Children's home run by Roseberry Specialist Care Centres Ltd in Sunderland

Good

The children's home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people are only admitted to the home on the basis of thorough pre- admission planning. This promotes a smooth transition for young people to and from the home.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people receive care and support that is tailored to their needs. This is because staff establish trust and meaningful relationships with young people.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 All young people make good progress and some young people’s academic performance improves. This increases young people’s life chances in adulthood.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Staff are good at helping young people learn to regulate their behaviour. As a result young people’s social skills improve.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people are safe and staff recruitment procedures are robust. This promotes young people’s safety and wellbeing.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Staff are well supported by the registered manager who is providing good leadership and management. As a result there is stable staff team who work well together and in young people’s best interests.

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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

The registered person must compile in relation to the children’s home a statement (‘the statement of purpose’) which covers the matters listed in Schedule 1. A description of the home’s policy and approach to consulting children about the quality of their care. In particular, make clear how the views, wishes and feelings of children with communication difficulties are understood. (Regulation 16 (1)) 30/3/2016

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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

Ensure staff know the importance of understanding who we are and where we come from is recognised in good social work practice, for example through undertaking life story work or other direct work. Staff in children’s homes should play a full role in work of this kind. In particular ensure the homes plans about how to care for young people are written in a way that promotes their accessibility and reflects their individuality (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 16 paragraph 3.14 )

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Recommendations

Ensure staff understand factors that affect children’s motivation to behave in a socially acceptable way. Staff should encourage an enthusiasm for positive behaviour through the use of positive behaviour strategies in line with the child’s relevant plans. In particular ensure every young person has a support plan that makes clear to staff how to help young people manage their behaviour (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 39 paragraph 8.13 )

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Recommendations

Ensure staff continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them. Where there are safeguarding concerns for a child, their placement plan, agreed between the home and their placing authority, must include details of the steps the home will take to manage any assessed risks on a day to day basis. In particular that the means by which the effectiveness of risk assessment is evaluated is clear in agreement with the child’s placing authority (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 42 paragraph 9.5 )

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Recommendations

The registered person should undertake a review that focuses on the quality of the care provided by the home, the experiences of children living there and the impact the care is having on outcomes and improvements for the children. Reviews should be underpinned by the Quality Standards as described in regulations 5 to 14. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 64 paragraph 15.2 )

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Information about this children's home

The home may only provide care and accommodation for up to 6 children with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. The home is owned and run by an independent provider.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

23/07/2015 Interim Improved Effectiveness

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good

Staff are available and supportive and make meaningful relationships with young people and their parents. This builds trust and confidence and shows staff are genuinely interested in young people’s welfare. One parent said, ‘I would not hesitate to approach the staff about anything. I think my son is happy and staff are helping him with his behaviour.’ Another said, ‘Staff will phone you even if they only have a little worry. They worry as much as I do.’

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good

Staff are knowledgeable about young people’s communication needs and they use this to promote independence and choice. This enables young people to exercise due influence over their lives aiding their overall development. Staff said about their work with a young person, ‘We use symbols and he has good understanding.’ Young people are confident and at ease about expressing their feelings and worries to staff. They learn that staff can help and support them increasing the likelihood of their asking for help when they need it. This develops their communication and relationship skills.

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good

Young people, their parents and social workers are provided with information in varying formats about how to raise a concern or complaint. Staff ensure young people understand their right to complain within other settings, such as school, which enables them to feel confident to tell someone if they are unhappy. This promotes equality and empowers young people.

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good

Most young people’s school attendance is good. This aids young people’s social and cognitive development. Staff support young people who choose to complete additional school work that results in improved academic achievement. This improves future outcomes for young people. About one young person’s progress a social worker said, ‘The staff do worksheets with him. His grades have gone up a couple of levels.’

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good

For young people whose complex physical health needs affect their ability to attend school, staff and parents work closely together because system are in place ensuring effective communication. This joint approach helps maximise opportunities for school attendance when young people are physically well.

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good

Young people enjoy taking part in a range of activities reflecting their individual interests. This builds young people’s self-esteem and promotes feelings of belonging. A young person said, ‘I went on a residential with staff and met another kid it was great.’ A member of staff said,’ The young person had never been on a train, so we went on train to a museum, he did really well.’ A parent said, ‘They take my child out for drives, walks, and he has been to the beach, he’s never under any pressure to get out of the car if he doesn’t want to.’

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good

A sensory room is now in place which is proving to be a popular space that young can use when they wish. Providing a safe and stimulating environment can aid young people’s development and promote a sense of wellbeing. The homes gardens are well presented and young people have enjoyed tending their allotment producing home grown vegetables over recent months. This improves young people’s physical and emotional health. About a young person a health professional said, ‘Last summer he was really involved in putting the garden right and it was lovely to see that. They grew vegetables.’

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good

Young people’s individual self-care and independent living skills are promoted and rewarded. This approach helps engage and motivate young people helping prepare them for adulthood. About her child’s improved abilities a parent said, ‘Now he puts his pots in the sink and his rubbish in the bin; sounds like little things but I’ve been trying to get him to do that for two years. I am hard person to please and after six months they are still doing well.’

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good

Young people are only admitted to the home if their needs are fully understood and can be met. This is achieved by staff carrying out a thorough pre-admission assessment. This significantly improves the likelihood of a successful placement for young people. About her child’s admission a parent said, ‘I was able to meet all the professionals involved and staff from the home. I came for a look around twice and I brought my child. They gave me all the information, a copy of the Ofsted report and complaints procedures. I wouldn’t hesitate to approach them about anything.’

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good

The views and needs of existing young people and the impact of a new young person being admitted are also carefully considered. Consulting young people already living at the home promotes a successful transition. A young person said, ‘They told me when a kid was coming I met him and I like him. He’s really giggly.’

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good

Young people make significant progress in their emotional and physical wellbeing taking into account their starting points. This is because staff remain calm and consistent helping allay young people’s anxious feelings. Young people are also provided with high levels of structure and supervision. This aids their emotional development by establishing feelings of safety and security. About the progress of a young person staff said, ‘He is good if he gets angry he takes himself away normally to the gate and sits, we keep him in eye sight and then he comes back.’

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good

Staff provide good support for young people who have arrangements in place to see their families. Staff understand that these arrangements need to be in the best interests of young people and they know when and how to pass on any concerns. A social worker said, ‘The young person’s contact arrangements are more structured. They are more settled. I asked staff to do visual chart for him so he can see when the visits are.’

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good

Young people are safe and their behaviour shows that they feel safely cared for. This creates a relaxed atmosphere in which young people learn to reflect increasing the likelihood of their being able to share distressed feelings. For example, some young people have increased confidence about expressing unhappy experiences because they know staff will address their concerns.

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good

Young people’s abilities to manage difficult feelings improve because staff help them recognise they have choices about how to respond. This builds young people’s capacity to think things through and to regulate their feelings. As a result staff rarely need to physically intervene and only do so when absolutely necessary. This reduces young people’s impulsive behaviour. About a young person’s progress a social worker said, ’There has been a massive improvement in his behaviour, he is no longer so angry towards others.’ A senior member of staff said, ‘We have charted the young person’s progress and this shows we know what we are doing is working.’

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good

While the majority of risk management plans for young people are sound this is not so for everyone. As it is unclear how these assessments are effectively evaluated. This means opportunities to improve risk management are overlooked. What staff do in practice to manage some young people’s behaviour is not reflected in the form of support plans. This oversight leaves room for inconstant care practice.

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good

Young people are cared for by staff who undergo rigorous recruitment checks. Scrutiny of staff recruitment files shows the registered manager carefully verifies candidates references by obtaining additional information aimed at further establishing suitability. A Proforma is also in place that makes clear the reasons for any gaps in employment. This promotes the safety and wellbeing of young people.

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good

Young people receive specialist help and staff act on the advice and guidance provided through effective partnership working. This joined up approach maximises opportunities to improve outcomes for young people. About the progress of a young person a health professional said, ‘He had some self-harming behaviours but these were not long lasting. He definitely has improved his coping strategies.’ The registered manager recognises when a young person is at significant risk and what to do so that the local authority is aware of any safeguarding concerns. The outcome of this results in effective working together between the registered manager, young people’s parents, social workers and school staff to address issues of bullying. Where matters are not brought to a satisfactory conclusion further action aimed at so doing is robustly maintained aimed at resolving the concerns.

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good

Young people do not go missing. In this unlikely event staff know what to do and have established links with the police who visit the home from time to time. This is aimed at maintaining relationships with staff and young people and aiding increased understanding about police responsibilities to keep young people safe. A police officer said, ‘I have no issues with the home they seem to have everything under control, they haven’t needed to call on the police for anything. I think they would get in touch if they needed to’. There are also established links with the local authority designated officer. This means senior staff know who to go to for advice and guidance to safeguard young people if and when necessary.

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good

Young people live in a clean, warm, comfortable home in which they can personalise their bedrooms. The home employs a maintenance person who attends to any repairs as they arise and keeps the building in good order. Young people feel they have sense of ownership and belonging as their needs and views about the fabric of the home are taken into account.

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good

The registered manager is a suitably qualified and experienced individual who has been in post since July 2015. This means there is stability and good oversight available to staff who are confident that this person is accessible and affords them good support.

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good

In an Ofsted survey a member of staff said, ‘I feel very confident knowing I have senior staff to turn to whether it is day or night.’ And, ‘The management at the home will sit and listen and act where necessary on any concerns and views about the home and we have regular team and children's meetings to help.’ A parent said,’ The communication is very much improved with the current manager.’ And, ‘The good thing is the manager has been able to keep the staff on board.’

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good

A stable staff team who receive regular supervision and relevant training promotes young people’s wellbeing and enables them to make good progress. As a result young people’s physical and emotional health improves. A health professional said, ‘I definitely feel he is getting consistent care and that’s reflected in his behaviour management plan.’ About another young person a member of staff said, ‘He had to wait 45 minutes for an appointment and he did, before that would have been too much for him.’

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good

Independent visits take place on a monthly basis and the arising reports play an effective part within the homes monitoring systems. The registered manager fully addresses any recommendations made within reports. This responses to independent scrutiny of the care provided to young people promotes continuous improvement. About independent visits a senior member of staff said, ‘They look at different aspects about the home, they spend time with young people and they visit unannounced, they speak with different staff and parents and they offer advice.’

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good

Reports completed by the registered manager do not sufficiently demonstrate how the care provided positively improves young people’s lives. Less than rigorous reflection within this area means opportunities to build on and sustain good practice are compromised. The registered manager notifies any concerns to Ofsted in line with regulatory requirements. This provides an opportunity to ensure that all appropriate action is taken in the best interests of young people.

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good

Staff make a meaningful contribution to reviews of young people. This includes the provision of additional statistical information about young people’s complex health needs. This promotes shared understanding and joint working by parents and professionals aimed at improving young people’s physical wellbeing.

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good

The registered manager and staff establish and maintain good relationships with parents. This is because they recognise how crucial this is in stabilising young people’s placements. Young people see staff as invested in engaging with their parents because they address concerns helping allay worries and promoting harmonious relationships.

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good

Staff ensure important information about young people is passed between them at the beginning and end of their working day. Young people learn that staff understand their needs and routines and provide them with the supervision and structure helping reduce anxieties at times of change.

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good

Some young people’s care plans do not reflect their individuality as their needs are confined within a generic template. This type of care planning does not promote holistic care practice as the sense of child’s unique voice is absent. What staff actually do in practise to consult young people including those with communication difficulties about their care is not fully represented within the homes statement of purpose. While this does not directly impact young people; it does mean that parents, social workers and others are not fully informed about an important aspect of care practice.

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What the inspection judgements mean

The experiences and progress of children and young people are at the centre of the inspection. Inspectors will use their professional judgement to determine the weight and significance of their findings in this respect. The judgements included in the report are made against Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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What the inspection judgements mean

An outstanding children's home provides highly effective services that contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help and protection and care. Their progress exceeds expectations and is sustained over time. A good children's home provides effective services that help, protect and care for children and young people and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. In a children's home that requires improvement , there are no widespread or serious failures that create or leave children being harmed or at risk of harm. The welfare of looked after children is safeguarded and promoted. Minimum requirements are in place, however, the children's home is not yet delivering good protection, help and care for children and young people. A children's home that is inadequate is providing services where there are widespread or serious failures that create or leave children and young people being

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What the inspection judgements mean

harmed or at risk of harm or result in children looked after not having their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

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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 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

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Information about this inspection

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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