Children's Home run by Friends Therapeutic Community Trust in Cambridgeshire

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 Improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make progress because they are looked after by staff who know their vulnerabilities well and keep them safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some new young people have joined the home. The management team follow extremely rigorous admission procedures which include a five week assessment period. Young people learn about routines and start to engage in therapy. A young person from within the home acts as a link to help them settle. At the end of this period, both the young person and management make a decision as to whether will stay. The social worker for one new arrival said: ‘The admission process was a two way conversation. He knew what to expect.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A number of young people are returning to community life. A recent 10 year research programme identified that young people needed significant support to sustain the progress they have made in the home. As a result, the management team have committed to an exceptional 18 month outreach programme. This involves a dedicated transitions team that works purposefully alongside the young person six months before they are due to leave. They ensure that they have adequate life skills, workable plans for employment or education and access to community based support. As a result, young people feel more secure about their future.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

On occasion there are difficulties if a young person does not know where they will live. On such occasions, staff challenge the authorities assertively. An Independent Reviewing Officer said: ‘They are very very supportive. If he doesn’t have somewhere to live, planning can seem a bit abstract and he becomes so anxious.’ Young people know that staff are promoting their interests and this helps them approach the future more confidently.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have complex and challenging behaviours. Staff monitor risks through a rigorous and systematic process of reviews and staff meetings. When a young person has made progress, this is acknowledged in an open and transparent fashion in individual reviews. Young people know what they need to do to gain rewards.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the same time, both staff and managers are acutely aware of the need to protect all young people in the community. All staff are expected to remain vigilant about any incidents. They raise concerns through their staff meetings and then to the senior management team. No incident is ignored nor taken at face value. This serious and committed approach means that staff and managers are constantly alert and risks are addressed immediately.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff and managers show an exemplary attitude to working in partnership with both families of young people and professionals. Many of the young people are placed far from home so staff support regular contact and include families in transitional planning. The mother of one young person said: ‘They are planning him coming back to the community. We are getting family therapy which is very helpful.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In addition staff and managers have a positive and dynamic approach to further research where it might lead to improved services for young people. They are currently engaged in research to monitor the impact of music therapy on their self- awareness. This initiative includes young people, education staff and specialist music tutors. Young people benefit from this highly creative and integrated approach.

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Information about this children's home

The service is run by a charitable community trust and provides a therapeutic programme and treatment for up to 17 young men with emotional and behavioural difficulties and/or learning disabilities. The service caters for a specific range of needs and ages as detailed in the Statement of Purpose. There is a semi- independent bungalow on the premises. The wide range of facilities includes on- site education and vocational workshops to support accredited work-based learning courses. The community is now jointly registered with the CQC in view of the fact that they work with young people over the age of 18 years old.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

10/03/2015 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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