Children's home run by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Cornwall

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people in this home continue to experience enjoyable and relaxing short breaks. The manager, co-ordinator and staff provide respond to young people in a caring and respectful manner. This results in trusted relationships between staff and young people. A variety of activities and experiences are offered to young people, who are supported to actively choose what they like to do. A recent overhaul of care plans and risk assessments has been effective in ensuring that staff are have up to date and clear information to look after young people consistently and in accordance with their need. The safeguarding procedure is not fully embedded and some confusion with staff exists around certain processes, such as what happens when specific concerns are documented or raised. A draft of the safeguarding procedure document for the home now exists and although staff have read this document, the manager has not

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

yet discussed or consulted staff about it. Still in draft form, because the manager does not feel it addresses all the issues that are relevant for this home. Consequently, this requirement is repeated. However, staff report that general safeguarding discussions within the team have taken place, leading to an increased understanding in this area. Staff have made some changes to the home, to give a more homely appearance. For example, the office type information frames have been taken down from the bedrooms but to date no alternative has been sourced, leaving photographs stuck on the wall with adhesive. The development plan or the manager’s own monitoring report do not clearly detail what improvements need to be made in the home, by who and when. Staffing in the home is secure. On occasions, the manager employs bank staff. The manager has not personally verified references and employment history. Therefore

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

the manager has not fully satisfied herself that staff can meet the young people’s needs. A system is now in place which ensures that young people’s progress and experiences are being reviewed every three months. Targets set and activities young people have experienced are described in these meetings. Views of families and professionals are included to ensure a consistent and thorough approach to care. Young people have scrapbooks of photographs and laminated sheets displaying their targets. However, more work is to be done in involving and helping young people understand their targets, using visual imagery in a meaningful way. Set targets also tend to focus on practical support for young people to gain independent living skills and do not always include goals in relation to managing emotions, self-esteem and confidence. Staff, in practice, do encourage and empower young people by helping them to try a range of different experiences,

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

such as adrenalin activities, which in turn increase confidence. The arrangements to support young people when they leave the home are good. Since the previous inspection, one young person has left. Staff worked hard to prepare the young person for leaving, with social stories, celebrations and planning meetings. Staff are proactive in supporting the transition process to adult services for those young people approaching a move and ensure they receive independent advocacy when required. The manager and co-ordinator prioritise team meetings and training, which occur regularly. Training on autism has been delivered to staff which has served as a ‘refresher’ but has not provided staff with up to date research and strategies. The manager and clinical co-ordinator are now sourcing up to date research to distribute and discuss with staff and are looking to apply for membership of professional organisations to increase knowledge.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The use of restraint is infrequent and has reduced since the last inspection. Since the previous inspection, staff have used physical intervention approximately 15 times. A new system has been devised to ensure that details of physical intervention is recorded in line with Children Home Regulations and thus meets a requirement made. Such practice ensures that documentation contains necessary information to allow managers to analyse patterns and trends. Two members of staff have received communication training and new strategies have been implemented. As a result, some young people’s behaviour has improved by better communication. This improvement has been noted by a visiting health professional.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The service provides short-breaks care for up to two children each night. Children referred to this service live with their parents but have learning disabilities and challenging behaviours and may also have some on-going health care needs. The service is managed by an NHS Foundation Trust.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

11/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained 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

12: The protection of children standard: In order to meet the protection of children standard with particularly reference to completing clear written child protection procedures that staff fully understand and implement, the registered person must ensure that: (2)(e) the effectiveness of the home's child protection policies is monitored regularly 28/03/2016

p.5

Requirement Due date

13. The leadership and management standard: In order to meet the leadership and management standard with particular the registered person: (1)(a) enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children's home that- (a) helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; in particular decide upon the best method to help young people understand meaningful goals ((2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to- (h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home 28/03/2015

p.5

Requirement Due date

32: The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children's safety and ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2; in particular the manager of the home should also verify references (Regulation 32 (3)(d)) 15/03/2016

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.7

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.7

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.7

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.8

Information about this inspection

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

p.8

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.8

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.8