Children's home run by Wigan Council in Wigan

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Requires improvement at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The new registered manager responded quickly to the requirements and recommendations raised at the last full inspection. All risk assessments and placement plans have been reviewed and updated. These plans now clearly identify particular areas of risk to young people and the key services and strategies to reduce risk. Some young people were at risk of inflicting self-injury. In response, they have received specialist therapeutic intervention, supported by effective multi- agency planning. The Statement of Purpose has been updated and all staff are fully aware of the ethos and vision for the home. Medication systems have been reviewed and a new recording system, including the 24-hour time format is in place, to ensure there is now a clear recording and audit of all medicines.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have continued to make progress with the support of a committed and supportive staff team. All health needs are being met and young people continue to be encouraged to attend all routine health checks. Referrals to specialist teams such as CAMHS, is helping to promote and support their emotional well-being. When staff identify a risk to young people’s health, robust action is taken. For example, one young person started smoking and using alcohol. In response, key work sessions and education was provided, which diverted the young person away from this behaviour. As a result, young people benefit from good health.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Most young people are in full- time education or training and making good progress. Staff fully support young people with employment applications and two young people have gained apprenticeships with the local council. When barriers to education arise, staff act swiftly and work with young people and schools to help them overcome their difficulties. For example, arranging meetings to look at what are the difficulties to learning and if additional support is available, how this can be accessed. Staff follow clear plans that are regularly reviewed, to ensure young people’s education does not drift and they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Young people have recently received certificates at a care leaver’s event for; ‘superior achievement in excellence for academic achievement and overall progression.’ This shows the hard work and dedication of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two young people are being supported to move on from the home. They have been involved in the planning process and have visited the various options available to them, including semi- independent provision and independent housing. Staff have helped prepare them for this move, by undertaking sessions in budgeting, shopping, cooking, as well as developing their emotional resilience’s.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are protected by staff who demonstrate a good knowledge of safeguarding and are experienced in managing high risk behaviours, such as missing from home and child sexual exploitation (cse). When young people go missing from home, staff try to maintain contact with them, as well as actively looking for them. When there have been concerns that a young person it at risk of CSE, staff discuss this with the safeguarding professionals and work directly with young people to increase their level of understanding of the risks they put themselves at. This shows young people that staff genuinely care about their welfare and safety. This in turn helps promotes trusting relationships.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Safeguarding young people takes precedence. The registered manager and staff work effectively with partner agencies to protect young people. Regular meetings take place including looked after children’s reviews and other key meetings when required. The manager and staff work in accordance with the local children safeguarding board procedures and staff members are well trained and versed in these procedures.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Behaviour of young people is managed well. Staff members will use sanctions in response to poor behaviour from young people, equally staff offer rewards and encouragement for positive behaviour. This results in the young people understanding what is expected of them. There is evidence that behaviour overall has improved since the last inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is well organised. A stable management and staff team provide continuity of care, which is of a good standard. Staff are supported, supervised and accountable in their work with young people. Ongoing training opportunities help build the skills and working practices of staff, especially in safeguarding and behaviour management. This means young people are being better protected by well-informed and supervised staff who are charged with their care and protection.

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Information about this children's home

This home provides residential care for up to five young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. A local authority runs the home.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

19/03/2015 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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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. procedures set out in 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

regulates and inspects to 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

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Information about this inspection

Policy Team, 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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