Children's home run by Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council in Walsall

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Requires improvement 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

At the last inspection in August 2015, eight requirements were raised. Shortfalls were identified in relation to poor partnership working, insufficient staffing, ineffective induction programmes for staff and weak monitoring of the service. Young people’s progress was compromised because they were not encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, bullying behaviours remained unchallenged and risk assessments were not completed. Since this time, managers and staff have made significant improves to the service and taken suitable action to address previous concerns.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff now collaborate with allocated social workers and other professionals to promote young people’s safety and protect them from harm. When young people’s vulnerabilities place them at risk of sexual exploitation, staff liaise with specialist agencies to compile detailed risk assessments. These highlight young people’s needs and identify strategies to reduce these risks.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been a reduction in young people going missing from the home and other risk taking behaviours since the last inspection. Although there continues to be some occasions when young people’s actions, such as consuming alcohol, increases their risk of harm, staff work with other agencies to respond appropriately to these risk. The use of sanctions and physical restraint is rare. Unacceptable behaviours, such as bullying, are suitably challenged. Young people participate in one-to-one sessions. These encourage them to take responsibility for their behaviours and recognise the negative impact their actions have on others. This means that young people develop a growing sense of accountability. Managers now ensure they notify Ofsted of all significant events as required.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s statutory care plans and placement plans are reflective of their individual needs. Personalised care means that young people recognise their positive progress and engage with staff to consider how their lifestyles affects their development. For example, staff continually discourage young people from smoking and support them to engage with other agencies and assist them to break this unhealthy habit. As a result, young people are equipped with the knowledge and information they need to make informed choices as they move towards independence. Furthermore, staff now actively seek young people’s views, comments and opinions in relation to their care. This means that they influence the development of the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, the service has been granted a variation on the conditions of registration. The home is now able to accommodate up to two young people in a semi-independent flat located on site. The admission criteria to access this resource means that young people, on the brink of adulthood, are able to ‘practice’ living independently and gain the practical and emotional skills necessary for a successful transition. This demonstrates a continued capacity for improvement reflective of the young people’s needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Significant improvements have been made to managers monitoring systems. Internal service reviews highlight shortfalls and drive forward development targets to improve outcomes for young people. For example, the care manager has amended internal records to provide young people with a clear picture of their placement and progress. Streamlined records means that staff are now clear on what information they need to record and where this needs be recorded.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Internal staffing structures and rotas have been reviewed with specific reference to ensuring sufficient support for young people at night. The introduction of sleep-in staff means that young people benefit from a consistent approach to meeting their needs. They work with staff who understand their unique needs and vulnerabilities and are able to respond effectively to these. As a result, young people work with skilled and experienced staff and the service is no longer reliant on casual or transient staff. When new staff are employed in the home, induction programmes reflect young people’s needs. These ensure that staff gain the skills and knowledge they need to keep young people safe. This promotes young people’s welfare.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Admissions and discharges to and from the home are well planned. When young people are ready to leave the service, staff work with other professionals, education providers, social workers and families. These partnership arrangements means that young people experience a smooth transition from the home and are able to continue to access the service they need. As part of the admission process, young people are encouraged to visit the home and spend time with staff and other young people. This opportunity to familiarise themselves with the home enables young people to settle into their new environment.

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Information about this children's home

The home is owned and managed by a local authority. The home and provides care and accommodation for up to seven young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. This includes two placements within a semi-independent flat.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

05/08/2015 CH - Full Requires improvement

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Recent inspection history

17/03/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory progress

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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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