Children's Home run by Pathway Care Solutions Ltd in Nottinghamshire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the last 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

Although there is very strong evidence of several areas of significant improvement, and children and young people are thriving, two shortfalls have been identified resulting in the judgement of sustained effectiveness. These matters have not directly affected the welfare and well-being of children and young people. Consequently, the home continues to provide a good service. Shortfalls include the propping open of fire doors, which could potentially pose a risk in the event of fire. In addition, the use of a shared bedroom for young people and staff whilst on a short break away does not meet with the Children’s Homes Quality Standards. The registered manager and provider are now looking into their policies for holidays and short breaks to ensure that the required standard is met in the future. Young people continue to make very good progress in this home. Staff demonstrate a kind and nurturing approach, which really suits young people’s

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

developmental needs. One professional reported that a young person has, ‘really good relationships with the staff’, which they felt was pivotal to their good progress. Observations of young people and staff together confirmed that there is an atmosphere of the greatest of respect between them. Young people are clearly at the centre of the daily operation of the home. Their confidence soon improves due to this inclusive approach and they know that they will be listened to. One young person said, ‘I didn’t know I could be so happy in a care home and I am surprised how happy I am’. There have been very few serious incidents in the home and only one notification to Ofsted since the last inspection. There have been no episodes of missing, no physical interventions and no complaints. This reflects a very settled home where young people can thrive. In addition, the staffing levels continue to be very stable,

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

offering young people consistency and stability. When young people first come to the home, they often present with complex behaviour, attachment issues, and risky behaviours such as being frequently missing. This home is particularly good at teaching young people what they need to know about how to stay safe, and to regulate their emotions and behaviour more effectively. As a result, they can develop relationships that are more positive with people who are important to them. Staff support in this area is very good and young people can and do discuss their worries about their family situation. They also explore the reasons they are in care. This builds resilience and encourages young people to make their own decisions about what they want for their own future. Young people make particularly good progress in relation to learning independence skills in readiness for transitions from the home. Some young people are getting

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

ready to leave care. Staff report that they have come on in ‘leaps and bounds’ with regard to being able to live independently and safely. Young people in this home confirm that they feel safe. Staff agree that young people are less vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. They say that young people, ‘are a lot safer in our care’. Young people continue to make progress in their education because staff deal with any barriers to learning at the earliest opportunity. Staff make it their business to check that young people are being adequately stretched so that they can achieve their full potential. Liaison with colleges is effective. Young people attend education well, sit their exams, and become increasingly aspirational. One young person reflected on the support she has received; she said, ‘staff have been very encouraging’. Young people are making excellent progress in relation to health. They become better at managing their own health conditions and medicines. They develop age

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

appropriate self-care skills. This builds confidence and will ensure that they give a high level of attention to their own health conditions in the future. Good joint working with other professionals is central to young people’s progress. Social workers are particularly happy with this saying, ‘the home have been great, they do keep us informed’. The registered manager has continued to drive improvement since the last inspection to ensure that the home does not stand still. She has implemented a more thorough house meeting format and new monitoring tools. She ensures that she has appropriately responded to young people’s views and suggestions. For example, the home now has a new vehicle to widen leisure opportunities, new soft furnishings, and improved décor. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. The manager now ensures that return interviews after missing or absence are arranged in accordance

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

with the appropriate guidance. This ensures that opportunities to protect young people are not missed. In addition, the management team and staff are better considering how young people might be vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation to minimise risk in this area.

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Information about this children's home

 The home provides care and accommodation for up to four children.  The home is privately owned.  The home provides care and accommodation for children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

11/03/2015 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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Requirement Due date

Ensure that adequate precautions are taken against the risk of fire. (Regulation 25(1)(1)) 26/02/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation:

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Recommendations

 ensure that young people have separate bedrooms and do not share a bedroom with an adult. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 16, paragraph 3.19)

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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

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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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