on his bedroom wall that needs attention as it may pose a risk to his health; as well as detracting from the homely environment staff are striving to create. Similarly, the carpet on the staircase is worn and the torn threads may pose a trip hazard.

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requires improvement

Recruitment and vetting procedures are sound. All visitors to the home must provide suitable identification and are required to sign in and out. This helps to keep the young person safe.

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requires improvement

The home is led by a committed Registered Manager. She holds a level 4 management qualification and is an experienced manager. She is also the Registered Manager for another 1 bedded home in the organisation.

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requires improvement

The Registered Manager and staff are well aware of the complexities of the young person and are rightly concerned about his inability to keep himself safe and cease his solvent abuse. The Registered Manager works effectively in partnerships with others to try to keep him safe. She has considered the suitability of his placement. Following consultation with his social worker and others, it was agreed for him to remain here. This was because of his positive relationship with staff. Staff said, he will tell them everything, for example, when he is using, and where he has stored the aerosols. While this is not ideal, it means he is safer here than a setting that does not know him. His social worker said his relationships with staff are helping to keep him safe.

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requires improvement

The Registered Manager has a clear understanding of the homes strengths and areas for improvement. She has spoken to the registered individual regarding the lack of computer and internet access in the home. Not only for the young person’s use but for staffs as more information is needed to be sent online such as missing from care reports and notifications to Ofsted. The Statement of Purpose has recently been updated, but the revised copy has not been sent into Ofsted. This provides some insight into the care and support young people can expect to receive. Parents and others are well informed of the care and support provided. Parents, said they are confident to talk to staff about their son.

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requires improvement

Monitoring by the independent person is not robust and does not help the home to move forward. This is because their reports lack evaluation and of the three examined, contained identical information, some had incorrect information regarding the young person’s solvent abuse and the number of incidents in the home. Monitoring by the Registered Manager on a monthly basis identifies shortfalls in records and when information has been updated. However, this is not always carried through to her monitoring reports. Subsequently, issues identified at this inspection, such as the lack of detail in risk assessment, health care plan and placement plan are not been identified.

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requires improvement

There are improved training opportunities for staff including courses on acting as responsible adults for young people, responding to volatile substance misuse and drug abuse, and understanding issues about suicide and self-harm. Staff said there is more training planned for the new year and that the training had helped them to look at new ways of working with the young people; such as knowingly downplaying their responses. Staff said they are well supported by the Registered Manager, she is always available when they need to talk to her.

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requires improvement

The manager is proactive in ensuring the young person has a say in how the home is organised and run. He often plays an active role in staff meetings to discuss activities and changes to the home. This means he has a strong sense of ownership and of belonging.

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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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