Children's Home run by Considerate Care Limited in Liverpool

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:

 Young people say this is a good home, where they are safe, happy, and well cared for. Several parents also commented on the good practices of the home. One parent said, ‘They have really helped him understand how his actions can impact on his future.’  Alternative educational placements are quickly sourced to meet each young person’s individual needs. When difficulties arise, the manager successfully challenges the authorities on their duties to the young person. This means attendance within education is good and young people have aspirations for their future.  Professionals speak about the excellent communication between the home and themselves. One professional said, ‘I am kept informed and updated regularly. We have a good relationship which benefits the young people placed here.’  Some young people’s contact has increased due to the home building up good relationships with parents. This means that young people are able to

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The children's home provision is good because:

maintain relationships with people that are important to them. But, restrictions of contact with unsuitable adults are not always identified in their plans. This does not ensure that they are fully safeguarded.  Young people’s emotional, sexual, and general health needs are prioritised. For example, they receive weekly art therapy to help them express their emotions in a positive manner.  Young people are prepared for semi-independence by completing life skills within the home and with further education and employment. However, some local authorities’ pathway plans do not start until the young person is seventeen. The home does not have an independence or transition plan in place. Therefore, they cannot demonstrate what the overall plan is for the young person in moving on.  There was an excellent response in returned questionnaires to Ofsted from young people, independent reviewing officers, parents, and staff. This gave

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The children's home provision is good because:

the inspector a good overview of the home, how well the home communicates with a range of people and where the home could improve. All questionnaires were extremely positive on the care and support young people receive and some identified areas for improvement that were followed up at the inspection. For example, some staff said that appraisals were not being completed.  The Registered Manager has been in post for six weeks. She is awaiting her criminal bureau check to submit her application to Ofsted. She has made significant improvements in the home, especially around improving recordings to evidence the good outcomes for young people. She is currently identifying further improvements and updating the homes development plan. She has recently challenged the content of the independent visitors report as she says they are not robust enough to help her develop the service. However, as the December 2015 visit has not taken

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The children's home provision is good because:

place she cannot evaluate whether there has been any improvement.

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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

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that an independent person visits the children's home at least once a month. (Regulation 44 (1)) 29/02/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Any individual appointed to carry out visits to the home, as an independent person must make a rigorous assessment of the home's arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in the home's care. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 65, paragraph 15.5)  All staff must have their performance and fitness to carry out their role formally appraised at least once annually. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 61, paragraph 13.5)  Staff must help each child to prepare for any moves from the home. This is specifically in relation to having a transition plan in place. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 17, paragraph 3.27)  Ensure staff assess the restriction of contact that is necessary in the interests of the child, to safeguard them or promote their welfare. (The Guide to the Quality

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Information about this children's home

This privately run children’s home can accommodate up to five young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

17/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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good

The home’s Statement of Purpose clearly identifies the procedures for emergency and planned admissions to this home. The manager ensures that impact risk assessments are completed so that she can make an informed decision on whether the home can meet the young person’s individual needs. Wherever possible, young people are encouraged to visit and stay for tea. They say that they received a welcome booklet and that staff had gone through the routines and boundaries of the home with them. Parents say that they are also welcomed and are responded to positively. One parent said, ‘I can visit any time and staff are always friendly, hospitable and have time for me.’

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good

Young people say that they all get on with each other well. They do not report bullying as an issue. They have recently completed a project on what constitutes as bullying. For example, young people have had discussions around racist or derogatory remarks. As a result, young people say that they now understand how some nicknames or previously learnt language can be offensive to others. The home also has a ‘beautiful words’ board, where young people, staff, parents and professionals can leave a message to each other. For example, one young person wrote ‘……. (Staff name) thanks for being there for me’. Young people say that their views, wishes, and feelings are sought on all aspects of their care. The say that they can influence changes within the home, are included in the decision making and can influence how they are cared for. They also say that the homes complaint system is accessible and that they have

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good

independent advocates. This means that they are able to confidently raise any concerns they may have, through a variety of ways.

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good

The home works closely with a range of educational services to ensure young people receive education tailored to their needs. The manager works closely with the virtual head for education and has challenged local authorities in identifying provisions or resources to ensure they are not out of education for long periods. As a result, young people who are initially home tutored are found suitable educational placements quickly. In addition to this, most young people go on to further education. One young person has recently received the highest score in mechanics, ever gained at the college. This means he has been able to apply for apprenticeships in this area. His mother said, ‘He has been able to do this because the home have encouraged and supported him.’ Another parent said, ‘My daughter is doing really well. The school have recently said that she could sit her exams early because she is doing so well.’

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good

Young people enjoy good health. They are well supported to attend routine health check-ups and any health concerns are quickly addressed. They are also well supported to take responsibility for administering their own medication as part of preparing for semi-independence. All staff are trained in administering medication, so young people receive their medication in line with their prescription. One young person expressed a wish to stop taking a controlled drug. The home liaised with the young person’s paediatric consultant to ensure this was done safely. The home employs an independent counsellor who does art therapy with the young people around their emotions, on a weekly basis. This is to allows young people to express themselves and learn how to do this appropriately within a safe environment. Some young people have a history of smoking, drinking alcohol or smoking cannabis. They home has ensured that they understand the risks

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good

associated with these and that they receive support from external professionals such as Fag Ends or specific work undertaken by the Youth Offending Service. In addition to this, the manager has implemented a risk assessment for staff to follow when young people return under the influence of alcohol or drug misuse. This gives staff clear instructions of the action they should take in light of incident occurring.

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good

Young people’s contact arrangements have improved because staff work closely with their social workers and parents. For example, one young person was having sporadic contact and the home felt that this was not good for her emotionally and was impacting on her routines. The manager challenged these arrangements and the young person now has a clear plan in place for seeing her parents. This has significantly improved her attendance at school and she has opportunities to take part in activities within the home. The home has worked closely with parents to repair relationships and this has resulted in some young people moving from supervised to unsupervised contact and some are now having overnight contact with a view to returning home. But, these plans do not show any restrictions to contact with unsuitable adults or have action plans to address possible issues when supervised visits are undertaken by staff. This means that young people and staff

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good

Young people are informally prepared for semi-independence through the good routines within the home. They complete weekly chores as part of an incentive, cook, and learn how to complete daily tasks such as washing their clothes. Some young people receive bursary money for attending college and they are learning to budget and save up for things they need. They are supported to continue with their education by applying to colleges, seeking educational or employment opportunities and completing applications for these. Some local authorities’ pathway plans do not start until the young person is seventeen years of age. The home does not have their own independence plan or transition plan in place. Therefore, they cannot demonstrate how they are preparing young people for independence or what action they have taken when their placement plan changes.

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good

Young people say they feel safe and protected in this home. Most report that the best thing is the relationships they have with staff. One young person who has been recently placed has a mistrust of adults. Her mother said, ‘She has been let down in the past but it is early days and I think staff are trying to show her that they will be there for her.’ Young people were able to identify different individual staff that they could approach to talk with if they had a concern. They said that their progress was down to open, respectful, and honest relationships. They said that safety issues are explored openly with them through keyworker sessions and staff had gone through e-safety with them to ensure that they were safe on-line. Some young people have given staff consent to check their mobiles because there have been identified issues in the past. One parent said, ‘The home has worked hard with him in discussing their experiences around working within the criminal

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good

justice system and how this can affect his future. He has listened and is doing well.’ Another parent said, ‘I think she is a lot safer because she now understands why we had concerns for her and why the home has to follow procedures to keep her safe.’

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good

The progress of young people who have a history of being missing from home is variable. Some young people have significantly lessened these episodes because staff have worked closely with them on letting them know where they are, by providing lifts and contacting them to remind them of their coming in times. In contrast to this, one young person continues to be reported missing from home on a weekly basis. The local police continue to challenge the home on whether this is appropriate, as they often have spoken within him. But, a recent strategy meeting identified that the home should continue to report him after midnight. The missing from home co-ordinator from the police said, ‘This home is excellent at liaising with me from point of referral and up to implementing strategy meetings. This is one of the better homes, who I am confident with, that follow protocol and ensure that young people are safe. I visit regularly and they make me welcome.’ In addition to

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good

this, she said, ‘When past residents have had concerns around keeping themselves safe from child sexual exploitation, the home has quickly referred them to the Multi Agency Child Sexual Exploitation team (MACSE). As a result, the home has been able to put in identified strategies and clear reporting when incidents occurred.’ In the past, some young people have been identified as having such high risks that the home could not manage or keep them safe. Therefore, they have supported them to move onto more secure or out of area locations. There have been no recent safeguarding issues to report. But, when incidents do occur they are reported promptly to the relevant parties. In addition to this, the manager has put together a questionnaire about how safe young people feel in the local community. She said, ‘Young people often do not know the homes address, emergency contact numbers, unsafe areas or bus routes etc. By doing these questionnaires we are

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good

able to gage what they know and how safe they are and supply them with good information. We can also include this in the homes locality risk assessment.’ This means that young people are further protected when accessing the local community. Generally, young people behave very well and respond to firm but fair boundaries. One parent said, ‘The structure and boundaries in place have ensured that she is engaging in education, the home and therapy.’ Clear plans and risk assessments inform practice and care. They are individualised and address each young person’s vulnerability. They are reviewed on a monthly basis and discussed in depth at team meetings. There has only been one incident that required a young person to be held for their and others safety, since the last inspection. This was done safely because staff have been fully trained in this area. Records of restraint are well maintained and young people are able to comment on the reason for the restraint

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good

but more importantly, they have discussions of what could have been differently to avoid the restraint.

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good

Young people say sanctions are fair. They say they are often given the chance to make something good through reparation. For example, by helping repair damage to the home or saying sorry. Young people’s behaviour has improved because there are good routines, boundaries, and structure in place. This is enhanced by good incentive and rewards schemes. Some young people have attended pop concerts or the theatre and others have received beauty treatments as part of these reward schemes. One parent said, ‘I am really impressed with the home. They keep her up to date with everything. They tell her and celebrate all the good things she is doing not just the bad.’ This means that young people are learning that there are consequences for their actions and are improving their behaviour.

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good

The home has a stable staff team in place but the manager has recognised the need for consistent bank staff when staff are off long term sick, through maternity leave or annual leave. Therefore, they are currently recruiting for casual workers. She said that this will help with consistency of care for young people when needed. An outstanding area of practice is that young people have devised questions for prospective staff and one young person was part of the interview panel. There has been one new member staff since the homes last inspection. Records show that a robust system is in place for ensuring as far as possible that only suitable adults care for young people.

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good

Staff ensure that all health and safety issues are addressed. Renewals of certificates are in place for safety equipment and fire evacuations are completed regularly. Therefore, young people and staff live in a safe environment. Young people have been consulted about making changes to the home and have been asked to put suggestions down on paper or during group meetings. One young person said, ‘The home is looking good now and I wouldn’t have a problem bringing friends back.’ Another was delighted that they had purchased new big sofas for the lounge. Therefore, young people see the outcome of their ideas and live in a homely environment.

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good

Ofsted was notified of the previous manager’s resignation, which took effect from October 2015. The company advertised the vacant position quickly to ensure that a suitable qualified and experienced manager was appointed. This means that the home was not without a manager for a long period. The new manager has been in place for six weeks and is awaiting her disclosure and barring check to finalise her application to Ofsted. She was a Registered Manager for eighteen years of a large children’s home that has recently closed. She is suitably qualified and has extensive experience of caring for young people. She is supported by a qualified deputy manager. He said, ‘It is really refreshing to have somebody who is very experienced but is also open to ideas and improvements.’ The manager is currently looking at improving the recordings within the home to ensure that the good outcomes that young people have are evidenced within their paperwork. She said,

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good

‘I recognise that there is some fantastic work going on here but staff do not always evidence it because they just see it as part of their role.’

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good

In the short time that she has been in her role, the manager has identified several areas of improvement or development. She is currently reviewing the complaints systems and is in the process of formulising a more child friendly form with help from the young people. She feels that it is important to acknowledge receipt of the complaint formally and in writing, keep the young person up to date and to close the complaint formally. She has implemented a grumble and compliments box with envelope for young people who wish to raise something confidentially. The ‘beautiful words’ board was suggested by her but created by the young people. This will ensure that young people have several avenues to express themselves. She is revising staff training for them to have opportunities to attend specialised training that they will then cascade down to the staff team. She has provided the home with a pack on young runaways. This will also provide a topic of discussion

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good

in team meetings and key sessions for young people. She has recently shared in a staff meeting her research into new information in regards to radicalisation and human trafficking. This ensures that the service continues to develop and that staff are aware of on-going concerns locally and nationally. The manager has successfully challenged placing local authorities on several occasions, on behalf of young people, especially around providing suitable education provisions and firmer contact arrangements. This means that young people receive the services they require in a timely manner.

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good

Most staff are qualified in caring for young people. One staff is awaiting completion of her induction period to be registered on an equivalent award. One staff has a Level 4 in caring for young people and another has a social work qualification. All staff have received all mandatory training. Staff have opportunities to attend additional training when identified that will enhance their learning or assist in meeting a young person’s individual need. For example, two staff attended DYADIC training. This is about giving young people space and revisiting incidents or situations from a young person’s perspective, so adults can learn from them. This means that staff are well qualified and trained and supported to meet young people’s needs.

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good

Staff say that supervision is of a good quality and that they are able to discuss practice issues and areas for development. But, the previous manager has not kept up to date with staff appraisals. Therefore, some staff have not had their practice appraised or had opportunities to discuss development opportunities. However, the deputy manager has recently attended training on appraisals so he can support the manager in this role. Staff say that team meetings have become more frequent since the new manager has been in post. They say they are informative and an arena to discuss practice, developments, and the progress of young people. One staff said, ‘It is early days but the new manager is really good at sharing research, information and developmental ideas. It has brought us closer as a team and assists us in helping young people.’

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good

The quality of information held at the home is steadily improving because the manager has identified where improvements can be made. For example, she has devised consultation documents for young people, parents and social workers and stakeholders to capture their views on the care provided and any suggestions to improve or develop the home. All reviews take place regularly and young people are supported to attend. If they decline to attend they are supported to put their views, wishes and feelings in writing and key workers will represent them. All notifiable events are sent to the relevant parties quickly. These good practices ensure that young people have their voices heard and all parties are kept informed.

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good

An independent visitor monitors the home on a monthly basis but in December no visit took place. The manager said she has challenged the quality of the reports in a recent meeting because she does not feel that they help her to improve or develop the service. In addition to this, she has challenged the independent visitor about attending the home when young people are in education because she is not consulting with young people about the quality of their care. She has suggested that she devises a questionnaire for young people, visits in the evening or at weekends. But, as the December 2015 visit has not taken place she cannot see if any improvement has been made. She said she will continue to monitor the situation and consult with the Responsible Individual for the service.

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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

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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