Old Rectory Cottage

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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people have made excellent progress since the last inspection. They have grown in confidence and have been able to take on new challenges. They continue to have positive relationships with the stable, experienced staff team who understand their individuality and speak about the young people with genuine pride.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Behaviour in the home is consistently good and young people spoken to say that they get on with each other and feel happy and safe. One young person commented, ‘I feel safe living here because boundaries are in place, I feel that they (staff) care’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people respond well to consistent boundaries, one young person commented ‘staff are good and fair, it’s stable here, things don’t change, boundaries are consistent so if I do something wrong it’s the same punishment.’ There have been 11 negative and 84 positive consequences since the last inspection. Staff spoken to understood the importance of reinforcing positive behaviours to build self-esteem and confidence. Staff celebrate achievements with young people in young people’s meetings and key work sessions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All three young people are looking at moving on in the near future. Staff have already begun to work with young people on individualised transition plans. One young person commented ‘I can talk to my key worker about moving; it’s scary.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff understand the importance of education and work closely with education providers. One young person’s school attendance is now 100%. The staff have worked closely with the school looking at targets, goals and support to enable this to happen. Staff were observed having positive interaction with a young person on his return from school and were interested in his day.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All staff have undertaken safeguarding and prevent (radicalisation) training and those spoken to were clear on how to report safeguarding concerns. There have been no incidents of young people going missing or physical interventions since the last inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are spoken to about keeping themselves safe on Facebook and using the internet during young people’s meetings and key work sessions. A young person commented, ‘my key work is always talking to me about using Facebook safely and only adding people I know.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are good clear individualised care plans which young people are encouraged to read comment and sign, these support staff when working with them. Comprehensive risk assessments are in place, which are reviewed and amended when necessary.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people are encouraged and supported with independence taking their age and ability into account. Two young people have completed their independence programme and staff say they are confident that they would do well living independently.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people know how to complain, there is information by the young people’s computer about how to complain and details of people they can contact. Information on internet safety is also displayed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Recruitment is robust and staff do not start working in the home without all checks being completed and verified.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff receive regular, good quality supervision where young people and care practice issues are discussed. Regular team meetings also take place to discuss young people, care practice and regulation 44 reports. Staff also meet with the homes therapist on a regular basis to ensure they all work consistently with the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people are consulted in a verify of ways regarding issues in the home which could affect them, views are obtained through key work sessions, questionnaires and young people’s meetings which the manager gives feedback on. Young people are in the process of choosing paint and furniture for the lounge.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Parents and social workers are also consulted regarding the care of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people are encouraged and supported to build and maintain positive friendships in the community. One young person commented ‘I’m off to catch the train to visit my friends; I can go twice a week.’ Another commented, ‘I’m going to see my friend later, I used to live with her and we have stayed friends, staff take me and pick me up.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff understand the importance of contact with family, all three young people have had increased contact over the past few months including over nights. These are supported by staff who have built positive relationships with parents and siblings. The staff understand the importance of advocating on behalf of young people. The manager has been able to challenge decisions made to ensure that the outcome for the young people is in their best interest.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a large well-kept garden. The home is decorated to a good standard and has a child-friendly, nurturing feel, there are photos of staff and young people displayed, young people have personalised their bedrooms and take a pride in their home.

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Information about this children's home

The service is run by a private organisation. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Young people living in the home can attend a school also run by the same provider and have access to in house therapeutic support.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

26/03/2015 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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