Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Birmingham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding 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

Young people continue to receive a high level of care and are well supported throughout their time at the home. One young person has left the home and another admitted since the last inspection. Moves have been positive and the newest young person has a placement plan that links well to the Looked After Children documentation in place from the time they moved in. They attended their last review, having an input in the discussions relating to their future arrangements. They stated that ‘I think that the home is really homely and the staff look after me OK. I was involved with my review and it’s good to know that there is a plan there and I will be staying here a while before going into semi- independence.’ All young people have made significant developments with their education since moving into the home. They attend placements on a regular basis, with one moving to a mainstream school for the first time in a considerable period. Their

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

social worker highlighted this achievement as having a, ‘massive improvement on all aspects of their life, they couldn’t be happier … we are all really proud of her.’ Young people have enjoyed trying new experiences, including going to the cinema, trying out wrestling, becoming involved with social media and increasing their ability to be independent Contact arrangements form part of the young people’s admission procedures and develop as their experiences of contact with their family’s changes. Their views regarding contact are central to the way that they are organised, increasing the level of support that they receive from the staff when necessary. Monitoring systems within the home are strong. The six monthly reviews summarise the development of the young people and the level of care given. Action points from these move the level of care forwards further. Monthly independent reviews of the home give a good assessment of the home and include

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

discussions with staff, young people and professionals involved with the home. Action points from these visits are responded to swiftly and also raise the level of care provided. Young people feel safe at the home and strong systems are in place should staff raise concerns relating to child protection. Programmes are completed, raising their awareness of areas including bullying and domestic violence, increasing their ability to find support in such circumstances. Behaviour management systems have developed since the last inspection, with an increased priority put on rewards, including an ‘instant reward’ lucky dip. Staff continue to write in a ‘positives book’, highlighting to young people areas that they have done well in or relating to pleasant discussions. This increases their self-esteem and confidence. Sanctions are rarely used and there have been no incidents of restraint, although staff’s training is regularly updated. Young people know how to make complaints, but

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

none have been made. No young people have been missing since the last inspection and no notifications of significant events have been necessary. The manager and staff team work well with a range of professionals to develop positive outcomes for the young people. A social worker stated that the home consistently updates them on their young person’s development. A parent stated that, ‘The home always lets me know what is going on and I feel like we are working together.’ Records of communications show effective arrangements in place with health and education organisations. Although no requirements or recommendations were made at the last inspection, the staff team continue to develop the service. A cinema area has been created, with young people planning a popcorn machine. A new shelf has been built in the kitchen, with a range of books pertinent to the young people’s interests. Young people have developed their own chores rota and a vegetable plot is planned for

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Information about this children's home

The home is part of a large private organisation. It offers care up to three children primarily with emotional and behavioural difficulties within an age range from 8 to 18.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

19/02/2015 CH - Interim Improved effectiveness

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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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