Children's home run by Langley House (Harwich) Limited in Tendring

Previous inspection judgement Good

Enforcement action since last inspection

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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 . The management team have addressed the recommendations and requirements of the last inspection. A programme of refurbishment and redecoration has begun to provide a comfortable environment for the young people. Managers review records of restraint regularly. A new independent visitor has started to provide the manager with a robust scrutiny of the service provided. Staff provide detailed commentary on young people’s daily activities, but managers still need to link these with their individual goals to show how they are benefiting from the placement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, one young person has moved into specialist long term accommodation. This move was planned carefully to prepare the young person for a major change. Staff took the young person to visit his new home so that when he moved he knew what to expect. This purposeful approach has meant that he has taken the transition in his stride and settled in well.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff and managers work closely together to provide a bespoke service for young people in the home. Young people benefit from close relationships with staff who continue to support their development. For instance, one young person has recently started in a new school. Staff meet with the school team and family to review progress. Notes of one meeting state: ‘He responds well to carers who encourage him to communicate better. He is now coping better in class, behaving better and happy to be in school.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people make progress because they work with staff who know their needs well. Young people are encouraged to develop skills as part of independence planning. For instance, they accompany staff into the community for shopping or leisure pursuits, such as swimming. They develop confidence from knowing what is expected of them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff keep detailed records of young people’s daily activities and discuss them in monthly staff meetings. However, this work is not linked with the goals set out in the young person’s statutory care plan. The manager acknowledges that he needs to review case files regularly in order to assess the impact of the home on each young person.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

While most young people attend full time school, some have not had the benefit of an educational programme for a considerable period. Managers have been persistent and have advocated vigorously in the interests of the young people. A potential resolution has been found. However, young people have been affected by the delay and constant changes in planning and this results in frustration and agitated behaviour. Staff and managers have done their best to contain this and provide a programme of positive activities for the young people. In the meantime, they remain committed to ensuring that all young people will have full time education.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people in the home have no concept of safety so staff and managers ensure that they are safeguarded at all times. Each young person has a detailed risk assessment, which is balanced with a management strategy. A high staff ratio means that young people are never left unattended. Some of the young people have complex medical needs and staff and managers are vigilant, seeking specialist medical advice when necessary. As a result, young people remain protected.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Parents and professionals comment positively on the partnership with staff and managers in the home. The mother of one young person said: ‘They are wonderful. They work with me and are very supportive. When he comes for contact, staff come with him so he behaves well. As a result, contact is safe and calm.’

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Information about this children's home

The home is situated has access to the town and the beach. It provides care and accommodation for up to five children and young people with learning disabilities and associated physical disabilities, one of whom may receive respite care. The home is owned by a small private company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

30/12/2014 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure that staff record information on individual children in a way that will be helpful to the child, with particular reference to reviewing the impact of the care they receive in the home on their overall progress. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 62 paragraph 14.4)

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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

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Information about this inspection

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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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