Children's Home run by G B A Care Limited in Calderdale

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to receive high quality care that assures that their emotional, physical and educational needs are met. Staff have been pro-active and timely in their responses, to ensure that when educational progress stalls, young people are fully supported to re-engage. A particular strength of the home is the emotional support that young people receive. One social worker commented, ‘Compared to other homes, they are focused around family, caring and nurturing.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people who have left the home have done so in a planned manner. Their transition into semi-independence and to family members has been successfully achieved by the continued support from staff. Young people new to the home have experienced good quality planning and preparation. One social worker said, ‘It was the best transition I’ve ever been involved in.’ Young people say they were made to feel welcome and accepted.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is currently in the process of applying for registration. His appointment has provided a high level of continuity for both staff and young people, as he was previously a member of the care team. He is committed to ensuring that the outcomes for young people are the best they can be and that staff are fully supported in their roles. The manager has identified areas for improvement for the home and this is informed by the changing needs of young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are very active in their responses to missing from home incidents. They actively look for and follow young people. They offer the unfailing message that their safety matters. One social worker commented, ‘They follow her and keep talking to her in order to bring her back.’ As a result, the number of missing from home incidents have reduced. Risk assessments are clear and reviewed. However, the missing from home protocols redirect staff to other documents such as the risk matrix and the young person’s contact list. In order to avoid confusion, this would benefit from being one comprehensive document.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Due to the level of emotional support given, some young people new to the home have experienced a reduction in the number and severity of incidents of self-harm. One young person said, ‘The care team keep listening and are there for you and I have made progress with my behaviour. When I first came here, I put myself at risk a lot. I put myself in hospital.’ Physical intervention is appropriately used and only used when all other methods of de-escalation have been exhausted.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is active and pro-active liaison with other professionals. This ensures that decision-making is shared, holistic and that the needs of young people are met as fully as possible. One Independent Reviewing Officer commented, ‘They have a good team around the child. I am always kept informed and there are regular information sharing meetings.’ A social worker wrote, ‘I believe we have an excellent working relationship with (the manager) and his staff. I believe that the home are offering X an excellent placement in which she can thrive and remain safe.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the previous inspection, two recommendations were made. One of those has been met and the young people benefit from repair to the bathroom fixtures. Further work is ongoing in the young people’s bedroom.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The second recommendation, in respect of educational activities being outcome focused and reflecting the educational plan, has not been met. Although the home work hard at creatively engaging young people, there is no means of measuring and reviewing these activities against the plan.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This children's home is run by a private organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties and young people with learning disabilities

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

16/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.4

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.

p.5

Requirement Due date

8 The education standard 8. In order to meet the education standard, with particular reference to the homes educational plans being outcome focused and clearly indicating the desired benefits, the registered person must, (2)(a) (i) help each child to achieve the child's education and training targets, as recorded in the child's relevant plans. 29/02/2016

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Staff should be familiar with the home's policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, Page 62 paragraph 14.1) With particular reference to missing from home protocols and assessment of such risk being brought together within one document.

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6

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 .

p.6

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,

p.7

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.7

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

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

p.7