Children's Home run by Sandcastle Care Limited in Lancashire

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:

Young people make progress from their starting point in the home. They are supported well to make sense of their past experiences, and recover from trauma, disruption or unpredictability Positive relationships exist between staff and young people. They work as a cohesive team and provide young people with clear and consistent boundaries. The atmosphere in the home is supportive and friendly Daily routines are structured which contributes to young people’s quality of care and sense of belonging Young people make progress in relation to their health and education. Their social and psychological well-being is supported. This prepares them well for later life Young people and their families are involved in decisions made about them. Effective arrangements for consultation ensure young people feel listened to and their views are valued Preparation for adulthood is supported by pathway plans. Young people follow a

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The children's home provision is good because:

programme of independence and have clear responsibilities with staff and professionals monitoring their progress This is a safe and stable home, a skilled leadership team prioritises the welfare and safety of young people well. Reflective practice and lessons learned improve the quality of care provided to young people Risks are managed well and understood by staff. This ensures young people’s previous risk taking behaviour is significantly reduced. Improvements for decision making and planning for admissions ensure young people are compatible. Risks are considered and this reduces any likely impact on young people. Staff members help young people to move in and move on with considerable, insight, sensitivity and respect There is effective leadership and strengths and weaknesses are known. This contributes to improvements in the home Staff are qualified, supported well and encouraged to develop professionally, their

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The children's home provision is good because:

training needs are met. These arrangements support young people’s day-to-day care In order to improve practice consideration should be given to providing suitable education provision, ensure young people contribute to their plans and having a system in place for return home interviews when young people are missing

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendations)  Ensure each young person is helped to attend education and training in accordance with their plans: that staff support young people with home study by encouraging them to learn independent study skills (Guide to the Quality Standards page 29 paragraph 5.18)  Children should be encouraged by staff to see the home's records as 'living documents' supporting them to view and contribute to the record in a way that reflects their voice on a regular basis (Guide to the Quality Standards page 58 paragraph 11.19)  Ensure when a child returns to the home after being missing from care or away from the home without permission, the responsible local authority must provide an opportunity for the child to have an independent return home interview. Homes should take account of information provided by such interviews when

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Recommendations

assessing risks and putting arrangements in place to protect each child (Guide to the Quality Standards page 45 paragraph 9.30)

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Information about this children's home

 The home is registered to accommodate five young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties  The home is privately owned  A child’s path towards successful adulthood becomes hazardous if that path is one of trauma, disruption, unpredictability and where change has always been a negative experience. We understand that our young men’s previous life experiences have influenced their presentation and that their presenting challenging behaviours are a normal reaction to their life circumstances, as written in the home's statement of purpose

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

03/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

05/03/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

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good

Young people have experienced positive changes since their starting points in the home, they have and continue to make progress. Young people come to the home with backgrounds that are often characterised by levels of risk taking behaviours, a lack of consistent boundaries, and non-attendance at school.

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good

Relationships between staff and young people and young people themselves are strong with positive outcomes achieved. One young person says, ‘If it wasn’t for the staff encouraging my education and now college, I don’t know what I would be doing, staff care about me and help me to change my ways.’ Staff spend time with young people and are good role models for them. As a result, young people benefit and have a sense of belonging, collectively young people say, ‘It feels like home.’

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good

Work in partnership with other professionals and agencies has contributed to the progress made by young people. Most young people are achieving well in their education or employment. They regularly attend their placements, complete projects and have received certificates for their achievements, all of which are celebrated. A head teacher says, ‘the home has very good communication with school.’ This promotes young people’s learning experiences and for those who refuse education ensures arrangements are place in consultation with the virtual head to find suitable provision for them.

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good

Young people are registered with local health services to meet their physical health needs. Routine appointments, such as, doctors, dental and eye tests are attended by young people, ensuring any need for treatment is carried out. Health assessments are carried out and recorded in young people’s health plans. This allows staff to support young people make changes to their diet, eat healthily and remain fit and active. Staff know young people well, they recognise changes in behaviour and mood, and for example, when medication is reduced or stopped.

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good

They ensure relevant professionals are involved to assess medication needs and this improves young people’s emotional and social well-being. Young people have access to and engage with mental health services. This allows them to understand their past experiences, agree to strategies and change behaviour. Their psychological needs are met in the home as staff follow agreed plans of action, they support young people well and regularly monitor their progress.

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good

Robust procedures are followed by staff ensuring all medication in the home is securely stored, administered safely, recorded and accountable. Daily checks are carried out during handover and staff sign medication records of stock balances remaining in the home. All staff are first aid trained and competent to attend to minor ailments.

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good

Young people are involved in the daily operation of the home, their views, wishes and feelings are listened to and acted upon and they feel valued. Seeking young people’s views through questionnaires, young people’s meetings and key worker sessions is a regular feature in the home. One young person has written, ‘When I first came to live here, I didn’t know what to expect, but I have lived here for over two years and enjoy living here, staff have always helped me with anything I need help with.’

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good

Staff consistently promote a model of positive parenting and are good role models for young people. They have the same opportunities of their peers and respond well to this positive approach. Activities, interest and hobbies are carried on and young people enjoy going to the cinema, playing snooker and attend local clubs specific to their interests. They have enjoyed holidays with each other and staff and experience new activities and adventures. Young people have undertaken charitable work raising donations for local charities and made donations from their allowances to world events.

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good

Arrangements for contact with young people’s families and friends are in place and risk assessed. Staff transport and supervise contact and young people have their own agreed free time with their friends from the local area. This ensures they keep in touch with those people who are important in their lives. A parent says, ‘Absolutely brilliant staff, since her son went there he has come on leaps and bounds, staff are very friendly and welcoming when I visit, I have no concerns at all about the home.’

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good

Young people with a programme of independent living are supported to develop skills that will assist them in later life. For example, budgeting, opening a bank account, cooking and taking care for themselves. Pathway plans are in place, supported by external professionals and guide staff and young people in this programme of work. Young people who have moved on from the home, keep in touch or call in for a brew and a chat. This demonstrates the positive impact and support the home has provided to them.

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good

Complaints information is easily accessible to young people and they confirm they know how to make a complaint. Independent organisations and advocacy services are known by young people should they wish to raise a concern. There have been no concerns raised and young people feel confident should they raise an issue, this would be dealt with.

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good

Improvements have been made in relation to thoroughly assessing referral information and considering how compatible young people will be with each other. The manager feels supported in the decisions she makes about placements. The home had a vacancy for some time as referrals were considered to be a compatibility risk to other young people. As a result, the home is settled.

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good

Young people are safe in the home. Staff have undertaken training in safeguarding and their knowledge and application of these principles is very good. There are no safeguarding concerns. Effective partnership working with those charge with protecting young people ensure the necessary procedures are followed.

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good

Young people say there are no incidents of bullying or intimidation. Safeguards are in place when young people access the Internet and social media sites. Young people have engaged and completed and e-safety course. This provides them with information of how to be safe when on-line.

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good

The use of clear risk assessments with strategies understood by staff and pro- active safeguarding practice ensure young people are not at risk of harm. None of the young people are considered to be at risk of being criminalised. There are no issues with drugs or alcohol and information is available to young people in respect of these and the social and health implications their use can have on them.

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good

Young people have made significant progress in reducing incidents of missing from home or absences. Staff follow clear risk assessments should an incident occur and know the strategies in place which include following and looking for them in the local area. The last incident of a young person being missing is recorded in detail as September 2015. ‘However’, there are no arrangements in place with placing authorities to carryout return home interviews with young people. As a result, information is not sought by an independent person to further safeguard and protect young people.

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good

Young people have been consulted and involved in an incentive scheme designed to modify their behaviour and participate in daily expectations, such as, education, being respectful to others and helping around the home. They respond well to this and receive financial rewards. As a result, restraint is rarely used and sanctions imposed are low. Staff reported no behavioural issues and say all who live and work in the home gets on really well. All staff are trained in behaviour management and safe restraint techniques.

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good

Reflection work of incidents is carried out during team meetings and this enables the management and staff team to improve their responses to individual young people. Reflection sessions are carried out with young people and are recorded and monitored and show improvements in their behaviour. These arrangements improve practice as a result of lessons learned.

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good

There are no health and safety concerns with regular checks on equipment, fire system and evacuations being carried out. All visitors to the home sign in, briefed on the fire procedure and assembly point in and are not left unsupervised with young people. Staff files show all recruitment checks are taken including verifying references before new staff commence work in the home. These arrangements protect young people, staff and visitors in the home.

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good

The home is suitably decorated and furnished. Staff involve young people when changes to décor are made, or new furniture purchased. Measurements have been taken and a new kitchen is due to be fitted along with refurbishment to the bathroom on the first floor. The garage has been converted to a workshop which young people regularly use. There are pictures which reflect a variety of cultural images and photographs displayed of young people’s activities and celebrations. These demonstrate a consideration of and a regard for diversity.

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good

The registered manager has experience and has completed her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. She is supported by an experienced deputy and three team leaders. It is evident that young people’s needs are prioritised, with the management team monitoring and analysing the work staff complete with young people. The home is fully staffed to meet the needs of young people. Most staff have completed their level 3 or higher qualification.

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good

Staff are supported by the manager, deputy and team leaders and receive regular supervision, attend team meetings and have their work assessed annually through appraisal. The manager is supported by the responsible individual and receives regular supervision from him. Staff confirm they feel supported and that all their training needs are met.

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good

There are clear systems in place to identify when refresher training is needed. Specific training has been provided to meet the individual needs of young people in the home. This ensures staff are up to date with current issues, and the relevant guidance and legislation. For example mental health and safeguarding.

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good

An independent person visits the home each month and reports on how young people are being effectively safeguarded and how the conduct of the home promotes their well-being. Staff read and sign these reports. Shortfalls identified in monitoring visits or audits by the management team are discussed during team meetings and supervision and are quickly rectified. This sustains the good level of care provided to young people. And, ensures the home is operating in line with its statement of purpose document.

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good

The manager has a good understanding of the home's strengths and they tackle identified weaknesses, to secure improvement. Internal and external monitoring arrangements regularly seek the views of young people, placing social workers and parents, and receive positive feedback during these consultations.

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good

Although consultation with young people is a strong feature in the home, their placement plans do not fully reflect the good work being carried out with them. Their contribution to their plans is brief and not included in some cases. While they are encouraged to read their plans, most young people choose not to do so. Their placement plans and other records kept in the home should be 'living documents' supporting them to view and contribute to the record in a way that reflects their voice on a regular basis.

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good

There is effective partnership working between the home, families and other professionals. The management team are not afraid to challenge in order to ensure young people receive the professional support when they need this. This is evident in relation to young people’s health, education and contact arrangements. Staff demonstrated well their actions to enable young people to progress in these areas.

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good

Incidents of significant events are recorded and reported to appropriate authorities. This ensures young people are further protected with any plans for action being agreed and put in place.

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good

There were no requirements or recommendations made at the previous inspection.

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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. 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

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What the inspection judgements mean

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 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

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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