Children's home run by Horizon Care Limited in Cannock Chase

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding 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 December 2015 and was judged to be outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made at this time. The management of the home is unchanged since the last inspection. The registered manager is currently seconded away from the home and the acting manager has applied for registration with Ofsted. A registration decision will shortly be made.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no incidents of restraint. All staff are up to date with their training in managing challenging behaviour. Appropriate boundaries are in place. This is reflected by no sanctions being used in the home. Instead, positive rewards for appropriate behaviour are given, creating an environment that focuses on promoting positive actions. As a result, young people are developing a good understanding of socially acceptable behaviour. There have been no incidents of missing and no serious incidents requiring notification to Ofsted. Young people are safe and continue to be kept safe at the home. It is a calm, stable and nurturing environment for young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has further plans to develop the home; redecoration is planned and new carpets are being sought. The home continues to be well presented in the meantime. Young people enjoy spending time in communal areas and are fully encouraged to individualise their bedrooms. Young people feel part of the home. This is underpinned by regular, and effective, consultation with young people about all aspects of their lives. The manager uses this feedback and consultation to further identify areas to improve.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make significant progress with their emotional resilience. The staff team have supported better arrangements for young people to maintain in contact with their families. This ensures that young people are able to form, and sustain, attachments with important people in their lives. Friendships are also actively encouraged and supported; young people regularly stay at their friends’ houses and also enjoy having their friends visit the home. As a result of this family atmosphere, young people’s emotional attachments continue to grow. All young people remain in positive educational outcomes. Attendance is good and young people are supported to make progress. Where concerns arise about young people’s progress, the staff team ensure that swift and remedial action is taken. A young person commented that ‘the staff are really helpful with everything.’ Young people are also making progress in other areas of their lives. For example, there

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

have been improvements with young people’s preparation for independence. Staff support young people to plan and prepare meals. Young people are also encouraged to take more responsibility for completing chores around the home. This results in young people developing their readiness for adulthood. A young person said that ‘staff are helping me to get ready for moving on.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Risk assessment is appropriately managed and implemented. The individual needs and vulnerabilities are known to the staff team. Effective and personalised care is consequentially given. Regular reviews of risk assessments ensure that any new risks or vulnerabilities are identified and known to staff providing care to young people. A social worker commented that ‘the staff have done a brilliant job with the young person.’ The small staff team is mostly unchanged since the last inspection; a new member of staff will soon be starting at the home. As a result of staffing stability, young people have continued to develop positive relationships with adults in the home. Where young people are new to the home, there has been significant progress in this regard.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team continue to advocate for young people. This means that the individual needs and wishes of young people are clearly known to all professionals. The manager commented that ‘we advocate for the young people, we try to go above and beyond. We challenge professionals where we need to.’ As a result, there has been significant progress for some young people. For example, where there are emerging concerns in education, this advocacy has ensured appropriate support is now in place. Similarly, young people’s access to specialist support services has also been arranged. Young people recognise and place value on the support they receive. Comments from young people include; ‘being here has made a massive difference to me’, before I was here, I used to run away. I feel safe here’ and ‘I can tell staff anything. I trust them.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The leadership and management of the home continue to be a key strength. The new manager is supported by the organisation and there are clear plans for further improvement. Staff are encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge; training is regularly offered. The manager is forging links with wider professionals and continues to work well in partnership with others. A social worker commented that ‘the home is really supportive.’ This is reflected in the progress that young people continue to make.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The home is registered to provide care for two children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home forms part of a large social care company.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

10/03/2015 CH - Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

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.5

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.5

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.5

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.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6

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.6

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.6