Children's Home run by Inspire Children’s Services Limited in St Helens

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 sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are safe and happy living at this home. They benefit from the security of long term settled placements and enjoy sound relationships with the staff. They have also enjoyed increased family contact since the last inspection which positively promotes their unique identities and heritage. Comments from young people include, ‘Things are good here. I can do any activity I want to do like archery and baking’ and, ‘I get help when I need it from the staff and they keep me safe.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person in particular shows significantly increased pride in his surroundings and loved putting up the Christmas decorations in the home. He also enjoyed posting Christmas cards to all the neighbours. His positive friendship, with a boy who lives locally, has continued to blossom. This all strengthens his sense of belonging.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Placing authorities are consistently very positive about the quality of care provided. Recent comments include, ‘This is a really positive placement. There is good communication with me and good evidence of working in partnership with other agencies. Positive relationships are promoted and my young person is kept active’ and, ‘This home provides a good standard of care and is meeting all my young person’s needs.’ A quality assurance visit by a placing authority commissioner concluded, ‘This young person has a great relationship with the staff and it is nice to see such improvements and positive outcomes.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

New arrangements have been put in place since the last inspection which has strengthened the independence of the monthly external monitoring visits. The findings are used to constantly develop the services provided.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager of this home has recently been successfully registered with Ofsted to manager a second children’s home within this company. The impact has been minimal because there are strong deputising arrangements in place at this home. This individual is very child centred and is creative in promoting good outcomes for all the young people. He is respected by the young people and the staff. He has increasingly taken on management roles in preparation for the manager being less visible. For example, there is clear evidence of monthly individual supervision sessions. Staff confirm that they are of a good quality and helpful in their continued personal development.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two requirements were made at the last full inspection. In response, there is now clear documentary evidence that the staff know young people’s specific educational targets and support them in the home to achieve them. In fact, as a direct consequence of one young person reading to staff every night, he has already progressed to another reading level. In turn, this has boosted his confidence so he is now helping other pupils who are struggling. He said, ‘People say I am a nice young man, very thoughtful and I share.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

His most recent school report highlights the positive impact this support has had on his learning. Extracts include, ‘In maths he should be very proud of the progress made and he is now eager to read in class. He has a good understanding of science and is making good progress in ICT. He is less disruptive and showing a more mature attitude. He is calmer, more settled and works hard.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the young people continue to have excellent school attendance and are making good academic progress. On the day of this inspection one young person came rushing in from school proudly announcing, ‘I got gold which is 1,000 points for being so good so I’ve got a £10 shopping voucher.’ A note from his teacher read, ‘I thought that you would like to know that he has been brilliant this week and I am very pleased. Keep it up.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection the training matrix suggested that a number of staff had not completed all of the mandatory courses required of their respective roles or completed refresher training in a timely manner. On reflection, the company felt this was a wider issue and in response recruited a training manager to improve the systems in place and increase the courses provided. All the staff have undertaken child sexual exploitation awareness training and the manager has completed a safer recruitment course since the last inspection. There is also clear evidence of individuals completing ongoing relevant training. However, this requirement has been repeated because some specific courses are still to be undertaken. Examples include: food hygiene and the required level 3 qualification in caring for children for residential staff; supervision training for the new seniors; and, grievance and disciplinary training for the registered manager. He is on target to complete the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

required level 5 management qualification by the end of April 2016.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Up to very recently, young people have benefited from being well cared for by an extremely stable staff team. Internal promotions across the company means three staff members have moved to other homes. This was sensitively discussed with the young people. One young person said, ‘I’m okay about it because not everyone is new.’ These changes have improved the gender balance within the home. Comments from staff include, ‘It’s good to ensure the team doesn’t get complacent. They will offer different perspectives’ and, ‘There are three staying and three new people. They will have new ideas and different skills so the range of opportunities for young people will only increase.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s good health is positively promoted at this home. As a direct consequence, one young person’s personal hygiene has significantly improved. One young person said, ‘I am okay about going to the dentist now and he says I have perfect teeth and they are now very strong.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people take part in a range of physical exercise to stay fit and active. Swimming, trampolining and circuit training are regular activities. One young person said, ‘I love walking the deputy’s dog and riding my scooter.’ He is eager to join a gym but is still too young. In response they are converting the garage into a gym. One young person helps out at the local rugby club. They gave him a rugby shirt in appreciation, which he is very proud to wear. He runs on the pitch with water and new balls, so is keeping fit and widening his social circle, which is demonstrably improving his social skills. It has also given him the confidence to start playing rugby.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are knowingly making good choices about the food they eat. Examples include, using fresh ingredients, less bread, lower salt and fat and more water. One young person said, ‘I am making an effort to be more healthy and I like the new menus we have chosen.’ The staff are also working more closely with their respective schools to ensure they are eating healthily and being active there too.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person now feels safe and comfortable enough to open up to staff about his traumatic past. He is also able to regulate his emotions and no longer destroys his personal possessions in frustration. Consequently, his emotional well- being has significantly improved, to the extent that specialist intervention is no longer required. Moreover, he is much more open to accepting advice. This is all significant progress.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the young people have developed the emotional maturity and resilience at this home to commence life story work.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person has not been restrained at this home for a sustained period of time. This is outstanding progress from his starting point when he wanted to be held. In sharp contrast he now enjoys appropriate hugs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

However, as expected, nearing one young person’s birthday, his behaviours became increasingly challenging within the children’s home and at school. This included assaults on staff and unfounded allegations. It culminated in him causing damage to his bedroom, which he has never done before. Staff remained resilient throughout and increased team meetings to explore strategies to manage the escalating behaviours. However, notice was eventually served when another young person started to feel less safe. He said, ‘The staff are good at sorting out any bullying before it gets serious so I score them a nine out of 10 for keeping me safe.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

It was evident by all professionals concerned that he wanted to disrupt the placement in the hope of living back home full time. His wishes were seriously considered and home contact was further increased. He is very happy with this positive compromise and to his credit he is going to school from home. Moreover, he has apologised, asked to stay and is now once again demonstrating a positive attitude. This shows an increasing maturity. Lessons have been learned in that the staff have strengthened the already established positive working relationships with mum and school. This is to ensure consistent routines and boundaries are always in place to avoid any manipulation.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s wishes and feelings are central to the day-to-day running of the home. They are also active members of the company’s care council so they are influential in the continued development of the service as a whole. They are currently reviewing the booklet young people receive on admission and in particular, pocket money and clothing allowances. One young person attended when he was having an extended contact at home which shows an excellent commitment to this group.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people know how to complain and have exercised this right. They are always taken seriously, fully investigated and actions taken to improve practice. This reassures young people that their views genuinely matter, which boosts their self-esteem. One young person said, ‘ I am very happy here and I score 10 out of 10 for being included in what goes on.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At Christmas the company held an awards ceremony and a young person from this home won the main prize. This was in recognition of all his efforts, progress and achievements. He was thrilled to receive a shield with his name engraved on it. He has also been nominated for an award from his placing authority and is very excited about dressing up ‘posh’ to go to this special event.

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Information about this children's home

This is a private children’s home registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two young people at any given time who are experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

27/03/2015 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

24/02/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

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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

Regulation 13: The leadership and management standard

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Requirement Due date

To meet the leadership and management standard the registered person must ensure that all the staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child (Regulation 13(2)(c) 22/04/2016

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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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