Children's home run by Educare Adolescent Services Limited in Cannock Chase

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

The enthusiastic registered manager and staff team have continued to provide young people with child focused and personalised care, enabling them to make progress in several areas of their development.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have remained settled and have positive relationships with the dedicated staff- some of whom are new to the home. The home is comfortable and well maintained, but the kitchen and bathroom are now in need of refurbishment. The kitchen is a particularly important room in the house as it forms a centre where staff and young people can gather to eat and chat.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person has made significant progress with her college studies and is embarking on an independence plan. This is a big step for her, which the sensitive staff recognise. They provide her with reassurance and allow her to progress at her own pace. Another young person has shown improvement in his ability to manage his emotions and behaviour in the home. As the weather improves, he, in particular, will benefit significantly from the large garden where he can relax and play ball games with staff. He has maintained 98% school attendance with strong support from staff at the home and school. Both young people demonstrate warm and trusting relationships with staff. They have personalised their rooms and there are lots of nice photographs around the home of young people and staff enjoying fun activities. Staff and the registered manager listen to young people and address any concerns directly with them. Staff also offer young people the services of an

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager holds a level 5 qualification in leadership in Health and Social Care, children and young people services. She has been in post for the past five years. She has made significant progress in developing her own skills since the last inspection, and those of her team. She has ensured that improved managerial monitoring and review of records and work undertaken has resulted in the development of a cohesive team. This in turn provides young people with stability and consistent care. Staff speak very positively of the registered manager. Staff training and supervision are up to date and the team has benefitted from beginning to work with a new clinical team, which the company has recently introduced.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has delegated tasks to each team member, including responsibility for monthly updating and reviews of behaviour management plans, fire safety and house maintenance. This not only develops the team’s skills knowledge and confidence, but also frees her up to focus on more effective management tasks and planning. The registered manager addresses any complaints appropriately and efficiently by convening meetings and resolving issues quickly. Regular team meetings and young people meetings enable her to gather valuable feedback for the development of the service. The registered manager has successfully integrated new staff into the team. They demonstrate an understanding of and enthusiasm for the therapeutic ethos of the service.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been a number of incidents of one young person exhibiting challenging behaviour. Highly trained staff have, on occasion used physical intervention to manage this behaviour and to keep young people safe. However, this behaviour has been reducing in response to the consistent care and boundaries provided by the staff team. Staff have kept young people safe with high staffing ratios and by regularly updating risk assessments and behaviour management and support plans. Staff undertake targeted key work to help young people to understand how to keep themselves safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff and the registered manager work proactively with a wide range of agencies and professionals. One young person has been bullied at school, and the registered manager and staff have involved the school and the young person’s local authority in addressing this situation. They have also invited the school to attend consultations with the clinical team for one young person to discuss and plan his behaviour management. This is to ensure that both home and school are providing him with a consistent approach to his behaviour. Staff also work with healthcare professionals, social workers, therapists and the police in order to more effectively support and meet the needs of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager responded positively to the requirements from the last inspection. This has led to staff always offering young people medical treatment after physical interventions. In addition, staff have updated their child protection training and the statement of purpose is up to date, thereby providing local authorities with accurate information. The registered manager has a plan to develop the service and strives to drive up standards even further.

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Information about this children's home

This privately owned children’s home is registered to care for up to two children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties, aged 10-17years on admission.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

12/03/2015 CH - 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):  With reference to the refurbishment of the kitchen and bathroom, the registered person must ensure that the child's basic needs are met in a way that a good parent would, recognising that many children in residential care have experienced environments where there needs have not been consistently met- doing so is an important aspect of demonstrating that staff care for the child and value them as an individual. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15, paragraph 3.7)

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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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