Children's Home run by Witherslack Group Limited in Westmorland and Furness

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:

 Staff nurture young people’s individual leisure interests. As a result, new talents are realised.  Young people develop positive relationships with staff, and key worker relationships are particularly positive. The enables young people to develop reciprocity and trust.  Educational attendance is excellent. This represents significant progress based on young people’s starting points, and improves their learning and life chances.  Introductions to the home are well managed giving young people the opportunity to visit or meet with staff before they arrive.  Contact is promoted and staff support young people to maintain relationships with their families, even when they live some distance from their home area.  Young people’s views are sought and influence the day to day running of the home. A recent project involving young people in staff recruitment has been particularly successful.  Young people know how to complain, and can identify trusted adults who

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The children's home provision is good because:

they can talk to about any worries they have.  Young people do not engage in risky behaviours such as drug and alcohol misuse, and most do not go missing. On the rare occasions missing episodes occur, staff taken prompt action to ensure their safe return.  Some young people are developing greater self-awareness. As a result, they manage conflict better because they have more self-control and can ask for help.  Internal and external monitoring takes place consistently ensuring good standards are maintained. Strengths and areas to be addressed are reflected in reports produced, and inform development plans.  Staff benefit from regular supervision, and say they feel supported by managers who they describe as approachable and accessible. To continue to improve the home needs to:  Evaluate education reports and data so that academic progress is more clearly understood by managers and staff.  Ensure placement plans include information about young people’s ethnicity,

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The children's home provision is good because:

culture and religion, and clearly identify how these needs are being met in order to fully promote their identity.  Review the recently installed motion activated camera system outside bedroom doors and used during the night to ensure it is fully risk assessed, and proportionate to the needs of young people.  Ensure that new strategies for managing behaviour are disseminated to all staff so that a consistent approach is applied.  Review recruitment records to address gaps identified in the employment histories of two recently appointed staff.

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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 the registered person recruits staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety, specifically that full and satisfactory information is available in respect of each individual’s employment history and all gaps are accounted for (Regulation 32(1). 08/01/2016

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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 registered person provides care which meets each child's needs and promotes their welfare, taking into account the child's religion, ethnicity, and cultural background, their assessed needs, previous experiences and any relevant plans (The guide to the quality standards page 14, paragraph 3.2).

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Recommendations

 Ensure any home using CCTV or other monitoring equipment should have a written policy describing how this will support the safeguarding and well-being of those living and working in the home in accordance with regulation 24. Homes must gain consent to any monitoring or surveillance by the placing authority in writing at the time of placement. The use of CCTV is regulated by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and the Surveillance Camera Code of Conduct (Home Office 2013). In particular the registered person must review the use of electronic surveillance to ensure it is proportionate to the needs of children placed (The guide to the quality standards page16, paragraph 3.16).

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Recommendations

 Ensure any review of behaviour management strategies is disseminated to and understood by all staff (The guide to the quality standards page 46, paragraph 9.34).

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Recommendations

 Ensure the registered person oversees the welfare of the children in their care through observation and engagement with teachers, specifically so that children's academic progress and achievements from their starting points are clearly understood (The guide to the quality standards page 54, paragraph 10.23).

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Information about this children's home

This private company owned home provides care and accommodation for up to six young people, of either gender. The home provides care for young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.6

good

Young people develop positive relationships with staff. Staff spend time with young people, and are interested in their well-being. Keyworkers play an important role in this process, and work hard to break down barriers and develop trust. A social worker describes one key worker as, ‘very astute, tuned into his needs, and definitely the right person for the job’. As a result, young people come to understand that staff care for them, and they learn reciprocity. Regular key work sessions enable young people to discuss issues and have input into areas such as care plans, coping strategies, as well as exploring issues that may be causing them or staff concern. Furthermore, it allows them to take some responsibility for planning day to day care, and managing their behaviours. Care is underpinned by individualised plans that are reviewed and updated regularly, keeping them current. One placement plan does not include sufficient

p.7

good

information about a child’s religious, ethnic, and cultural needs, and how these are being met. Consequently, this young person is not being fully supported with issues pertaining to his identity. Young people benefit from planned placements, and introductions are well managed. Those new to the home reported to the inspector they were appropriately welcomed, and received information about the home before they arrived. Meeting staff, and visiting the home enables them to ask questions and allays their anxieties. Young people make progress from their starting points. For example, some develop friendships, learn self-control, settle better at night, manage their personal care more readily, and develop independence skills in line with their age and needs. Young people, parents, and social workers recognise this; they are positive about the home and the impact of the quality of care provided. A young person

p.7

good

said: ‘I have settled into my new school, and home, staff are helping me lots’. A parent commented: ‘I am really pleased with how he has come on’, and a social worker maintains: ‘[X’s] behaviour and overall progress have improved since being here’. Daily routines and clear plans support school attendance, and this is excellent. Young people either struggled at school, or didn’t attend prior to coming to live here, so this demonstrates significant improvement. A social worker says the home is ‘providing placement stability and access to schooling which is something he has not had for a long time’. Education reports provide data on young people’s attainment levels. This information is not fully understood by managers who cannot clearly articulate what measureable academic progress young people are making as they journey through their education. Young people have access to relevant health services, and attend appointments as

p.7

good

necessary. They seek advice from staff when they are worried about their health, and this is indicative of trusting relationships. Equally, staff are vigilant and act on concerns when they arise. One young person has stopped smoking cigarettes and cannabis with the support of staff, thereby improving his health outcomes. All enjoy nutritious homemade meals and have an active lifestyle. Consequently, young people’s health and well-being is fully promoted. Consultation and communication levels are high. Staff and young people were observed planning activities during the inspection, and time is set aside for more formal consultation. For example, young people’s meetings are held regularly and provide opportunities for them to make choices linked to events, menus, and other areas of daily life in the home. A recent development is that young people are now involved in the recruitment of new staff. They give their views about what qualities

p.8

good

they would like to see in new staff, and participate in interviews. Young people have engaged positively and maturely in this process, and they thrive on knowing their opinions matter. Staff are proactive and confident in their dealings with young people’s families. Where arrangements are complex these are dealt with sensitively. Contact is well supported, even when young people live some distance from their home area. As a result, they are able to maintain relationships with people who are important to them where this is part of the care plan. Young people enjoy access to a range of social and recreational opportunities, examples include running club, football, golf, and fishing. Holidays destinations reflect individual choices, and all enjoyed some great times during the summer. Talents are nurtured, and one young person’s affinity with animals is recognised. He is now helping out at a local dog kennels, assisting in dog training, and

p.8

good

participating in competitions. Young people particularly enjoy helping out at a member of staff’s allotment, so much so they have now secured their own plot! Such experiences and opportunities are key to their development enabling them to learn new skills, build friendships, develop confidence, and gain a real sense of achievement. Judgement grade

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good

The overall arrangements to protect and safeguard young people are good. Young people can identify a trusted adult should they have any concerns. They know how to complain, and when they do these are taken seriously. Outcomes are fed back to young people who report they are happy with how matters are dealt with. Staff are trained and clear about their role and responsibility in keeping young people safe from harm. They respond appropriately and sensitively to disclosures of alleged abuse. Allegations are thoroughly investigated, and where necessary action is taken to secure young people’s safety and welfare. Rewards and incentives as well as consequences encourage young people to manage their behaviour more appropriately. Managers provide clear oversight of all consequences to ensure they are fair and proportionate. Restorative practice is employed helping young people to learn that their behaviour impacts on

p.9

good

themselves and others and how best to modify this. Individual support plans outline strategies to prevent behaviours from escalating. Sometimes this does happen and physical intervention is necessary to keep young people safe. Some professionals have raised concerns about restraint practice, and in particular that on occasion young people sustain injuries. All such cases are referred to the local safeguarding children’s board and local authority designated officer for review. This allows for a level of independent scrutiny that safeguard’s young people. Managers reflect on practice and learn lessons from challenging situations. As a result, changes to behaviour management are implemented to reduce the need for restraint. The number of injuries has declined significantly between inspections meaning appropriate action is being taken to improve practice, and safeguard young people. This work is ongoing, and managers continue to monitor and

p.9

good

evaluate practice to secure further progress. Individual risk assessments identify all known risks, and strategies for managing these are clear. Staff develop a good understanding of times and factors that contribute to young people becoming upset and frustrated. Young people do not engage in risky behaviour such as criminal activity, drug taking, or alcohol misuse. Most young people do not go missing, and those that do, do not go missing often. One young person came to the home with a history of going missing, and this has now reduced significantly. Records indicate that when incidents do occur every effort is made to secure their safe return. Health and safety checks are undertaken in a timely manner, and as a result young people live in a safe physical environment. Young people and staff participate in regular fire drills, and as such know how to exit the home safely in such an emergency. A motion activated camera system has recently been installed for use during night

p.9

good

time hours. It is situated in the landing area outside bedroom doors, and will take a still photograph of any young person who leaves their room at night. Reasons for the installation of this system are unclear given safeguarding measures already in place such as a sophisticated door alarm system and waking night staff. A review is recommended to make sure this method of surveillance is proportionate and not overly intrusive. Shortfalls are identified in the recruitment and selection of staff. The inspector found gaps in the employment histories of two newly appointed personnel. A requirement is raised to secure improvements in this area so that processes are suitably rigorous to prevent unsuitable adults from working with young people.

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good

The home is run by a suitably experienced manager who registered with Ofsted in August 2015. He is currently undertaking the level 5 Diploma which will make him suitably qualified for his role on completion. This home demonstrates a good capacity to improve based on previous Ofsted judgements and developments since the last full inspection in February 2015. The two requirements and three recommendations raised have been met in full. The Registered Manager is a child focused individual who provides good levels of supervision and support to staff. They describe him as approachable and accessible, and are confident to raise concerns with him knowing these will be acted upon. Staff turnover earlier this year was high. Those that remain have demonstrated tenacity and resilience in working through some difficult and changeable times to minimise the impact on young people. The team is now settled, and coming

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good

together well providing greater consistency and stability. The Registered Manager involves staff in the continual development of the home. Consequently, moral and commitment is currently strong, and there is a shared sense of responsibility and accountability. Training is on-going and gives staff opportunities to refresh old skills and knowledge as well as develop new ones. This allows them to understand and address the ever changing needs of young people in their care. All staff apart from those in their probationary periods have either gained or are working towards an appropriate professional qualification. Staff receive appraisals at appropriate intervals meaning they have an opportunity to reflect on their development. Team meetings take place regularly and provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on practice, discuss young people’s needs, and understand any changes to their relevant plans. Meeting minutes do not always accurately reflect what is discussed,

p.10

good

and this is not helpful to those staff not in attendance. As a result, some remain unaware of recent changes to behaviour management approaches. This is an area identified for improvement to avoid confusion and maintain levels of consistency. Effective working relationships are maintained with partner agencies. Communication is described as good and professionals and birth families are kept up to date with progress and significant events. They describe staff as ‘supportive, accommodating, and make visitors feel welcomed’. Sometimes issues do arise, and leaders and managers liaise and respond accordingly to find a resolution. Good collaborative working benefits young people, and promotes their welfare. Reports about significant events reach Ofsted in a timely manner, and improvements in recording means they are now of sufficient quality. Internal and external monitoring of the home takes place consistently and it is to a good

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good

standard. The Registered Manager is reflective and constantly strives to improve the service. He is clear about the home’s strengths and areas for development. All of this information informs the development plan which is reviewed and implemented to take the service forward. The statement of purpose is revised as necessary to ensure it always accurately reflects the current aims, policies, and practices of the home. A user friendly children’s guide is also given to young people. This means they are well informed about the services provided and expectations on their behaviour. One requirement and four recommendations are raised to address shortfalls identified, and secure improvements where needed.

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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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