Children's home run by Inspire Children’s Services Limited in St. Helens

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

There is a suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager in charge of the home. He has managed the home for a number of years. He now has management responsibility for a further two homes in the organisation. A deputy manager works in this home, to support him.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection of the home in August 2015, there have been no changes to the group of young people living in the home. Both residents continue to make good progress. There have been significant improvements in educational attendance for one young person, who had not attended school for a long time prior to moving into the home. Staff have good relationships with young people’s schools. This close liaison ensures that young people receive the right support to make the most of their educational opportunities. This is a particular strength of the home. Young people’s placement plans clearly contribute to their long-term care plan and statutory reviews reflect the positive progress made by young people who live here. Social workers are positive about staff communication. For example, one commented, ‘Communication is excellent and staff work well in partnership with social care and all other agencies,’ and ‘I am always kept up-to-date, which is

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Although young people may not always appreciate the need for engagement with health services, there has also been some progress with regard to this. For example, one young person has successfully engaged with a smoking cessation programme and has managed to quit smoking. This has had a positive impact on his general health and well-being.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two requirements were made at the last full inspection of the home. The Registered Manager has taken action to address these issues. There has been a renewed vigour to ensure the regular review and update of risk assessments. Changes are brought to the attention of staff at regular staff meetings, so that they are aware of current issues. In addition, staff employed since the last inspection have supplied the appropriate evidence of their qualifications.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been some staffing changes over recent months with has resulted in some disruption to young people as they get to know new staff and feel confident in their care. This has resulted in some challenging behaviour as young people test out the new employees. However, young people’s behaviour management plans ensure that staff are aware of the most effective way to respond to these behaviours. Serious incidents are rare, as staff successfully de-escalate these situations. Only two physical interventions have been required since the last inspection. Young people also confirm to their social workers and in feedback requested by the home that they feel safe and secure here.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff recruitment is managed centrally. While applicants are interviewed and referees sought, insufficient exploration takes place into the reasons why individuals who have previously worked with children or vulnerable adults have left their previous employment. This does not comply with safer recruitment practice or give the necessary assurances about the suitability of individuals seeking employment in the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some weaknesses in management monitoring were also identified at this inspection. These included missing signatures on documents and managers being unable to locate staffing rotas, when requested to produce these by the inspector. These issues had not been identified by the home’s internal monitoring systems.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Consultation with stakeholders is used to aid in the development of the home. Social workers have no concerns about the home and one parent recently commented, ‘I am really happy with the care my son is receiving. He is doing brilliantly.’

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is one of a number of homes operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 CH - Interim sustained 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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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard: the registered person should use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home (Regulation 13(1)(h)) 25/03/2016

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that individuals who are employed at the children's home satisfy the specified requirements and that full and satisfactory information is available in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. Specifically that when a person has worked in a position involving work with children or vulnerable adults, verification so far as reasonably practicable of the reason why the employment ended. (Regulation 32(1)(2)(3)) 25/03/2016

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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

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Information about this inspection

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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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