Children's home run by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

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 declined in effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people maintain constructive relationships with staff, who know them well, spend time with them on a daily basis and are interested in all aspects of their daily lives. This provides young people with stability and a sense of belonging. All of the young people have made progress since their starting point in the home. In particular in education, reducing their risk taking behaviour and improving their health needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some young people have successfully passed exams and are experiencing work placements. Other young people who previously refused education or their attendance was low are in suitable education provision. Staff place a strong emphasis on education which supports young people and will benefit them when they move on from the home into adult life.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are experienced and skilled in managing young people’s behaviour, often because of their disruptive backgrounds or multiple placement moves; they challenge authority and test boundaries. Staff are consistent in their approach and have a positive impact on young people, enabling them to change their ways and behaviour. As a result, young people’s risk taking behaviours are significantly reduced. Work in partnership with other professionals and support agencies have contributed to the progress made by young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Where concerns are identified staff arrange multi-agency meetings that agree strategies to managed young people’s risk. There are no concerns with young people being missing from the home and young people are safe in the home. Regular consultation takes place with young people and they feel listened to and supported. They have access to specialist services who support their health, social and emotional needs. These arrangements contribute to their physical and psychological well-being.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no admissions since the last inspection and the current group of young people have lived in the home for some time. Compatibility assessments consider any likely risk of a new admission and the impact this may have on them or the current resident group. Transition out of the home is carefully planned, with young people, their placing social worker and family. This ensures the necessary support, such as, education, risk management and health is in place to support a young person’s next placement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The acting practice manager has made changes to practice and recording systems. The records developed by her demonstrate a thorough and detailed approach. There has been a focus on addressing shortfalls identified at the last full inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

As a result, five of the seven requirements and five recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. The two requirements that have not been met relate to the absence of a registered manager. The home has kept Ofsted informed of current management arrangements. There are clear systems for notifying appropriate authorities of a serious event. The statement of purpose document has been amended to accurately reflect the services the home provides and the staff who will provide these services. Monitoring arrangements have been strengthened. Internal and external reports which identify weaknesses are actioned. This contributes to the ongoing development and improvement of the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Training has been completed. This provides staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to specific needs of young people. Young people are regularly consulted and clear records show responses to any issues they raise. Staff who sleep in the home overnight are now provided with appropriate accommodation and facilities to do so. Arrangements are in place for the acting practice manager and staff to receive regular supervision. This supports their professional development. An independent organisation carries out return home interviews with young people who have been missing. There have been no missing episodes. This safeguards young people and provides valuable information of their whereabouts.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The requirements for the home to have a registered manager and for the premises used for the purposes of the home to meet the needs of each child have not been met. This is the main reason for the declined in effectiveness at this inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has not been effectively or efficiently managed by a permanent, suitably experienced and qualified registered manager. Whilst outcomes for young people are improving the fact that they have not had a permanent manager in post since 2015 is a breach. The home has had a vacant manager post for more than 26 weeks. The home’s internal environment is poor. Carpets are worn or stained and improvements are needed to the décor, where graffiti needs removing, and the front door, while secure is damaged and not welcoming. Whilst it is understood that there are plans to move to alternative better accommodation at this inspection the standards were poor.

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Information about this children's home

 The home is registered to accommodate five young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD)  The home is operated by a local authority

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

20/07/2015 CH - Full Requires improvement

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Recent inspection history

11/03/2015 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

The registered provider must appoint a person to manage the children’s home if (a) there is no registered manager in respect of the home; and (iii) is not, or does not intend to be, in day-to-day charge of the home (Regulation 27) 31/05/16

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Requirement Due date

6: The quality and purpose of care standard

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to— (i) meet the needs of each child. (Regulation 6 (2) (C) 31/05/16

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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

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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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