Children's home run by Aspris 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 Improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, the home has introduced a quality standards review document. This is used to complement the current regulation 44 and 45 quality assurance processes. The document allows for the exploration of specific themes and consideration of how practice can be improved further. For example, the use of sanctions and rewards is being analysed to consider if they reduce negative behaviour.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Research into forming and sustaining healthy environments and cultures is being used to improve the homes care practices and culture. In-set days are used to look at individual and team practices through considering staff members strengths and areas for development. All staff members use supervision and team meetings to look at warning signs, indicators and behaviours of staff to ensure a safe and supportive culture exists within the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Induction programs for staff have been reviewed to ensure that whistleblowing and the challenging of practice is covered. This enables new staff to feel more able to question or challenge practices or behaviours that concern them. One new staff member was able to provide examples of when to whistle blow and how to raise concerns.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The format for team meetings has been improved; they have a rolling agenda item to discuss research in practice. Team meetings are themed to look at behaviours and consider strategies for addressing these. Managing challenging behaviour, going missing and building young people's self-esteem have been the focus of recent team meetings. Other topics in team meetings have included female genital mutilation, radicalisation, the Prevent agenda and safe use of the internet. This enables staff to be better informed and more aware of signs of risk.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The homes development plan, reviewed in January 2016, includes a refurbishment of the home and furnishings. This was in progress in the lounge at the time of the inspection with work beginning on the kitchen and laundry areas shortly. One young person stated that their bedroom is being redecorated and equipment is being provided to support their independency program.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Key working sessions have a greater focus on young people's independency skills and preparation for adulthood. Each young person’s progress is addressed within the homes development plan with specific aspirations for each young person clearly outlined. This ensures that all staff understand their responsibilities to prepare young people for adulthood.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s progress and outcomes since the previous inspection are consistently good. Placements are stable; there have been no children placed or moved during this period. One young person is awaiting a planned move home. Another young person is already in apprenticeship training and one is awaiting a more specialised training program to support the development of life skills.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people's health needs are well managed through the guidance and support they receive from staff. Staff promote and encourage good health care and help young people make healthier lifestyle choices. Smoking and alcohol use is discouraged and staff use opportunities to help young people partake in healthy sports and recreations. These include team games such as football, bowling and individual activities such a go karting and rock climbing.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Behaviour requiring physical intervention is uncommon and sanctions are used sparingly. Staff focus on helping young people understand the effects of their behaviour and how this impacts on others. Key working sessions are used effectively to help young people discuss their behaviour and reflect on how they can moderate negative behaviours. Young people feel engaged in this process; one young person commented, ‘staff always try to help you because they care about you and want you to do well’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager effectively monitors the quality of care along with an external visitor. This is a settled and stable home providing young people with a warm and nurturing environment. Staff and young people enjoy a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere, which is co-operative and helps shape young people positively. The manager and staff strive to improve and this is reflected in many of the significant improvements that have taken place since the last inspection.

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Information about this children's home

The home is privately owned and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 3 children with emotional and /or behavioural difficulties The home provides an on-site school registered with the Department for Education.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

12/03/2015 Interim Declined in effectiveness

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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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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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