Three Gables

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the 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

Management arrangements in the home have changed since the last inspection. The senior management team supports the deputy manager to lead the home during the registered manager’s temporary absence. The manager works effectively alongside her residential care workers to ensure all young people receive high standards of individualised care. Management arrangements for the home remain effective.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation related to improving the appearance of the interior of the home, specifically in relation to the replacement of seating in the lounge. Since that time, the manager has made changes which provide a much more homely appearance. However, this inspection identified two more environmental shortfalls. Young people’s bedroom furniture does not include items such as wardrobes and drawers. This fails to provide storage similar to a domestic dwelling. Additionally, the bannisters on the first floor are loose in areas and require securing in a manner which will withstand potential intentional damage. Overall, the exterior and interior of the home are personalised, with excellent standards of décor and furnishings.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, staff have continued to provide care for an established group of young people, with one new young person admitted to the home. Young people continue to make good progress. However, negative behaviours between young people persists. Staff are resilient in working creatively with complex and challenging behaviours. However, behaviour management strategies do not effectively prevent or manage disruptive behaviours. The home has not improved on its effectiveness due to these continuing negative behaviours.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

From their starting points, all young people make very good progress in all areas of their lives. Staff effectively implement personalised care plans and collaborate with a range of social, health and educational professionals. One young person said of their own progression: ‘I have come a long way and I am much happier’. An independent reviewing officer echoed this view by saying: ‘I am very pleased with care provision. I wish this young person had been placed in this home a long time ago.’ Consequently, over a sustained period of stable care, young people make good progress in their education, health, emotional well-being and social development.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people report that they feel safe. Safeguarding practices are rigorous, and implemented by a knowledgeable staff and management team. They rarely engage in risk-taking behaviours. Where young people do put themselves at potential risk, staff work proactively with a range of professionals to minimise risk. Through the care provided in this home, young people learn how to keep themselves safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no incidents of young people missing from care since the last inspection. However, the home has up-to-date practice, policy and procedures to enable effective action in the case of a young person missing from the home. They have locally agreed police protocols and established links with the local police service. This means the knowledgeable staff team has the guidance and skills to effectively safeguard young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff continue to participate in high levels of training. Training is up to date and relevant to the needs of children and young people. This affords staff with the relevant skills and knowledge to provide high quality care. Arrangements for team meetings provide a forum for effective communication and sharing of knowledge. The majority of staff engage in regular supervision and annual professional appraisals. However, the supervision of night waking and relief staff is not consistent. While there is no direct evidence of impact on young people, this fails to fully support and monitor care practice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager routinely undertakes detailed monitoring of the home. Additionally, comprehensive and detailed monthly reports from the home’s independent visitor support the quality assurance processes. Shortfalls identified within these reports are acted upon in a timely manner. The deputy manager understands the strengths and weaknesses of the home.

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Information about this children's home

This home is operated by the local authority and can accommodate up to four children and/or young people 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

27/01/2015 Interim Improved 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

In order to meet the positive relationships standard the registered person must:

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Requirement Due date

(1) ensure that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships based on -

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Requirement Due date

(b) an understanding about acceptable behaviour; and

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Requirement Due date

(c) positive response to other children and adults

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Requirement Due date

(2) (a) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff-

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Requirement Due date

(i) meet each child's behavioural and emotional needs, as set out in the child's relevant plans

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Requirement Due date

(iii) encourage each child to take responsibility for the child's behaviour, in accordance with the child's age and understanding

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Requirement Due date

(iv) help each child to develop and practice skills to resolve conflicts positively and without harm to anyone 10/03/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  For children’s homes to be nurturing and supportive environments that meets the needs of the children, they will, in most cases, be homely, domestic environments. Children’s homes must comply with health and safety legislations, however in doing so, homes should seek so far as possible to maintain a domestic rather than ‘institutional’ impression. This is with reference to ensuring that stair and hallway bannisters are secure and safe. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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Recommendations

 Children should be provided with appropriate furniture, such as a lockable cabinet or drawers to securely store personal items, including any personal information. With specific reference to the provision of bedroom furniture, such as wardrobes and drawers, which are more akin to a domestic setting. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 16, paragraph 3.19)

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Recommendations

 The registered person must have systems in place so that all staff receive supervision of their practice from an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, which allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children assigned to their care. With specific reference to ensuring waking night and relief staff receive regular supervision. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 61, paragraph 13.2)

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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

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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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