Setting SC457776

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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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The registered manager responded quickly to the four requirements made at the last full inspection. The statement of purpose for the home has been updated and forwarding to Ofsted. The registered manager has reviewed the location risk assessment, incorporating the views of key partner agencies. Staffing has been stabilised, with staff not being moved as much between different homes to provide cover. The registered manager has ensured the impact assessment for new young people coming to the home has sufficient information to be able to demonstrate that they can meet their needs.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Young people make good progress and they are happy, settled and content. Young people enjoy living here, and their self-esteem and confidence improves because of this. One young person said: ‘This is a magical place and the staff are amazing, I would give it 5 out of 5’. The relationships between young people are good, marked with fun, mutual respect and understanding. A young person said: ‘I have made friends, the other young people here I have become attached to and have good relationships’. Consequently, positive relationships, with staff and other young people, provide a solid base from which young people make good progress.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Young people make good progress educationally. They all attend either school or college and have good attendance. One young person, to her credit, has 100% attendance on her BTEC college course. For some young people who struggle to attend school regularly they receive support from the staff, who work in conjunction with education staff to promote and improve attendance. Staff members will also utilise individual sessions with young people to provide additional learning support. As a result young people know the staff care and will prioritise their education as this improves their overall life chances.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

This has been a reasonably settled home since the last inspection. There have been two incidents of physical intervention. Both incidents relate to young people being aggressive towards staff members and interventions were required to keep them and others safe. All appropriate procedures were followed during, and post, these incidents. Sanctions for negative behaviour are rare as behaviour is managed through incentives, negotiation and compromise. The registered manager and staff have instilled clear routines and expectations of what is acceptable behaviour, as a good parent would. As a result, young people respect staff members and others; this will prepare them well for the future.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Staff respond quickly and effectively when young people leave the home unauthorised. Staff are well aware of the risks to young people if they go missing, and are vigilant and watchful. Such incidents are rare, but for example, on one occasion staff followed a young person and tried to persuade her to return. They did not leave the young person’s side, whilst at the same time calling police. Eventually the young person turned around and returned to the home. Consequently, because of this determined and good practice from staff, young people are deterred from attempting to leave without authorisation; this keeps young people safe. A social worker stated of a young person: ‘Prior to being placed at the setting he had absconded on a nearly daily basis, placing himself at serious risk, since being placed, he has never absconded; they have been able to keep him safe at all times’.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Young people are safeguarded and their needs met through the registered manager and staff working well with health, education and local authorities. For example, the registered manager has attended local groups organised by the police to prevent young people going missing and being sexually exploited. Key meetings such as care reviews and network meetings take place regularly to review and update young people’s plans. This leads to effective communication and coordination of services for the benefit of young people.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

A key priority for the registered manager and staff are young people’s health needs. Young people are registered with primary health care services. They continue to receive annual health assessments and any identified needs are quickly met. For those young people with specific health issues the staff have received appropriate training in providing immediate assistance, if needed. This demonstrates that the health of young people remains of paramount importance to the registered manager and staff.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Complaints made by young people about their care are valued and taken seriously. Complaints are not commonplace; there have been two since the last inspection. The registered manager undertook a thorough investigation of concerns raised by the young people and provided a detailed account of her findings. This results in young people being assured their rights are upheld and any concerns are taken seriously.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The recruitment and retention of staff members is good. The registered manager ensures robust recruitment and vetting of potential new staff. This serves to reduce the risk that those caring for young people will harm them. Staff members receive supervision that is of good quality, as it is reflective and analytical, whilst also providing staff with direction. This means young people are being cared for by staff recruited safely and provided with oversight and guidance from an experienced and committed registered manager.

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Information about this children's home

This home provides care and accommodation for not more than three young people between the ages of 8 to 17 years old upon admission. Young people may have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is privately owned and managed. 

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

23/07/2014 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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