Children's Home run by Warrington Borough Council in Warrington

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 .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children continue to thrive and make considerable progress in all areas of their development. This was demonstrated in their numerous awards and certificates which included a ‘mathematician of the month’ certificate from school.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff fully support children to maximise their potential by ensuring they have excellent routines and constant encouragement and support. Staff follow comprehensive education plans that clearly state the child’s strengths, targets and views. Consequently, both staff and children have high aspirations and a clear picture of their needs and progress. This was reflected in a child’s comments ‘I am good at English and basketball but not so good at maths.’ Her school report stated ‘(name) attends debate mate club every Friday and has shown fantastic speaking skills and can create a strong argument.’ This little girl is clearly growing in confidence and has ambition to become a lawyer.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children’s health is fully supported by a competent and dedicated team. A little boy was exceptionally proud of himself for trying five new vegetables since moving into the home. This demonstrates staff’s commitment to helping children to make healthier life choices. Furthermore, staff’s regular and effective direct work is supporting children to develop a positive self-view. This work involves getting the child to identify what they are good at, such as, ‘saying thanks and helping others’ and what they would like help with, ‘I get angry sometimes.’ As a result, children’s are learning how to manage their emotions and their self-esteem and emotional resilience are increasing.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff’s safeguarding practice is a key strength of this home. Children are safe because staff follow comprehensive risk assessments and behaviour management plans. Staff are effectively trained to recognise signs of danger and intervene accordingly. They are skilled at de-escalating challenging situations and diverting children from danger. Staff’s safeguarding and behaviour management training has given them the knowledge, skills and confidence to remain vigilant and work preventatively. Children enjoy living in a well-managed and effectively run home. The Registered Manager is totally child centred and this is reflected in the outstanding care, protection and progress achieved. Staff are extremely settled and happy in their work. They benefit from regular professional supervision where they are supported to reflect on their practice and identify areas for development and training. However, two members of the team had not updated their first aid training, which

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

meant that there was not always a first aider on every shift. Once raised with the manager she took swift action to book this training and amend staff rotas to meet this requirement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The team continue to develop strong links with other professionals and services including the local community police officer, placing social workers, schools and parents. This effective partnership working is further enhancing children’s progress, welfare and safety.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been noticeable improvements to the quality of the independent monitoring reports. This has been achieved through the manager persistently raising these shortfalls with senior managers within the organisation. Not only does this support strong leadership, it demonstrates the manager’s enthusiasm and capacity to continually develop the service.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is maintained to an exceptional standard. Staff have nurtured a warm welcoming, homely environment where children feel valued, respected and well- cared for. This was reflected in a child’s response to ‘what would you change if you were the manager?’ they said; ‘I would allow pets as long as no one was allergic to them. Not much else apart from more pocket money but everyone says that!’

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Information about this children's home

This local authority home provides care and accommodation for two children with emotional and behavioural needs.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

16/03/2015 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

Ensure that at all times, at least one person on duty at the home has a suitable first aid qualification. (Regulation 31 (2)(a)) 18/02/2016

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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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