Children's home run by Phoenix Child Care Limited in North Devon

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 home has improved effectiveness because since the previous full inspection on 21 January 2016, the registered manager has worked well to improve the management of young people’s behaviour and there has been a period of stability and calmness within the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two requirements made at the previous inspection related to the management of behaviour policies and records, and records kept about the outcomes of complaints. Records seen indicate that there have been no complaints since the previous inspection. Episodes of challenging or confrontational behaviour have been recorded, managed and reviewed well. The views of the young person and a comprehensive evaluation by the manager are included in these records.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has a very experienced and skilled registered manager who has been in position for a number of years. She uses her expertise to regularly monitor and review the young people’s progress and outcomes. Records are kept in an ordered fashion and are used to inform the independent visitors Regulation 44 report, and the manager herself has produced a detailed and informative Regulation 45 report.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the previous inspection the manager has focussed on building a core staff team that supports the young people. Established members staff are qualified and experienced and they routinely undertake refresher training; for example, physical intervention and safeguarding. As a result young people are supported by a confident and knowledgeable staff group. New staff are safely recruited and complete a robust induction period prior to working with the young people. A new member of staff reported ‘It’s really nice here, I love it’ and observation of this member of staff concluded they were very positive and engaging well with the young people. The registered manager recognises that when young people move into the home they require a period of quietness and calmness to settle. The staff and the manager use key worker sessions and house meetings to consult with the young people that are living in the home. In doing so they ensure new admissions disrupt

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

as little as possible. Meeting with the young people during the course of the inspection confirmed they are indeed consulted with, and so feel valued and respected. Overall the young people’s outcomes are good. Those young people that have lived in the home for a significant period are settled, attending school regularly and engaging in a number of hobbies and activities; for example, shopping, horse riding and music concerts. Records indicate that sanctions are rarely used, instead replaced by restorative actions and key worker sessions that are reflective. There is good evidence that young people’s challenging and confrontational behaviours are reducing. Observation of the young people during the course of the inspection evidenced their developing confidence and maturity. Similarly, observations of staff supporting the young people indicated trusting and warm relationships. The young people living in the home are supported to learn a range of

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

independent living skills for example, cooking, planning a budget, taking responsibility for managing their time. For those young people that leave the home transition plans are in place, that are instrumental in supporting all agencies and professionals working together. The manager is an excellent advocate for young people and demonstrates a confidence in challenging what is best for each individual. For example the manager challenged the local authority care plan of a young person and this has resulted in her now living independently in an area that she chose. Likewise for young people that move into the home, in order to ensure the safety of the placement, the manager is quick to ensure that all necessary documentation is in place. During the course of the inspection a young person was spending her first few days settling in. The manager supported this young person well, advocating and ensuring the views and wishes of this young person were heard

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

during the placement planning meeting. The young people live in a home that is well maintained and homely. It is a large property in a rural setting with an attached school. As a result the young people have a good amount of space to play and relax. The registered manager recognises the need for the home to feel like a home. There is a range of comfortable and relaxing furniture in large communal areas, providing the young people with an enjoyable place to meet their family and friends. A pair of resident cats provides the young people with opportunities to cuddle, pet and learn to take responsibility for caring for animals.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people. The home is operated by a private company that has several children's homes in the area.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

19/02/2015 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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