Children's Home run by Roundhouse Care in Staffordshire

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:

 The manager and staff team are passionate and committed to meeting the individual needs of young people in a warm, welcoming and nurturing home.  Managers and staff prioritise the needs of young people by working effectively with each other and outside agencies.  Young people are exceptionally safe in a home where staff understand their roles and responsibilities, the individual needs of young people and the complexities of their vulnerabilities.  Partnership working is high priority for gaining access to services required to meet the emotional, psychological and physical needs of young people.  Young people are confident and respectful. Care and nurture provided by the manager and staff team improves outcomes and develops young people into mature members of society.  There are areas identified for improvement: these relate to surveillance, care planning and the Statement of Purpose.

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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

The registered person may only use devices for the monitoring and surveillance of children if the monitoring or surveillance is no more intrusive than necessary, having regard to the child’s need for privacy. (Regulation 24(d)) 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):

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Recommendations

 Ensure the information set out in the Statement of Purpose is an essential part of the process of agreement between the registered person and placing authority that a placement in that home is the right one for that child. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15, paragraph 3.6)

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Recommendations

 Ensure the home understands what will be required of them before they accept responsibility for a child's placement. In regard, to the expected length of stay. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 56, paragraph 11.5)

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Information about this children's home

This home is operated by a private provider and is registered to provide care and accommodation for three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

good

Relationships between staff and young people are open, honest and trusting. Staff understand what young people need to form relationships. A staff member said, ‘We allow them time to think about themselves and are there for them when they are ready to talk. They have to want to get involved in the therapeutic support. We start by building common ground and help them to understand and get in touch with their feelings’. A young person said about the staff, ‘I get on with everyone, they are funny, laid back and nice, they can take a joke.’ A social worker also confirmed relationships are good and said, ‘She built relationships quickly with her keyworker and they already have nicknames for each other. This is significantly different behaviour for her to be so quick to bond’.

p.6

good

The quality of care provided is exceptional. Staff are dedicated, passionate and skilled in providing individualised care to young people whose experiences have been traumatic. A staff member said, ‘We want to be here, we are joyful and plan nice things’. A young person confirmed staff care and said, ‘All staff are great, she is kind but strict when she needs to be, like a tough love aspect’. Staff never gives up and always continue to support young people even when they are at their worst. A social worker commented on the staff qualities and said, ‘They listen and are always available, they do simple things like offering a lavender bath when having difficulties sleeping’.

p.6

good

Young people recognise the progress they make from their start point and take ownership of how far they have come. Significant progress has been made in relation to confidence, self-esteem and social skills. For example, one young person loved dogs, the manager supported her to volunteer at a local dog sanctuary; this long term commitment eventually led to paid work. A young person said, ‘I got a job, I volunteered then started to get paid’. Another young person felt progress has been made in his self-confidence he said, ‘I have made progress in speaking to this girl in my hometown this has helped me to strengthen friendships’.

p.6

good

Staff are sensitive to their individual preferences and challenge diversity well. A young person said, ‘I am a vegan; I am supported and catered for’. Meals are wholesome, fresh and nutritious. Young people make their preferred choices weekly.

p.6

good

Young people thrive regardless of the difficulties they face. They do extremely well in education from their start point. Staff work in partnership with education staff and young people to ensure they get the best out of their opportunities. This has helped young people to become more confident in their abilities. A young person said, ‘It’s going really well, I took my GCSE’s earlier than required. I have got into the college of my choice’.

p.6

good

Young people give generously back to the community by contributing to helping others. Staff help young people to follow their inspirations and, as a result young people have given gifts back to many different causes. For example, dog food hampers are donated to the dog sanctuary, gifts donated to the local hospital and ‘Diaper’ cakes, that consist of essential items for expectant mothers have also been personally made and donated.

p.7

good

Young people’s health is good. Excellent use is made of external health services to ensure the emotional, physical and psychological needs of young people are met. A young person commented about the mental health service and said, ‘They are a god send, they all work together to help me’. Staff work in close partnership with all health services. As a result, young people grow in confidence and self-esteem. They are proud of the progress they make and identify well with how they have changed. For example, young people are now able to speak up for themselves, where before they were afraid to speak their mind. A young person said, ‘I know how to talk politely and get the best result without being rude’.

p.7

good

Young people are centrally involved in every aspect of their care. Staff regularly consult with them on a daily basis. Young people feel valued and important because staff gives them opportunities to shape the care they receive through regular review and consultation. A young person said, ‘I requested free time, this was sorted out for me. I now go to the shop on my own’. Young people attend their reviews and know their plan of care. This helps them to plan and prepare for the future. Another young person became involved in the Children in Care Council, she said, ‘I got involved with changing the Staffordshire Pledge, this made me realise that one person can make a difference’. Young people know staff listen to them and where possible act on their wishes. For example, requests made for a house pet was granted. The home now has a hamster.

p.7

good

Placement plans do not always identify the required length of stay in regards to short breaks. This makes it difficult to know how long the plan of care is.

p.7

good

Young people experience many activities tailored to suit their age and ability. They range from horse riding, to playing pool. Young people benefit from holiday experiences of their choice. A young person said, ‘I have been on holiday, it was amazing, my first holiday since being in care. We had brochures to look at and decided where to go’.

p.7

good

Young people remain in contact with friends and family. Contact is supported by staff where appropriate. A young person said, ‘I have regular contact with my family, I have overnight stays’. This helps family bonds to strengthen and grow. Judgement grade

p.7

outstanding

Young people are safe and protected because the service has strong links with the local safeguarding board. Staff communicates in an open and transparent way and use their training, skill and knowledge to inform about any safeguarding issues. Staff receive appropriate training in safeguarding and child protection and are skilled to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse. There are no allegations against staff because young people trust and form healthy strong bonds with staff. Staff understand their roles and responsibilities in keeping young people safe. They demonstrate this through well-managed practice.

p.8

outstanding

Young people have shown significant improvement in keeping themselves safe. The risk of exploitation has reduced because they do not go missing from care. Staff are trained in child protection and safeguarding. They work in close partnership with the local safeguarding board. A staff member said, ‘We introduced night walking where staff walk with young people to reduce their urge to leave the house unsupported. This has worked well. There are no episodes of missing from care or absconding which was a high risk prior to placement.’

p.8

outstanding

New staff are vetted well prior to employment. This secures safe recruitment that protects young people from unsuitable candidates having access to them.

p.8

outstanding

Staff promote internet safety and certain sites are blocked. This protects young people from the risk of exploitation and keeps them safe.

p.8

outstanding

Staff protect young people’s privacy. A young person said, ‘They knock before coming into my room’. Bedroom door alarms are used in agreement with young people and social workers to keep them safe. Young people know why they are used. However, the bedroom door alarms are not able to be isolated to individual bedrooms. This means when they are in use all bedrooms are monitored. As a result, if a young person no longer requires it’s use but others do, it has to remain on. As a result, this can be intrusive For example, one young person said, ‘When I use the loo it goes off’.

p.8

outstanding

Young people understand the complaints procedure and also use the ‘grumbles’ form to share their view. A young person said, ‘I know how to make a complaint but I’ve not needed to make any.’ Keyworkers ensure grumbles and complaints are discussed in house meetings. Advocates are available if required.

p.8

outstanding

Young people are safe from bullying and confirm that this is not an issue in the home. Young people form excellent relationships with each other, staff and management. Staff know how to identify triggers to behaviour because they have robust, clear plans and risk assessments that help them to understand how to support young people. Staff are trained in the use of physical intervention and de-escalation. There has been one physical intervention since the last inspection. This demonstrates that young people manage their emotions well because strategies are effective. Negative behaviour is significantly reduced due to the care, patience and understanding of staff. A young person said, ‘We have logical consequences instead of sanctions. Staff only restrain me if they need to. They would only do it to help me and keep me safe’.

p.8

outstanding

Young people feel extremely safe living in the home. A staff member said, ‘They choose to be here even when they have free time.’ They know the staff care for them and want to provide a safe and nurturing home that protects them from harm and their own vulnerabilities. A young person said, ‘I am safer here than I have been anywhere else’.

p.9

outstanding

Young people respect each other’s individuality. The home actively promotes diversity in a way that allows individuals to feel safe without fear to express who they are. Young people accept each other’s differences.

p.9

outstanding

The manager and staff work in excellent partnership with mental health services in regards to self-harming. There is a meticulous focus on promoting a child centred holistic approach. This provides a wraparound service to meet the most vulnerable needs of young people. For example, the manager organised an additional meeting with professionals to ensure the wishes of young people are heard quicker. This dramatically reduces anxieties that may impact on self-harm. The manager said, ‘We have the right support around us, a mental health practitioner visits. This strengthens our approach to keeping her safe, relationships with them is brilliant.’

p.9

good

The Registered Manager was appointed at the time of registration in June 2014. She has completed level 5 diploma in management and has a number of years managerial experience within children’s and young people’s services. The manager is a strong leader and a good role model for the team and the young people. A staff member said, ‘She is always there for us’.

p.9

good

There were no recommendations or requirements made at the last inspection. The manager and staff build excellent relationships with external partners. This strengthens joint working. A social worker said, ‘The manager is really easy to get hold of’. Young people’s success is demonstrated through their outcomes. For example, for some moving on from residential care to foster care is now an option. A staff member said, ‘Our success story lies in the outcomes of young people who have successfully moved on from here and those who are about to leave. Progress is evident to see from start point’. Everyone has each young person at the centre of the delivery of care. The manager is constantly in touch with other professionals and strives to form good relationships and links that will support and promote young people’s plan of care.

p.9

good

Since the last full inspection, the manager has recruited two new staff. Bank staff cover one vacancy. All staff receive good regular supervision, annual appraisal and undertake appropriate training. This keeps them up to date, skilled and knowledgeable to deliver good quality care.

p.10

good

The manager completes a monthly monitoring review of the home. An independent visitor completes additional monitoring and sends the reports to Ofsted in line with regulation. This ensures the service is monitored effectively and any shortfalls are quickly identified. The strengths and weaknesses are compiled into a development plan. This is done exceptionally well by gathering feedback from the quality assurance questionnaires. The unique style of the plan shows how creative staff are in capturing the wishes of young people, involving them and delivering a child centred pieces of work that is easy to read and informative.

p.10

good

The Statement of Purpose does not include reference to the home providing short break stays. A placement was taken in an emergency that did not meet the home’s Statement of Purpose. It also refers to the use of bedroom door alarms but it does not clearly identify that the use is to safeguard young people.

p.10

good

The manager is passionate about the theoretical model used by the home, which enables her to provide the therapeutic support that gets positive outcomes for young people. A staff member said, ‘We use the model on a daily basis, this has been testimony to our success in getting results’.

p.10

good

Young people have helped to personalise their home by adding decorative touches that represent their own taste and personality. All rooms are vibrant and fresh with delicate floral touches that give the home a real sense of pride. You can tell young people feel at home because they respect the environment and provide their own personal touch. For example, the cuddly toys on the sofa add the welcome vibe that makes you want to put on your slippers and never leave. The manager and young people chose the décor and soft furnishings with pride. They respect, care and maintain it to a high standard. A staff member said, ‘This is a beautiful place due to the manager and the staff; they make the home so cosy and give it a sense of pride’.

p.10

good

The manager is proactive in challenging services that are not effective. For example, she set up a multi-agency group that brings together the mental health practitioner, social worker and staff team. This helped to address questions promptly and reduced anxieties between planned appointments. This child centred approach created a better way of working with a multi-agency view.

p.10

good

All significant events are recorded and responded to in line with regulation. All records are locked and stored safely.

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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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