Children's home run by Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited in Thanet

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

At the full inspection in July 2015, a new manager was taking appropriate action to meet the requirements and recommendations set from the previous inspection. His decision to withdraw his application to become registered with Ofsted caused minimal disruption as suitable interim arrangements were swiftly implemented by the area manager. A smooth transition and handover to a newly appointed manager is on-going and she has made her application to be registered with Ofsted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The new manager, with targeted support from the area manager, demonstrates a methodical and pragmatic approach to recognising and implementing necessary improvements. Three requirements and five recommendations were made at the previous inspection. A clear and measurable plan to implement these and embed positive changes demonstrates confident leadership.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Actions taken to meet requirements and recommendations with regards to the induction and supervision arrangements for all staff have a sharper focus which recognises the unique differences of individual job descriptions and roles. Consequently, a more meaningful and targeted approach to these critical areas is occurring. Senior managers are also reviewing staff performance procedures. This is strengthening the manager’s ability to take swift and decisive action to tackle performance concerns. Combined with her appreciation of the home’s recent chain of unsettling events, including different managers and a spate of challenging incidents from previously placed young people, the home feels calmer, with a clearer sense of direction. This is captured by a comment from a member of staff, ‘I feel really positive that our new manager is very clear about how and where we need to focus for the young people.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In response to the changes, the manager is currently reviewing the statement of purpose. Her proposed timeline for the completion of this key document is proportionate and recognises the value of fully engaging the young people and staff team with its completion. The home’s creative response to the recommendations about key working and targeted training provides improved safeguards for young people. In one example, a training session on a health topic was enhanced by involving a parent. This approach places individual young people’s needs at the centre of staff’s learning. Furthermore, such practice and consideration has impacted upon improved risk assessment guidance. As was recommended, these documents now provide clearer instructions for staff to follow to keep young people safe. The home’s links with the organisation’s separately registered school have also been creatively utilised. This has resulted in additional training to strengthen care staff’s understanding of the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

education system and how they can best support the young people, in line with good parenting. Although in its infancy, its impact is already positive. One member of staff commented, ‘it makes you realise that you need to understand the processes if you are going to act in the very best interests of young people.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A company-wide recruitment drive is ongoing. The new manager has actively engaged with this process; shortlisting candidates whom she believes have the skills and attributes to strengthen the current skill set of the team. To further complement this practice, her immediate priority is a drive to include young people in decisions made about the daily operation of the home. Young people are actively making changes, such as the décor and use of communal rooms. They described the new manager as, ‘good at asking what we think and want’ and one said ‘it’s really good to be listened to.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A culture of inclusion is being nurtured and this is evident when speaking with staff and young people. A collective renewed energy in recognising where improvements are required is resulting in a collaborative approach to achieve positive progress for young people.

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Information about this children's home

The home is owned by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

04/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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 that staff know, for every child in their care, what level of decision making has been delegated to them in relation to the child’s education. This is specific to the on-going training provision for care staff who act as key workers. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 27, paragraph 5.9)

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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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