Atkinson Unit

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

At the last inspection in October 2015 four requirements and two recommendations were made. The home has addressed all of the requirements and one of the recommendations.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is now specific guidance in place outlining the process and managerial permission needed to carry out different levels of searches of young people. The guidance sets out that dignity is to be promoted at the same time as maintaining the security of the home and the safety of the young people and staff. It also determines how managerial monitoring of searches is carried out.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Systems put in place by managers ensure that all case records are regularly audited and as a result, the records are up to date and relevant. This monitoring and review ensures that overall, good quality records are in place. In particular, the new case management system records how each young person is progressing and what targets are in place for the young people and the roles of professionals. For example, whether appointments with substance misuse workers have been arranged, or whether the young person has achieved good levels of attendance in education.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The monitoring and reviewing of sanctions by the management team has ensured that they are assessed for effectiveness and that individual behaviour management plans acknowledge which strategies work best for each young person. The home continues to operate restorative practice. This ensures, in the majority of cases, conflict and negative behaviour is discussed and reflected upon without a need for sanctions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Incidents of single separation are now more robustly audited by managers to ensure their use is appropriate and proportionate. Reports written about these incidents now contain all the details required; for example, how often observations have been carried out to ensure that the young person is supported to stay safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One recommendation relating to the accurate recording of medication was not met and a further recommendation will be raised in this report. The majority of recording of the administration of medication is good and a new system implemented. However, there was one occasion where gaps in recording made it unclear whether a young person had refused their medication or it had not been offered. Although, in this case, there was no harm or negative impact on the young person, the new system had not been effectively followed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

On receipt of a notification by Ofsted about an incident at the home in November 2015, a monitoring visit was carried out and a compliance notice was served as a result. The compliance notice was in relation to staff using physical restraint contrary to regulations. Young people were physically restrained and taken to their rooms after refusing to go at their allocated bedtime. The manager has ensured that staff are fully aware of, and understand the regulations and the home’s policy and procedure, which sets out the strict criteria in which physical restraint can be used. The compliance notice relating to this incident has therefore been fully addressed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are confident in expressing their feelings and opinions. They have a number of avenues they can follow if they wish to complain about how they are being cared for, and these include access to an independent advocate. The recording of complaints is clear and shows how any issues has been resolved.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There continue to be good links with the local authority designated officer (LADO) and any safeguarding issues are swiftly shared and actions put in place to help keep young people safe. The professional relationship enables transparency and accountability and ensures there is external monitoring of practice.

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Information about this children's home

This secure children’s home is managed by a local authority. It is approved by the Department for Education to restrict young people's liberty. Education is provided on site in dedicated facilities. The children's home can accommodate up to 10 young people who are aged between 10 and 17 years and accommodated under section 25 of the Children Act 1989. Admission of any young person under 13 years of age requires the approval of the Secretary of State.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/02/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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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 staff are familiar with the home’s policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective and clear recording; specifically, ensure that auditing and recording of medication is accurate. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 62 paragraph 14.4)

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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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