Children's home run by St Christopher’s Fellowship in Wandsworth

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 Sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been two discharges, one of which was unplanned, and three admissions to the home. Combined with the movement in staffing means that there have been a number of changes in this single occupancy home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager based in another provision continues to visit to support the staff. Additionally, there is a new day-to-day manager. Recently appointed, having worked for the registered provider for some years he brings the prospect of continuity for the team. Senior Managers intend for this home to have this named manager registered with Ofsted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The mangers for the home have met the regulations and recommendations made from the previous inspection. For example, changes to carpets throughout the interior re-establish a warm homely environment. In addition, a more robust approach to the referral and matching process better prepares staff and, helps them to be more confident about how to approach supporting the young person.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Incidents of missing have recently reduced to zero. Yet, prior to this, episodes had increased significantly; the majority relating to the specific activity of the last young person placed. Records evidence that staff follow local procedures appropriately and over time incidents had begun to reduce. However, practice fails to meet regulation because records do not evidence that staff ensure young people have a return to home interview.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff write assessments to help all to identify where likely risks and hazards are in relation to young people’s presenting and potential behaviours. Some of the assessments sampled during this inspection were not sufficiently robust in identifying the actions required to keep young people and staff safe. This is specifically in relation to shorter episodes of missing and the impact of lone working.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Complaints are well managed. The registered manager ensures that issues raised are thoroughly addressed including providing a response with the outcome to the complainant. This means that managers take incidents seriously and that they are willing to recognise what needs to change.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Previously known to some of the staff, the current young person has been in placement for a very short period of time. He continues to attend the same school, maintain face to face contact with a friend, and has started to attend an after school club. This means that he is settling well and responding positively to the structure and routine in place. A representative from the placing authority said: ‘My young person is settling into the home and is developing good relationships with the staff. I am impressed with the new manager.’ This means that the home has learned from challenges presented from other placements and, that they are now ready to evidence for the next inspection, the positive impact of care provided.

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Information about this children's home

A charitable organisation operates this home. It provides care and accommodation for one young person with emotional and or behavioural difficulties of either gender aged between 10 and 18 years.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 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

The registered person must implement as required— a policy (in this regulation referred to as "the missing child policy") setting out— (b) the procedures to be followed, and the roles and responsibilities of persons working at the children's home, in relation to a child who is, or has been, so absent. This is with particular reference to ensuring that young people who go missing have a return from missing interview conducted by an independent person. (Regulation 34 (4)(b)) 29/04/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s): Ensure staff continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them. With specific reference to risk assessments in relation to missing and lone working. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 42 paragraph 9.5)

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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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