Amber House

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 .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has taken steps to meet the requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection. The last of these was completed on the day of the inspection. One young person successfully moved back to live with his family in accordance with his care plan. Since then two young people have moved into the home. There has been a recent spell of challenging behaviour and damage to the home which led to one young person moving out again. Supporting this young person has been the main focus of attention lately and impacted on the manager’s time to consider further improvements. This has limited the judgement to sustained effectiveness. The two girls currently living in the home both commented how much better things are now. They like the home, feel cared for and treated well by staff. The good care and commitment staff provide is reflected in their sensitivity to individual needs and the time they invest in looking after the girls. This gives them a positive

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

experience of trusting relationships with adults. Placing authorities are positive about the level of planning and partnership working in supporting young people moving in and out of the home. The manager is considering a new referral. Careful attention is given to ensure this is safe, appropriate and good match with the two girls. Good quality care helps the girl’s progress in various aspects of their lives and enjoy positive experiences. They both feel listened to and are confident any concerns they raise will be actively responded to. Education attendance is good and when new to the home, effective planning ensures continuity at school. The girls enjoy a range of activities including ice-skating, swimming, pamper sessions and they socialise at the local youth club. Staff are proactive at promoting their interests to try new things such as boxing and horse riding. Staff support helps the girls mature and develop their sense of identity.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Family contact is promoted and the staff are very welcoming of family members visiting the home. This is particularly important for young people who live a long way from their home area and enjoy such visits. The previous requirements are all met. Issues around young people’s alcohol and substance misuse have been addressed. In considering the latest referral, the manager has paid particular attention to potential issues around legal highs. He has already taken steps to minimise risks and ensure appropriate support services are in place. The manager completes regular monthly monitoring, supported by monthly checks completed by an independent visitor. The visitor’s monthly reports have improved by including a clear view on how well young people are safeguarded and their welfare promoted. Notification of significant events are now systematically sent to Ofsted. This gives the regulator appropriate oversight of issues that may impact on the safety of

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

young people. The location assessment of the home was updated on the day of inspection to include a new potential risk in the community. Risk management is good which keeps the two girls safe. In particular, there are effective individual strategies relating to missing from home and child sexual exploitation. These work well both in the short and long term. Steps to reduce risks are kept under frequent review and take account of progress and any changes in young people’s behaviour. Staff regularly discuss with young people how to keep themselves safe. As a result, young people engage in safer and more positive social and leisure activities. The individual risk assessments regarding young people missing from home could be improved by developing them into separate protocols. This would help highlight the specific procedures to be followed by staff, their roles and responsibilities for each young person.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff encourage positive behaviour and support young people to take responsibility for their actions. Physical intervention is rare. Most outbursts of aggression have been from one young person and directed at the fabric of the home and furniture. At the time of inspection, there had been recent incidents that had left a negative impact on providing a homely living environment. Repairs to the fabric of the building were already underway and the registered provider has extensive plans for improving the décor and appearance of the whole home. The manager promptly reviews behaviour management strategies, care plans and risk assessments. He maintains a good oversight of the experiences and progress of young people. He communicates well with social workers about risk, immediate aims and joint planning for the future. This ensures a care provision that is responsive to the needs and views of young people.

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Information about this children's home

This is a privately owned children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

26/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

The registered person must specify the procedures to be followed and the roles and responsibilities of staff when a child is missing from care or away from the home without permission and how staff should support the child on return to the home. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 45, paragraph 9.28)

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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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