Children's home run by Unity Residential Care Services Limited in Newcastle-under-Lyme

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was last inspected in October 2016 and judged to be good. One requirement and one recommendation were made at the time. These related to promoting dignity for young people and ensuring staff received appropriate training.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Prior to inspection in October 2015, an isolated incident occurred where young people’s dignity was impacted. This has been robustly addressed and subsequent measures are in place to ensure this does not happen again. All staff are aware of the need to promote young people’s dignity at all times. Since the last inspection, there have been no further concerns in this regard. The manager has ensured that the recommendation has been similarly addressed. All staff receive ongoing training specific to the needs of young people. For example, staff have undertaken further training in young people’s emotional attachments. As a result, the staff team have improved their knowledge and skills in providing bespoke care to young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Excellent relationships between young people and staff result in mutual trust. As a result, young people are able to communicate their feelings to staff and develop strategies for understanding their emotions. Incidents of challenging behaviour are extremely rare and restraint has not been used at the home since the last inspection. Sanctions are equally rare; instead young people are praised and rewarded for positive behaviour. This supports young people in managing their emotions. Young people do not go missing or engage in risk-taking behaviours. Young people are safe and feel safe in the home.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make good progress. Regular reviews of young people’s needs ensure that appropriate care is provided at all times. Where risks are reducing, appropriate revision is made in placement plans. This ensures that young people are able to take age-appropriate risks in line with their age and understanding. For example, young people are now accessing the community with more independence. As a result, young people are developing a wider circle of friends and developing their social skills. This also has ensured that young people’s emotional resilience and confidence has improved.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is very well presented, appropriately furnished and clearly enjoyed by young people. Young people are able to relax in communal areas and engage in their hobbies and interests. For example, where young people are learning musical instruments, they are encouraged to practice freely in the home. This helps to reinforce a familial atmosphere. Where staff share similar musical interests, they spend time with young people supporting their musical development. For example, staff enjoy taking young people to see live bands and accessing local rehearsal facilities. This ensures that young people are engaging in the local and wider community. The homely atmosphere is further enhanced by a pet cat. Young people enjoy looking after the pet; this develops a sense of responsibility and emotional attachment.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team are ambitious for young people’s progress. Clear plans are being developed for post 16 options. As a result, young people have some certainty and security for their futures. Furthermore, they are also encouraged to achieve their potential so that college placements can be realised. Young people’s school attendance remains 100% and they actively engage in extra-curricular activities. This has led to widespread recognition. For example, a recent showcase event in the organisation featured young people playing in a band. This was a result of many weeks of practice to prepare for this event. Young people were extremely proud of their contribution and were awarded with accolades as a result. This further embeds young people’s sense of achievement and sense of self-worth.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are regularly consulted about their care. The staff team are responsive to young people’s emotions and ensure regular key work sessions take place. This ensures that young people’s voices are heard, recorded and acted upon. Young people influence the care that they receive. Monthly reports are produced and shared with young people. These enable young people to see the progress that they are making in the home. A young person commented, in relation to their progress that it ‘makes me feel proud to see how far I have come.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management of the home is good. Clear systems are in place to ensure that regular audits are made of all files. All staff are confident in their work and receive appropriate training. Since the last inspection, only half of the monthly independent visits have sought the views of young people. This has not, to date, led to a negative impact on young people’s outcomes.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has continued to make a positive difference to the lives of young people. This is underpinned by the delivery of effective and child-focused care. One recommendation to improve practice has been made as a result of this inspection.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to two children with emotional and / or behavioural difficulties. The home is owned and operated by a private provider.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

17/03/2015 CH - Interim Improved effectiveness

p.4

Recommendations

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

p.5

Recommendations

 Ensure that any individual appointed to carry out visits to the home as an independent person makes a rigorous and impartial assessment of the home’s arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children’ in the home’s care. This specifically relates to ensuring that all visits to the home seek the views of children and young people. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 65, paragraph 15.5)

p.5

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.6

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.6

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.6

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.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

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.7

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.7