Children's home run by Oracle Care Limited in Central Bedfordshire

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

The young person is making excellent progress in all aspects of her life. This is due to staff continuing to support her, having good firm boundaries in place, working effectively with other professionals and the good consultation with young people that brings about change in the home. The young person said, ‘I would not be where I am today without the support and encouragement I receive from staff. They are like family.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young person feels that their views, wishes, and feelings are sought on all aspects of their care. They also say that they can influence changes within the home, are included in the decision making and can influence how they are cared for. For example, young people used to be invited to the staff team meeting to discuss any issues or ideas they may have but, as they were at college or education and staff meetings were held in the day, they often missed them. One young person suggested having a breakfast club. Staff on duty and young people cook a full English breakfast and all staff attend. Young people can raise any concerns and discuss things they would like to change or explore ideas. Staff put across their thoughts on the issues and a consensus or agreement is reached. The young person said, ‘It works really well. I go through each thing and ask staff individually about their thoughts on the matter and this way we can discuss and

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

debate whatever it is. It also means that all staff and myself know what was agreed.’ They also say that the homes complaint system is accessible and that they have independent advocates. This means that they are able to confidently raise any concerns they may have, through a variety of ways. This means that listening and responding to the young person’s wishes, thoughts, and feelings is at the forefront of the good practice within this home; they see the outcome of their ideas and this process gives consistency of care.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young person is doing exceptionally well at college. She said, ‘I have one unit to complete on my business course and I have already enrolled on an apprenticeship hairdressing course. I am doing really well.’ She continued to say, ‘I have also got a part time job working as a waitress in a restaurant. Staff have really helped me with all of these things and I am steadily working towards my independence.’ As a result, the young person has ambitions for her future and is having the same opportunities as her peers. In addition to this, the young person has formed relationships within the community and staff welcome her friends into the home. A member of staff said, ‘This is so important because she really struggled to maintain friendships. This shows how far she has come.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young person health has improved because staff have ensured that she gets the right help. She is nervous of needles and dentists but because of the good liaison with her doctor and dentist she has received some calming medication to take before her admission to the dental hospital for treatment. A recent reaction to antibiotics has been explored with her doctor and her health plan clearly highlights this. Therapists attend the home on a weekly basis and young people discuss their vulnerabilities, fears, and issues with them as part of an on-going programme. The therapists attend staff meeting to discuss the progress, strategies and identified pieces of work with staff. This means that everyone is aware of the agreed strategies and they are fully up to date with the young person’s progress. But, at the last inspection the home was asked to ensure that their therapy and emotional health was clearly explored within their health plan. The manager said that this

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

was completed and the therapist showed the inspector the information she had supplied to the manager to incorporate within the plan. However, this could not be found on the day of inspection. This does not ensure that young people’s emotional health is suitably addressed, that young people can see the progress they have made, and that staff are fully aware of the agreed strategies. Therefore, the recommendation has been raised to a requirement.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All safeguarding issues are quickly responded to, reported to the appropriate persons and records are well maintained. The manager is proactive in following procedures, instigating strategy meetings and keeping young people and professionals updated on the processes. As a result, young people are fully safeguarded. The current young person has not been reported missing from home but a previous resident had a few reportable incidents. Several strategy meeting took place, as staff were concerned about his declining behaviours in school, at the home and whilst out in the local community. When he went missing the staff followed the local protocol for reporting him and they worked closely with the police in searching and trying to make contact with him. Return interviews are completed promptly to ensure that reasons are discussed as to why they are going missing. On the last episode of him being missing, he committed an offence in the

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

community and was placed in a secure setting. Although the young person will not be returning to the home the manager has been to visit him. She said, ‘It is important to continue to support him and to say goodbye properly.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young person generally behaves very well. Clear plans and risk assessments inform practice and care. They are individualised and address each young person’s vulnerability. They are reviewed on a monthly basis and discussed in depth at team meetings. There has been two occasions where the young person has been held for her safety. The home keeps clear records of these incidents and young people are given the chance to discuss and reflect upon them. The young person said, ‘I sometimes get upset and damage my own and the homes property. Staff put me in a caring hold and I can calm down. I recently found that throwing clothes around helps, so I take myself off to the laundry. I am working on expressing myself differently with my therapist and staff.’ The young person said that when sanctions are applied they are fair. She has also told staff to ensure that she fully pays for any damage as she loves her money and this will make her think more. In

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

contrast to this, staff fully celebrate any achievements and good behaviour. This has resulted in the young person receiving pampering treatments, meals out and additional monies. She said, ‘I went to a pop concert for my birthday, it was great and because I am doing so well, we are looking at going abroad in the summer.’ This shows that young people are learning and improving their behaviour because of the good systems in place at the home.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The quality of information held at the home is steadily improving because the manager has identified where improvements can be made. For example, she has devised consultation documents for young people, parents and social workers and stakeholders to capture their views on the care provided and any suggestions to improve or develop the home. All reviews take place regularly and young people are supported to attend. If they decline to attend they are supported to put their views, wishes and feelings in writing and key workers will represent them. All notifiable events are sent to the relevant parties quickly. These good practices ensure that young people have their voices heard and all parties are kept informed.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A stable, suitably qualified, trained, and supported staff team cares for young people. This means that young people receive care by a consistent staff team who know them well. An experienced manager leads them and she works hard to ensure that the home continues to improve and develop. As part of her monthly monitoring she has identified that the independent visitors report does not help her improve practice in the home. She has met with the visitor and discussed these areas. She said, ‘They have not really improved and remain basic. This does not help me develop.’ Therefore, she said this will be addressed at a more senior level.

p.4

Information about this children's home

This privately run children’s home can accommodate up to three young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

p.5

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

Recent inspection history

09/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

p.5

Recent inspection history

22/01/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

p.5

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.6

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the health and well-being standard the registered person must: (2) (a) (iv) understand and develop skills to promote the child's well-being. This is specifically in relation to ensuring that young people's emotional health is included in their health plan. 31/03/2016

p.6

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Any individual appointed to carry out visits to the home, as an independent person must make a rigorous assessment of the home's arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in the home's care. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 65, paragraph 15.5)

p.6

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