Children's Home run by Lancashire County Council in Lancashire

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:

 Safeguarding is a key priority, staff and managers successfully manage high levels of risk presented by young people.  Risks are clearly identified and understood; concerns are responded to promptly ensuring young people’s safety and welfare, and that of others is protected.  Without exception, young people are making progress from their starting points. Risky behaviours such as self-harm, missing from home, and levels of criminality are reducing.  Young people recognise and can articulate how their lives have improved since coming to live in this home.  Young people are very well cared for by a stable, experienced, committed, and competent staff team.  Highly resistant young people are now making some positive relationships with staff.  Young people benefit from individualised care. Evidence of their progress and areas still to be addressed are reflected in comprehensive individual placement plans which are updated regularly. Young people are consulted

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The children's home provision is good because:

and informed about changes and developments in care planning.  Staff work exceptionally well to engage birth families; working inclusively with them impacts positively on the lives of young people.  The Registered Manager is dedicated and inspirational. He leads the home exceedingly well, creating a culture that is resilient, steadfast, caring, and safe.  Managers and staff have developed a reputation for sticking by and continuing to work supportively with young people during difficult and challenging times without rejection.  Leaders and managers are accomplished at working collaboratively with partner agencies, and this is hugely effective in safeguarding young people. Partner agencies report high levels of satisfaction with the service. To continue to improve the home needs to:  Ensure monthly quality monitoring visits are carried out by someone who is independent, in line with regulation.  Provide opportunities for young people to be debriefed following a restraint

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The children's home provision is good because:

by someone who is not involved in the incident.  Identify and facilitate training for staff on domestic violence to further inform their thinking and practice when promoting safe and healthy relationships between young people.

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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

44: Independent person: visits and reports Ensure the registered person appoints an independent person who visits the home at least once a month (Regulation 44(1)). 31/12/2015

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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 that staff access appropriate resources to support their training needs, specifically in relation to domestic violence (The guide to the quality standards, page 52, paragraph 10.11).

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Recommendations

 Ensure that any child who has been restrained is given the opportunity to be debriefed by a responsible adult who has not been involved in the incident. Children should be encouraged to add their views and comments to the record. (Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 5: Children's Homes page 33, paragraph 2.104).

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Information about this children's home

This children's residential unit is operated by a local authority and provides care for up to six young people of either sex aged from 12 to 17 years. The home cares for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The unit can take emergency placements.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

12/03/2015 Interim sustained effectiveness

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good

Young people presented many challenging and risky behaviours at the point of placement. They experienced significant difficulties and suffered multiple placement breakdowns. Staff work exceptionally hard to engage highly resistant young people. Their persistence, unconditional positive regard, and tenacity provides young people with consistency and stability. This provides a platform from which they are able to make progress. A social worker says: ‘The care is excellent, and this is a great place’. Another comments: ‘It is the longest placement she has had in care, and the best she has had’. Staff are skilled in establishing open and honest relationships with young people. They recognise that staff care about them, and consequently feel valued. Staff are strong advocates for young people, and this helps to engender respect and trust. One young person says: ‘They stick by me and say they want me here, no-one has

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good

ever done that’. As a result, young people develop a sense of belonging. Young people are happy living in this home, and can articulate that their lives are improving because of their experiences here. One young person told the inspector that things are much better for her, and says she enjoys being able to go out and see her family more. Another young person says: ‘I do not get into as much trouble as I once did’. Parents and professionals acknowledge how much progress young people make. One mum said: ‘My daughter has made dramatic progress in every area’, and a social worker says about another young person: ‘He has never done as well as he is doing now’. Staff respond sensitively to the individual needs of young people. They are not marginalised, and difference and diversity is respected. Consequently, young people are becoming more confident in their own identity. Key worker sessions take place regularly and are well recorded. This provides

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good

opportunities to consult with young people, and provide feedback to them. Furthermore, it allows for exploration of issues that may be causing young people or staff concern. As a result, young people are given information to help them make informed choices about their day to day lives, and their behaviour. Care planning is robust with considerable thought given to young people’s next steps. They are now more secure in the knowledge that they are to remain in this home until independence, and will be fully supported in any future move. Comprehensive, individualised plans underpin all work with young people. They chart progress as well as identify areas still to be addressed. Plans are reviewed and updated regularly, which keeps them current. Young people receive education best suited to their individual needs. This enables them to make progress from their starting points. For example, one young person

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good

moved away from one to one tutoring to managing in small groups within a school setting. Another young person continues to engage in study beyond compulsory school age, something he once said he would never do. Moreover, he is completing work independently outside of his formal learning schedule. As a result, he is making academic progress achieving functional skills in maths and English. Engagement in education is not without its challenges, and staff work with school, and other education professionals to help young people to overcome difficulties. Staff support young people’s learning, and their encouragement of them is leading to improved outcomes. Health outcomes are mixed. Arrangements are made to ensure all young people receive outstanding immunisations, and this promotes their health and well-being. Some young people have been supported to overcome their fear of the dentist, and have now received necessary treatment. This demonstrates good progress and

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good

obvious health benefits. In spite of support and encouragement from staff one young person continues not to access primary health care services. Consequently he has not attended the dentist or opticians for some time, and has refused his annual health check. Furthermore, he engages in illicit drug use against advice, and is dismissive of the support services on offer. Staff have liaised with local services to ensure he remains registered, and can access emergency treatment should this be necessary. Young people are reluctant to engage in activities regularly, choosing instead to spend time in the community with friends. Staff encourage participation and this has resulted in some success. Young people enjoy trips to theme parks, stunt shows, car exhibitions, the cinema, and beating staff at snooker! Staff also facilitated a visit to some stables to nurture an interest in horse riding. As a result, young people are afforded some different opportunities and new experiences.

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good

Staff work tremendously hard to develop positive working relationships with birth families, and this is an area where they excel. A social worker comments: ‘The way they have engaged X’s parents is commendable and a credit to them’. Parents are complimentary about the home and say: ‘Staff are fantastic, previously I have felt ignored but not here, they listen to me and keep me informed’. Young people benefit from seeing staff and families working together well, and are now enjoying improved relationships with those who are important to them. For example, one young person has progressed from having supervised contact to overnight stays at home, something which she relishes. Judgement grade

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good

Safeguarding is the highest priority for staff and managers. Arrangements to protect young people and others are robust. Staff are clear about their role and responsibility to safeguard young people and promote their welfare. Young people say they feel safe. They can identify a trusted adult they can talk to inside or outside of the home, should they have any concerns. Young people know how to complain and are confident that when they do, this will be looked into properly. One young person said: ‘If I have any worries I can talk to staff, they would sort it out’. Positive and trusted relationships with staff means young people are beginning to open up about past experiences. Staff are sensitive to disclosures made, and are extremely supportive helping young people to start to make sense of what has happened to them. All young people living in the home have histories of putting themselves and others at risk through their behaviours and lifestyles. Exceptionally good working

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good

relationships forged between the home and professionals allows for co-operative and cohesive work to be undertaken. One mental health professional said: ‘They work together with other agencies better than most’. This multi-agency approach helps to protect young people and others. Managers and staff have an excellent understanding of risks posed by young people, and take action to minimise these. Risk assessments are extremely thorough providing an overview of concerning behaviours, together with management strategies to reduce the risk of harm. Information is shared readily with other relevant parties like the police and youth offending team. Consequently, decision making is a shared responsibility, and this promotes and protects the welfare of young people. Despite some very complex histories, incidents of risky behaviours are reducing. For example, there are far fewer instances of going missing, self-harm, and the

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good

level and frequency of criminality is lessening. One young person, and those who work with him are clear that without the intervention of staff he would most likely be in custody. They describe the home as ‘a protective factor that minimises risk’. When issues do arise the response is prompt and robust. For example, strategy meetings in respect of child sexual exploitation concerns quickly established a clear way forward to prevent reoccurrence. Young people are currently engaged in relationships that are sometimes violent. A multi-agency response is in place to monitor and manage risks to all concerned. Staff would benefit from specific training on domestic violence to enhance their understanding and knowledge in this area. This will further inform their work with young people on what constitutes a healthy and safe relationship. Staff work collectively and consistently to manage young people’s challenging

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good

behaviour. Positive behaviour is promoted through incentive schemes which reward good behaviour and levels of engagement. Boundaries are clear, and staff are steadfast in their application of these. A probation worker applauds the work of the team stating: ‘Their care, consistency, and boundary setting is unbelievable’. It is abundantly clear that staff have an excellent understanding of each young person’s needs and triggers, and work creatively to manage these. As a result of the care they receive, young people learn what is expected of them and that their behaviour has consequences. Young people are beginning to develop consequential thinking and some impulse controls. Consequently, their behaviour in the home is more acceptable, threats to harm staff have reduced, and they are more able to manage frustrations and disappointments. This is indicative of the good progress they are making. Occasionally physical intervention is necessary to prevent significant damage to

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good

property and protect people from harm. All incidents are well managed, and records are largely good. Although young people always have the opportunity to talk through incidents, this is not always done with someone independent of the incident. This is an area identified for improvement. Staff understand the risks that use of the internet and social media may pose for young people, and they talk with them about this. As a result, young people develop a better understanding of how to stay safe on-line, and how to use social media appropriately. For one young person this means she is now able to have an internet enabled phone, and use this safely. Recruitment practices are sound meaning that unsuitable people are prevented from being able to work with young people. Health and safety checks are carried out routinely creating a safe physical environment. Young people are supported to understand what to do in the event of a fire and all have participated in a fire drill.

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good

The home is maintained to an excellent standard, and has benefitted from a programme of refurbishment between inspections. Consequently, young people thrive and invest in a homely environment. Judgement grade

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outstanding

The home is exceptionally well managed and organised in young people’s best interests. The registered manager has been in post since February 2014, and is suitably experienced and qualified. He is meticulous and dedicated, supporting young people to stay safe and achieve improved outcomes. Leaders, managers, and staff are all child focused, and passionate about delivering and maintaining high standards of care. As a result, there is a clear ethos in the home that is resilient, steadfast, caring, and safe. One social worker summed it up when he said: ‘I cannot put into words how much more difficult things would be without the culture created at the home. He is an exceptional manager’. High staffing ratios are maintained so that the individual and complex needs of young needs are well met. Agency staff are no longer required because a pool of casual staff has been recruited to support the needs of the home. This provides

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outstanding

greater consistency for young people. They benefit from the excellent care and support from a particularly stable, experienced and competent staff team, and this contributes to improved placement stability. One young person said: ‘This is my house, they are like my family, and I see the same people every day’. The actions of leaders and managers means the home demonstrates a good capacity to improve. The requirements and recommendations raised at the last inspection have been met in full. Improved recording systems, a new training matrix, and trialling a new education strategy are all developments that evidence the home is continually driving forward. Furthermore, a clear commitment to learning lessons from significant events ensures practice continues to develop, and this ensures high standards are maintained. Rigorous internal monitoring takes place, and the systems in place provide a robust review of all aspects of the home’s practice. Consequently any shortfalls are quickly

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outstanding

identified and addressed. The registered manager recognises the strengths and needs of the service, and fully understands the progress being made by young people. This informs developmental and practice priorities moving forward. The Registered Manager is a strong advocate for young people and will challenge partners where they fall short in their delivery of services to young people. For example, he chases missing from home return interviews when these are outstanding, and asks for further information to support the view that young people have been involved in incidents rather than accepting this first hand. The meticulous recording by staff helps to dispel assumptions made by others thereby safeguarding young people. In essence, and in the words of one social worker, ‘he acts as any good parent should’. Consequently, young people’s interests and welfare are promoted. Staff morale is high, and staff describe being happy in their work. The registered

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outstanding

manager provides clear direction, supervision and support to his staff. Consequently the team is strong and united, enabling them to work together to support young people exceptionally well. Staff are positive about the range of training courses on offer, including face-to- face and on-line options. This provides increased flexibility and accessibility for staff. All core training is up to date, with additional training being brought in to address specific areas of need. For example, staff have received training in individually tailored approaches about offending, compulsive impulsivity, and helping young people to develop consequential thinking. Training is ongoing and gives staff opportunities to refresh their knowledge as well as develop new skills to meet the ever changing needs of young people in their care. Appropriate systems are in place to notify Ofsted of significant events that occur. As a result, the regulator is kept informed and can carry out its monitoring function

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outstanding

effectively. This promotes the welfare of young people. External monitoring visits are not carried out by a suitably independent person. This does not meet regulatory requirements, and compromises the robustness of these monitoring arrangements. A review of this is being undertaken by the authority, and is near completion. A requirement is raised to ensure this is fully implemented without delay.

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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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