Children's home in Birmingham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A judgement of Good occurred 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

One requirement resulted from the full inspection. The home has met this successfully. There is one recommendation resulting from this inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A risk assessment of the local community is complete. This gives clear guidance for staff and young people regarding the dangers posed in the local area. This assists in improving the safety of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A workforce development plan and a clear vision for staff development is lacking. Morale in the home is high but clarity is required on plans to develop the permanent staff team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

An administrative error by the disclosure and baring service has delayed the registration of the interim manager. A further application for a criminal records check is in process and the interim manager has been proactive in seeking updates. She plans to complete her level 5 management qualification in July 2016. The quality of care offered to young people is not affected. She continues to lead a team of motivated and committed permanent staff members.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has undergone a period of stability since the full inspection. The regulator has not received any notifications of serious incident and behaviour in the home remains good. Only one young person and one staff member have left the home. This has helped support close and positive relationships.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff report a positive atmosphere in the home. One comments, ‘This house is like a big family where we all do our best for the young people.’ Young people respond well and outcomes remain positive. Staff recently supported one young person in advocating for a change of care plan. He remains settled, in a placement closer to his family home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is an aspirational culture within the home. All of the young people remain engaged in education. The community service programme continues to develop. Presently they are raising money for guide dogs and a local child with cerebral palsy. This offers new and constructive experiences and assists in challenging stereotypes in the local community.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from creative and specialist support. Clinical supervision guides staff in implementing new and inventive techniques. The introduction of a, ‘positivity tree’ and effective life story work recently supported effective key work sessions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Feedback from parents and professionals remains positive. One parent comments, ‘The level of care they have shown my son in unbelievable.’ These positive relationships and effective support of family contact help support consistency and communication between all parties.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff proactively advocate for young people. Recently, five staff members attended court to support a bail application. This extraordinary level of support assisted the court in granting bail and avoided custody.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Safeguarding remains strong. Despite young people undergoing recent difficulties posed by factors outside of the home, there has only been one missing incident since July 2015. This is due to excellent staff support. One police officer comments, ‘The home is a beacon of good practice and an example to all.’

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Information about this children's home

 A private company owns this home. It sets out to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people with behavioural and/or emotional difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

17/02/2015 Interim Sustained Effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

31/01/2014 Interim Satisfactory Progress

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 Ensure there is a workforce plan which can fulfil the work force related requirements of regulation 16, schedule 1 (paragraphs19 and 20.) The plan must detail the processes and agreed timescales for staff to achieve induction, probation and any core training (such as safeguarding, health and safety and mandatory qualifications.)

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Recommendations

The plan should include any new training and qualifications completed by staff while working at the home, and used to record the ongoing training and continuing professional development needs of staff – including the home's manager. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 53, paragraph 10.8) 

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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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