Children's home run by Castle Homes Limited in North Northamptonshire

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

There have been two serious events notified to Ofsted since the previous inspection. Actions taken as a result of these incidents are appropriate. The senior leadership team demonstrate a good awareness of the regulatory requirement to inform Ofsted of such serious events.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Learning from serious events is now structured. Focused discussions take place in staff meetings and individual supervision sessions. Staff members feel this new approach is helpful in assessing professional practice and making improvements. It is too early to evaluate the full impact of this new reflective system.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people now have free movement within the home. Communal areas are no longer locked in the evening and overnight. This allows young people free access to all areas of their home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Action has now been taken to address an incomplete action point from the fire risk assessment. External fire doors have alternative locking mechanisms in place to aid a swift exit in an emergency. Risk assessment practice is improved. Young people’s individual risk management assessments have been reviewed; they contain up to date and relevant information for staff to refer to.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The majority of the staff team have completed training in radicalisation and self- harm. This ensures a consistent approach in responding to such incidents, although such events are rare within the current group of young people. There have been no complaints or use of restraint since the previous inspection. Missing episodes are managed suitably in line with procedures in place. Matters relating to the safety and well-being of young people are appropriately shared with placing social workers.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people speak positively about their home; they feel safe. Comments included ‘It’s like a massive family here. Staff always help you and we all try and help each other’; and ‘It’s been a positive couple of months for me. I feel like I can talk to my key worker or anyone here if I was feeling upset’. Experiences and progress for young people continue to be good. They are sensitively prepared for contact sessions with those important to them. For example, some young people have successfully spent time with family members after a considerable time apart. Access to Wi-Fi and computers means that young people maintain friendships with people locally and further afield.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Talents and interests are well-promoted. One young person took part in a drama production which peers and staff went to watch them in. Weekly singing lessons continue for some young people. Engagement in purposeful activities is high, these include shopping, cinema trips, and walks locally. Young people are active in their local community.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s personal health needs are identified and fully met. Strong partnership working exists with child and adolescent mental health services. Since the previous inspection, some young people have been formally assessed and commenced therapy. They feel this is helpful. Two young people have stopped smoking, this is beneficial to their physical well-being. Young people engage in healthy lifestyles. They frequently go swimming, to the gym, and horse riding.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Placing social workers comment positively on the impact the home has on the lives of young people placed. Comments included ‘I have experienced the staff to be co- operative and communicative with me and their being child focused in all areas’, and ‘[Child] has progressed in terms of the care plan, has gained insight in terms of behaviour and sexual and physical vulnerability. [Child] has stopped smoking and feels confident about what [child] can do.’ Work placements for trainee police officers continue. This builds positive relationships with the local police for both young people and staff members.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two young people have been placed in the home since the previous inspection. One young person remains, the other left after two weeks. Admission processes are stated within the statement of purpose. However, these procedures were not comprehensively followed for one of the admissions. For example, a referral form was not completed and an initial planning meeting did not take place. As a result, staff members had very limited information about the young person’s unique needs upon their arrival and during the short placement.

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Information about this children's home

This is a privately owned children's home, registered for six children and young people who have emotional or behavioural difficulties. A registered school is situated on site, which children and young people placed in the home are able to attend.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

12/02/2014 Interim Satisfactory progress

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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.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that the home is at all times conducted in a manner which is consistent with its statement of purpose. (Regulation 16(5)) 02/05/2016

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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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