Children's Home, Residential special school run by Kisimul Group Limited in Lincolnshire

This 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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This inspection

Children and young people continue to make excellent progress and enjoy positive experiences. A parent said: ‘When my son came here, so many aspects of his world were negative. Life for the whole family was so difficult. He was under stimulated and highly frustrated. Now however, he is in such a happy place. It is unbelievable what he has achieved. He has started speaking again and he does not stop smiling now.’ An independent reviewing officer said: ‘Having visited this home regularly over many years to review a number of children and young people, I have to say that the care is outstanding. The transformation I have seen in them is really positive, it is life changing for some.’ Children and young people are happy and continue to thrive.

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This inspection

For children and young people moving into the home, transitions continue to be extremely good. Because of thorough pre-placement assessments, and the compilation of detailed care plans, staff have a sound knowledge of children and young people’s complex needs, preferences and interests before they move in. Consistent routines, including participation in interesting and exciting activities, commence from day one of the placement. A young person who recently moved in said: ‘I like the bikes. I went to the castle and cathedral. I have been football training and I have had lots of fun.’ Careful planning, consistency, and positive experiences help ensure that children and young people settle. They quickly feel safe and secure.

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This inspection

Helping children and young people develop life skills and to become as independent as possible is a key feature of this service. Staff support them extremely well in this area. A parent said: ‘The other day I walked in and was so impressed with what I saw. All the young people were so relaxed and my son was buttering is own toast. He has developed so much more independence. I cannot believe how much he understands about the kitchen now.’ All children and young people have pathway targets in relation to life skills. Staff carefully monitor the progress of children and young people. They present children and young people with certificates and display photographs of their achievements. This boosts self- confidence and self-esteem. Comprehensive packages of multi-agency support continue to ensure that all needs are fully addressed. A parent commented: ‘The whole package of twenty-four hour care, education and therapy is excellent. My son has aromatherapy, reflexology,

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This inspection

music therapy, as well as input from the speech and language team and the occupational therapy team. Working on behaviours using therapy and sensitivity has resulted in his levels of frustration significantly reducing, which in turn has resulted in him making significant progress socially, educationally, emotionally and behaviourally.’

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This inspection

Although some young people have a history of running away from home or from their carers, there have been no instances of missing since they moved into this home. An independent reviewing officer said, ‘levels of supervision are high and risk assessments are so thorough that young people who were runners, no longer run.’ Consequently, children and young people are provided with a high level of protection in this area.

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This inspection

Records in relation to any significant incident, including any measures of control, are now held in each child or young person’s individual case file. Children’s and young people’s case records are now complete. Consequently, a requirement set at the last inspection in respect of this has been met.

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This inspection

Monitoring and quality assurance systems continue to be robust. They provide for regular consultation with children and young people through a variety of means that reflect their communication style, and regular consultation with parents and professionals. This feedback provides the basis for the home’s development plan and promotes improvement to this already outstanding service.

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Information about this children's home

This residential special school, which is registered as a children’s home, is one of three owned by a private company. It provides placements of various lengths for children and young people with severe learning difficulties, autism and challenging behaviour.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

17/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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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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