Children's home run by Pathway Care Solutions Ltd in Nottingham

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 declined in effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has declined effectiveness because safeguarding practices are not always robust in keeping young people safe. As a result, the previous requirements have not been met fully.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A requirement made at the last inspection to ensure the homes day-to-day care safeguards young people is not met. Staff are not always proactive at addressing concerns in relation to child sexual exploitation from a young person’s employer. This has potentially exposed the young person to further harm. They have not adequately monitored a young person’s working patterns and consequently the young person has breached employment regulations for those under the official school leaving age.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Given a young person’s history of child sexual exploitation, substance misuse, low self-esteem and anger issues, a placing authority identified a number of actions for the carers to implement to help keep a young person safe. Although other agencies are addressing some of these issues, key work sessions have not been undertaken and consequently the young person continues to compromise her safety and wellbeing through risk-taking behaviours.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is an unmet requirement for ensuring the statement of purpose accurately reflects the homes ethos and practices. Although the manager has corrected the previous deficit, the new document now reflects a further inaccuracy about its registration details. This is misleading information to its stakeholders.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager undertakes regular monitoring of the home looking at the quality of care to young people. The independent visitor’s report complements this process and assists the manager to highlight any additional issues. However, the report does not meet the regulations in that they do not provide their opinion on whether young people are adequately safeguarded as a result of the care provided.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home’s physical environment has declined since the last inspection. Some parts of the home are not providing young people with a warm, homely and welcoming environment. This is partly a result of some young people’s aggression leading to damage to the fabric of the home. The bare appearance of the main living room is likely to deter young people from feeling valued.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and staff have developed good working relationships with young people at the home. They work hard to engage challenging young people and focus on providing them with stability and consistency in care. One professional commented, ‘The thing that impresses me is that they understand him and really like him. This is the most settled I have seen him.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people like living at the home. They take part in a variety of activities, which include swimming, ice skating, karate and horse riding. A placing social worker states, staff have really promoted her attending extra-curricular activities. This has been very good for her self-esteem.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Mixed outcomes are noted in relation to young people’s educational progress. Some make significant progress in their education and attainment. One young person has achieved 100% attendance at school and is functioning at above average ability. The staff have supported this young person to take significant steps towards becoming independent since admission to secondary school and this now includes significant independent travel. They advocate strongly on young people’s behalf making sure they are afforded with opportunities to flourish. The individual behaviours of some young people restrict and limit the progress they make. In spite of this, staff continue to work closely with education provisions and consistently support young people to access education. Teaching staff say, ‘Staff are very good and supportive. We phone regularly and they keep in touch as things can change on a daily basis.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff act consistently by ringing young people’s known contacts to locate them if they are missing. They share information with professionals and safeguarding agencies and keep parents informed. They work closely with parents and key people to reduce the missing from care incidents and minimise the impact on young people. Independent return home interviews take place following missing from care episodes. This enables any unknown information to be collated and analysed helping to prevent further incidents of missing.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management ensure a swift response to any complaints and allegations. This has led to the timely dismissal of some staff that may pose a risk to young people. The robust probationary period allows new staff to access support and swiftly commence the route towards becoming qualified. They undergo relevant training helping to ensure they are equipped with a good understanding of the complexities involved with caring for challenging young people.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and staff have regular access to support and supervision from a skilled and competent person. This addresses the previous requirement relating to the manager access to supervision. A requirement relating to the safe storage of medicines is also met. This means all medicines are safely stored in a locked cabinet preventing easy access.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has demonstrated the homes capacity to improve through creating an admissions and matching form. This aims to help the manager address any potential conflict from the onset when identifying new admissions to the home.

p.4

Information about this children's home

The children’s home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is run and managed by a private provider.

p.5

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

Recent inspection history

26/02/2015 Interim improved effectiveness

p.5

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.

p.6

Requirement Due date

10: The health and well-being standard (2) In order to meet the standard with particular reference to the children’s hours of employment, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure – (a) that staff help each child to – (ii) understand the child’s health and well-being needs and the options that are available in relation to the child’s health and well-being, in a way that is appropriate to the child’s age and understanding 31/03/2016

p.6

Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard (2) in order to meet the protection of children standard, with particular reference to responding to CSE concerns and undertaking key work sessions, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure – (a) that staff – (ii) help each child understand how to keep safe (b) that the homes day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. 31/03/2016

p.6

Requirement Due date

13: The leadership and management standard (2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to – (a) lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach ad ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the homes statement of purpose; (This is with particular reference to the approved numbers of beds at the home) 31/03/2016

p.6

Requirement Due date

The independent person must produce a report about a visit (‘the independent person’s report’) which sets out, in particular, the independent person’s opinion as to whether – children are effectively safeguarded; and the conduct of the home promotes children’s wellbeing (Regulation 44 (4)(a)(b)) 30/04/2016

p.6

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Staff should provide a nurturing environment that is welcoming, supportive and provides appropriate boundaries in relation to their behaviour. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15, paragraph 3.7) In particular, that the rooms is furnished appropriately with curtains that actually fit the windows and soft furnishings.

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

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 .

p.8

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,

p.9

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.9

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.9

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

p.9