Children's Home run by Positive Pathways Limited in Birmingham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make good progress in all areas of their lives as a result of the care and support they receive. They have strong relationships with staff, who support them developing a strong self-view. Staff members provide consistency which gives them a sense of emotional security. As one education professional observed, ‘emotionally she is in a much stronger place now ‘. All young people attend either school or college. For some this is a significant improvement on their starting point. Staff consistently work alongside multi- disciplinary colleagues to support young people to reach their educational potential. As one educational professional commented, ‘I can’t speak highly enough of the support offered by staff. Their practice has been exemplary’. Young people are supported to maintain contact with family members. This ensures they remain in touch with important people in their lives. As a result they

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

feel valued. They are encouraged to engage in a range of activities in the wider community which they enjoy. This helps promote their self-esteem. There is no registered manager in post. The new manager has recently submitted her application to Ofsted for registration. The manager has responded promptly to the shortfalls identified at the last inspection. She has begun to establish and evaluate the quality assurance processes. This has recently been strengthened by the appointment of a deputy manager to the home and improvements in the monitoring arrangements by the independent visitor. Young people’s files have been revised to ensure their views and progress are reflected and reviewed. Young people say they feel safe and are confident that staff will respond appropriately to protect them. Young people’s behaviour is very well understood. Any unsettled behaviour usually has an identified trigger and is dealt with

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

sensitively. Young people can identify a trusted adult who they feel comfortable in talking to about issues and concerns, which results in fewer incidents of aggression or self-harm. A strength of the home is effective behaviour management. This means that staff identify problems early and step in to prevent escalation. As a result the use of physical intervention is low because staff promote positive behaviour. All interventions are now appropriately recorded and evaluated. Self-harm is a significant issue for some young people at this home. There has been a reduction in the frequency of incidents since the last full inspection. This is due to the increasingly settled behaviour of some young people and the positive and trusting relationships young people develop with staff members. The home has good links to external support agencies in respect of maintaining positive emotional health. As one mental health professional reflected, ‘the support staff

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

offer is more akin to a family than a care home’. Partnership working is strong. Professionals from other services commend the consistency and commitment of staff members. Staff effectively challenge services where they consider plans do not adequately meet young people’s needs. This partnership working helps young people overcome difficulties that previously impacted on their development. The three requirements and one recommendation made at the last inspection have all been met. There are no requirements made as a result of this inspection.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and/or learning disabilities. The home is operated by a private provider.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

09/03/2015 CH - Interim Sustained 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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