Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding at the full inspection on 1 June 2015. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the full this home was enjoying a sustained period of stability and all the young people very happy, safe and secure. In fact, this group have since produced a welcome brochure to help other young people prepare for moving here. Comments include, ‘I was really nervous moving in here because I had never been in care before but I was warmly welcomed and the staff are amazing’ and, ‘The staff support me and help me to prepare for independence and its great knowing this will continue when I leave.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been a number of admissions and discharges since the last inspection. Despite an immense pressure for beds, the manager has stood firm with support from her line manager, to resist new admissions if it was not in the best interests of the young people already in placement. However, one emergency placement was made when she was on leave.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Impact risk assessments are undertaken prior to agreeing a new placement. This includes an accurate profile of each young person already living in the home. However, it does detail how their individual needs will be managed. Examples include, one young person who, ‘Struggles with new relationships and makes allegations against peers’ and another who is, ‘known to manipulate younger residents.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been a positive response to the three recommendations made at the last inspection. The statement of purpose continues to be regularly reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure it always accurately describes the current aims, policies, practices and staffing of the home. Since the last inspection there is now a more effective system in place for ensuring that an amended copy is forwarded to Ofsted in a timely manner.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Arrangements are being finalised to ensure that there is a robust and independent monitoring process in place that does not give rise to any conflicts of interest.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Independent monitoring reports are detailed and more evaluative with clear actions on how to continue to improve practice and service provision. However, they do not demonstrate that the process includes the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home benefits from a particularly strong leadership team with excellent working relationships with Ofsted. This ensures this regulatory body is kept well- informed of all significant events and consequent outcomes. This demonstrates effective collaborative working with relevant agencies to safeguard and promote young people’s welfare.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home also benefits from a stable, experienced and resilient staff team who are exceptionally well managed and supported. This enables them to consistently provide high quality, child focussed and individualised care irrespective of the diverse and extreme challenges the young people present.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

For example, they have recently effectively managed homophobic behaviours. One young person, with the support of the staff, is now so secure in his own identity that he was able to manage and de-escalate this situation extremely well. More importantly, over time a positive friendship was established.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home have also not used bank staff to increase staffing levels knowing this would further heighten one young person’s anxieties. Consequently, part-time staff increased their hours. One young person had a significant history of making false allegations. This pattern was not repeated in this home. Drug habits firmly established prior to admission significantly decreased in this placement resulting in improved behaviours.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person initially would not eat with others. Eventually he enjoyed mealtimes in the dining room with all the other young people and staff. At this home mealtimes are always seen as an important social occasion when everyone chats about their day and plans for the evening.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home continues to provide a particularly nurturing environment, so young people settle quickly, feel safe and build trusting relationships with staff. This means they start to open up about past events and explore ways of managing difficulties in the future.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person reacts to intense emotions by causing considerable criminal damage. In response, staff work tirelessly to still ensure that this home is always maintained to a high standard throughout and it provides a particularly welcoming, relaxing and homely ambience. One member of staff said, ‘We can easily fill a few holes in the wall and put up curtains again. It’s relationships that matter. He is a nice lad and he is beginning to trust us. We went for a drive last night and a meal and we had a lovely time then I read him a story, gave him a hug and he settled to bed.’ This is all significant progress from his starting point when he was involved in gang cultures. He was admitted visibly pale with dark eyes through continued sleep deprivation. In turn, this was resulting in anger and aggression. His physical appearance has much improved which demonstrably positively impacts on his emotional well-being and self-esteem. His dad said, ‘Moving here is the best thing

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

that has happened to my son in a long time.’

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Reparation is appropriately used to develop young people’s sense of personal responsibility and reducing the need for formal police interventions. Individual risk assessments are constantly updated to reflect progress or new concerns. Clear strategies are put in place to try to prevent a re-occurrence. The manager said, ‘Risks can change from one day to the next. We cannot stay static. We analyse every incident and ensure staff reflect on each one to consider lessons learned.’

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A key strength of this home is enabling parents to be actively involved in care planning so they feel valued and respected. Staff also challenge social workers if there are delays in moving young people on and will secure independent advocates for young people if needed. Other specialist services are provided in a timely manner to meet specific needs. An emotional health worker said, ‘This home meets young people’s complex needs very well including mental health and learning difficulties. They show so much care to ensure young people do not fall through the net.’

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One father said he particularly appreciated, ‘The non –judgemental approach from the staff’ and for providing him with, ‘Much reassurance.’ He wrote, ‘I am so happy that my son is cared for in an environment where so much care and compassion is shown so that despite the problems my son is causing they are ensuring the best possible outcomes for him. I am so pleased that he has not gone missing.’

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Other parents are extremely happy that their son is finally being assessed to get the most appropriate specialist treatment and services to meet his highly complex needs, having battled alone for eight years. The manager successfully fought on their behalf for an educational health plan as a matter of urgency as his communication needs have not previously been addressed.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home has maintained their excellent track record of securing education that best meets the learning, emotional and behavioural needs of each young person. This experienced and competent staff team are not afraid to challenge inappropriate exclusions. They also successfully secured funding to enable one young person to be transported to his school some distance from this home, until he was able to live with his family again. He did exceptionally well in his mock GCSE examinations.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two young people were admitted for very short periods. Nevertheless, family relationships were successfully rebuilt and a pattern of good school attendance established. This enabled them to return home.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Prior to discharge one young person successfully passed all the assessment processes to get in the army, his chosen career. A member of staff was previously in the army and gave him lots of clear guidance and support.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Key strengths of this home are actively listening to and positively acting upon young people’s wishes. They are empowered to be involved in complex decisions about their futures and to have the confidence to speak in planning meetings. Also, young people move on from this home with the assurance of continued support from the staff and outreach services for as long as they need it.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two boys moved on to the same long term children’s home on the same day. This was at their specific request having been admitted together to this home so they had already built up a strong and positive friendship. It is also located closer to their schools and family and friends. Moreover, one member of staff who has a good relationship with them, works across both homes. An impact risk assessment meeting was held involving their social worker and the social worker of a young person already in placement to explore compatibility in respect to their risks and needs. The manager also shared their specific preferences in respect to daily living. It was considered by all those present to be an appropriate match.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The same robust process occurred for a young person who visited and chose to move to a children’s home closer to her friends and college and with the future prospect of fully refurbished semi-independent living on site. Prior to discharge this home ensured she had the additional support and equipment at college she was entitled to so she can reach her full educational potential.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person recently moved to her own flat, which was what she always wanted, and in the location of her choice, so she was thrilled. She made excellent progress in this home. Family relationships were re-established so she has ongoing support and she attends college full time. Smoking and missing from homes ceased altogether and she is no longer deemed to be at risk of child sexual exploitation. She wrote, I felt very safe here and had a lot of support which was very helpful and I was cared for very well. I love my new flat and the starter pack off the staff who still visit me.’

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person has moved into a foster home which was always the plan she signed up to. This is in a location close to her school which is very important to her and there were no other children in placement which was her preference. She is an exceptional student and a mentor to other pupils. Moreover, she is actively involved in charitable events.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In preparation for this planned move, staff were strong and successful advocates in securing constructive contact arrangements with her mum which they were both very happy about. This means this very strong and important bond is maintained.

p.6

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Families, placing authorities and other stakeholders are consistently extremely positive about the high quality of care provided at this home. Recent comments include:

p.6

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

‘The staff here have done excellent work with my grandson in keeping him safe. I am very pleased with their communication with me. They always ring and check if we are all okay when he is on overnight contact. I really appreciated the manager visiting me and giving me the help I needed at that time. I feel listened to’;

p.6

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

‘It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, the staff are always there to answer all of my questions and my daughter has matured so much at this home’;

p.6

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

‘I am touched by the way the staff deal with my son. Despite some extreme behaviours they remain positive with him. They are doing an amazing job and are very supportive of his and all our family’s needs’ and,

p.6

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

‘This home provides a caring environment with high standards. The staff have a great understanding of young people’s individual needs and the quality of their reports to inform planning meetings are excellent.’

p.6

Information about this children's home

This is a local authority home registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people who may be experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties.

p.7

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.7

Recent inspection history

18/03/2015 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

p.7

Recent inspection history

12/03/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

p.7

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.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that the quality of care review report includes the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff and, a copy is forwarded to Ofsted within 28 days of the date on which it was completed. (Regulation 45(4) (a) and (5)) 30/04/2016

p.8

Requirement Due date

44: Independent person: visits and reports

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that an independent person visits the children’s home at least once a month and produces a report on how well children are safeguarded and their well-being is promoted (Regulation 44 (1) and (4) ) 31/01/2016

p.8

Recommendations

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

p.8

Recommendations

 Ensure that all staff understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording and in particular regard to producing robust impact risk assessments (The Guide, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

p.8

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.

p.9

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.

p.9

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 .

p.9

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.10

Information about this inspection

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

p.10

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.10

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.10