New Park Project (The)

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has improved in effectiveness because the young people who are settled in their placements have continued to make progress since the previous inspection on 16 September 2015. The experiences and outcomes for these young people are extremely positive.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

For example, one young person has recently moved into supported lodgings. He remains in touch with the staff and visited the home during the inspection. This young person appears to be happy and settled in his new environment, and has a job in a local restaurant.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Progress with education has been variable, because some young people have experienced difficulties at a local academy. The staff have worked hard to promote their education and challenge barriers that have impeded progress. For example, they have advocated for the young people and have ensured that they receive education through home tuition. The young people have been learning effectively and some have enrolled in college for September.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people have been increasing their life knowledge in a variety of ways. All three of the longer-term residents have been working very productively in local cafes, restaurants and leisure facilities. This is an exceptional achievement. The inspector was shown some excellent feedback from one employer, who is very impressed with the young person’s commitment and abilities.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home admitted a young person from custody in early December. This young man has shown very troubled behaviour, including assaults on staff and serious substance misuse. The home has a good track record of responding appropriately to these behaviours in the past, and has helped young people with similar needs to turn their lives around. Therefore, the manager is confident that she made the right decision to admit this young person, but the level of substance misuse has made it very difficult for him to engage with the staff. Following a series of serious incidents, the young person has now returned to custody. It is testament to the other young people’s progress and stability that they have not been adversely affected by these difficulties.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has ensured that there is effective communication with other agencies, so that each young person receives a seamless service. She has made constructive links with the Youth Service, and has brought one of the youth workers into the multi-professional team around a particular young person. Bringing in a professional who knows the young person well has made a positive difference to the quality of communication.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This experienced registered manager has robust systems in place for the internal and external monitoring of the home. She values the Regulation 44 visitor’s monthly input into the home’s development, and acts on her recommendations.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager’s Regulation 45 report is very clear and provides practical and achievable targets for the home. For example, staff training is under review, and all employees have an individual training plan. They will have the opportunity to undertake training in an area of interest, so that they can learn specialist skills. This enhanced knowledge should have a positive impact on the young people and will support team development.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has ensured that the requirement and recommendation made at the previous inspection have been actioned. A requirement was made to explore alternative sources of therapeutic support for a young person who was refusing involvement with the child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS). This was discussed with the young person, who was repeatedly going missing. The young person agreed to see an independent worker from a national charity that works extensively with young people with these needs. This initiative has proved successful, and may have contributed to a significant reduction in missing-from- home incidents. For example, this behaviour has reduced considerably in the past four weeks. The young person has now settled down and is not placing herself at risk. She has developed positive peer relationships and is now working towards a phased return home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has also actioned the recommendation with regard to reviewing the security system, so that there is no need to lock internal doors at night. The home fitted an alarm to the back door, so that staff are alerted if the door is opened. Discussion took place about the possible need for waking night staff if the home should admit another young person who is vulnerable to going missing, because this would be preferable to locking internal doors.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No requirements and recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection. Some minor points for improvement were discussed with the manager.

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Information about this children’s home

This privately-owned children’s home is one of a group of five operated by the same company, based in the south of England. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children and young people who may have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

13/03/2015 CH – Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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What the inspection judgements mean

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

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

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

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Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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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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