Children's Home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincolnshire

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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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

This home was judged Outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has Improved Effectiveness .

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Young people continue to make excellent progress at this home in all areas of their lives. Highly dedicated, efficient and skilled staff and managers provide them with inspirational support and care at all times. This is particularly evident in relation to identifying and meeting their educational needs. All young people have formal educational provisions in place and are doing well, with excellent attendance. Managers have also worked with another private care provider recently to consider their recording and tracking of educational placement histories, attendance and attainment for looked after children and young people. This has led to impressive systems being put in place by managers to monitor and track each young person’s current and previous educational placements. It reflects the strong and positive learning culture and ethos in this home and commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Another key strength of this home relates to the excellent matching processes in place. There have been no unplanned placements made since the last inspection, with managers taking significant time and effort in considering how they can meet the needs of young people moving here and those already placed. The most recent admission to the home has taken place over several months. Regular meetings and information sharing have taken place, with the young person coming for short stays prior to moving in permanently. Family members have also been fully included in the matching and placement process from the start. One family member stated: ‘The manager and staff have been amazing. They have taken a huge weight off our shoulders. They have done more for us than anyone has before and we are so pleased that our child is moving to this home.’

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Young people also receive excellent support and preparation for their eventual move to independence, or when returning to live with family members. Staff and managers work closely and positively with all involved agencies to ensure a smooth and successful transition. A parent of one young person who is due to return home in the near future stated: ‘The staff and managers have all been fantastic, particularly the key worker. We have had increased contact and outreach support and feel that the move has been done at the right pace and has every chance of succeeding. We are really looking forward to the future together now.’

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Young people strongly influence the care and support they receive in this home. Their voice is central to all aspects of how the home is run. Staff and managers involve them fully and imaginatively and seek their wishes and views on a daily basis. A Junior journal is produced by staff each month for young people. This includes photos and information on what young people have done, their achievements and plans for the coming month. As a result of young people’s views, their monthly meetings are now called ‘Chill and Chat’. This reflects staff really listening to them and wanting to make changes based on their opinions.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

A wide range of fun and stimulating activities enable young people to enjoy their leisure time and increases their confidence and self-esteem. Since the last inspection, they have put on a pantomime in the home, supported by staff. They have taken part in horse riding, small animal care, swimming, cinema trips and holidays at the local seaside. They have also been involved in music and film making activities, facilitated by a local organisation who regularly visits the home. More recently, they have been involved with a member of staff in forestry activities within the grounds of the home. Young people all said how much they liked the activities and that they would like to do them again. They develop a real sense of being valued as a result of the care and support they receive from staff and in having new and exciting opportunities.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Managers have excellent systems in place to monitor and oversee all aspects of how the home is run. They demonstrate a keen understanding of the needs of the young people and in how they support them to achieve the best possible outcomes. Such commitment is underpinned by highly effective training and development opportunities for all staff. Research informed practice is embedded in the home, with signs of safety, social pedagogy and Thera play models being used by staff and managers to support young people. Evaluation of how such models are positively affecting young people is currently being undertaken, overseen by managers.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

There have been no complaints made since the last inspection. The use of physical restraints is minimal and reflects the ability of staff in de-escalating situations with young people and in their use of therapeutic crisis intervention models. Young people flourish in this home, due to the excellent care and support they receive from staff and managers. There were no shortfalls identified as a result of the last inspection and none from this inspection.

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Information about this children's home

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation to up to six children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is owned and run by the local authority.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

19/01/2015 Interim Improved Effectiveness

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/02/2014 Interim Satisfactory Progress

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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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