Setting 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 were five areas for improvement identified at the last full inspection in December 2015. In response, a more effective monitoring system has been introduced to ensure all staff complete the mandatory training and attend timely refreshers required of their respective roles. The staff team have also benefited from attachment training, specifically provided to enable them to better understand the theories that underpin their practice. Positive feedback was received from staff in respect to the frequency, range and quality of training provided by this company.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Fire safety procedures have been strengthened since the last inspection. An independent fire safety risk assessment has been undertaken and no shortfalls found. The manager now ensures that within 24 hours of a new admission or a new staff member starting work at this home, they are actively involved in a fire drill. Moreover, their understanding is followed up in individual sessions. This ensures that the group all know exactly what to do in the event of a real fire.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In general, the quality of recordings has improved since the last inspection. In particular, there is now clear documentary evidence of frequent and highly relevant key worker sessions and appropriate rewards to encourage positive behaviours and effort. Comments from young people include, ‘I enjoyed being taken out for a meal because I was so good in school all week’ and, ‘Staff took me to play pool after helping with the shopping.’ Significant progress includes one young person fully engaging in his annual medical with the specialist nurse for looked after children. Historically he has struggled with all health appointments.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Impact risk assessments prior to a new admission now include the views of young people already living at the home. One young person, for example, wanted and received reassurance that this new placement would not impact on his Christmas plans. He said, ‘I am very happy here and we had a great Christmas.’ A new admissions checklist has recently been developed to ensure that all tasks are completed and the required documentation is in place. However, the home have not produced a user friendly version of one young person’s placement plan so it is a meaningful document for him. Also, another placement plan has not been updated since the last inspection. Similarly, the children’s guide has not been produced in a range of formats to meet the specific needs of the young people accommodated. That said, there is evidence of staff discussing the document contents with young people in key worker sessions, so they know what services

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A requirement was made at the last inspection in respect to the six monthly internal quality of care review report. As this is not due until the end of March, this requirement has been repeated.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the internal and independent health and safety checks are undertaken at the required frequencies to ensure a safe environment. An ongoing programme of redecoration and refurbishment ensures that the home is maintained at a satisfactory standard throughout. Very recently the kitchen door has been replaced, a new carpet fitted in one young person’s bedroom and new flooring laid in the kitchen, hallway, stairs and office.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The two young people currently living in the home are happy and settled and enjoy positive relationships with the staff and each other. They continue to benefit from a range of constructive activities. Individual interests and talents are actively encouraged and supported which increases competencies and boosts self-esteem. Comments from young people include, ‘I am starting football and I have got a key to my bedroom so I feel safe at this home’, ‘I like fishing, cooking, gardening and snooker and I love my cue the staff bought me for my birthday’ and, ‘Since I moved to this home I have been bowling, played snooker, walked the dog, watched a rugby match and had a day out at the park. I like playing on my new scooter too.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One placement has recently disrupted because the young person repeatedly went missing back to his home town, so his safety could not be assured. Timely independent return interviews were undertaken on his safe return. These show that he was not unhappy at the home and said he liked all the staff, but felt that the home was located too far away from his family and friends. He wrote, ‘The food and activities on offer are good and staff listened and supported me.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been changes to the staff team since the last inspection including strengthening of the management team by the appointment of an experienced deputy. One young person is really pleased that a member of staff who he enjoys a particularly good relationship with has returned to work at this home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have a proven ability to re-establish family contact and ensure it remains a positive experience for all concerned. One young person was thrilled to spend his birthday with previously estranged extended family members. This serves to positively promote his background and heritage.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This team consistently and successfully ensure that all the young people receive the education that best meets their individual learning needs and interests, so they can reach their full potential. Attendance is excellent. This includes young people who were previously disengaged prior to moving into this home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff ensure the timely provision of specialist services to meet young people’s specific and more complex needs. A recent example is securing a speech and language therapist. However, none of the young people have a designated independent advocate and there is no evidence of this being challenged by the home.

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Information about this children's home

This is a private children’s home registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two young people at any given time who may be experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is part of a wider company that provides other registered children’s homes, outreach services and semi-independent accommodation. They also have a school registered with Ofsted where some of the children looked after attend.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

23/02/2015 CH - Interim improved 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

Ensure that the quality of care review report: includes the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff; details any actions necessary to improve the quality of care provided; and, a copy is forwarded to Ofsted within 28 days of the date on which it was completed. (Regulation 45(2) (c) and (5) (a) and (b)) 30/04/2016

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Requirement Due date

Keep under review and revise as necessary each child’s placement plan taking into account the child’s views, wishes and feelings (Regulation 18(7) and (8)(a)) 30/04/2016

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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

 Produce the children's guide in suitable formats to meet the specific needs of each child placed. (The Guide, page 24, paragraph 4.21)

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Recommendations

 Demonstrate that staff regularly remind young people of their right to access appropriate and independent advocacy arranged by their placing authority to gain advice, support and to seek redress concerning any matter relevant to their status as looked –after. (The Guide, page 23, paragraph 4:16 and 4:17)

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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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