Setting in Rotherham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home continues on a steady journey of improvement. Successfully meeting all the requirements from the last inspection has helped to provide the foundations of positive practice. Extensive efforts by the acting management team and temporary responsible individual are steadily improving the quality of care and enhancing experience for young people living in this home. The reduction in numbers of young people residing here and the recruitment of an external consultant is significantly assisting staff to gain knowledge of individual's needs. It is allowing them time to focus on the two young people living here. Positive changes in this home remain in the early stages. New systems need to embed and staff need continued support to develop their knowledge.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

External monitoring systems are effective. The management team and responsible individual are quick to respond to any issues raised by the independent visitor. This promotes improvement and ensures managers are confident young people are safe. The management team and responsible individual welcome opinions from the young inspector's team. They listen to young people's views and respond to their recommendations. For example, a suggestion that young people should cook more of their own meals is now in progress and is working well.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Ongoing training for staff coupled with consistent oversight and advice from the consultant enhances the staff’s skills in managing individual challenging behaviours. Consequently, staff are more skilled in using de-escalation techniques and there is a significant reduction in the use of physical restraint. When physical interventions do occur, staff complete records promptly. Managers and the responsible individual swiftly review them, ensuring good care practice continues.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The implementation of sanctions for young people is low. However when they are used they are not detailed in individuals behaviour management plans and views from other professionals such as social workers are not present. This does not demonstrate a multi-agency approach to the thought process behind using them for individuals with very complex needs. Additionally, while the homes statement of purpose now reflects which young people it cares for, it does not mention the use of sanctions in relation to the homes approach to behaviour support. Consequently, there is no clear explanation as to why sanctions are in use.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Training around individuals needs such as autism and safeguarding practice, coupled with ongoing input from the consultant is helping staff to understand young people and provides clear guidance on reporting safeguarding issues. No safeguarding incidents have occurred since staff received training; consequently, the staffs understanding is not yet tested. Knowledge now needs to transfer effectively into practice. Training and support is helping staff feel more confident to undertake their role and the quality of care is improving. One member of staff commented, `We are supported now by all managers. Things are a lot more positive. We know what to do. Staff feel free and able to talk and discuss concerns. We know that we are not going to get ignored.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Additional training around young people's communication needs is equipping staff with the skills required to communicate with individuals. Staff are now motivated to continue to improve the quality of care because they see their efforts are successful. The consistent use of sign language by staff is helping to encourage young people's use of this also. This is assisting them to express themselves and is helping to lower their anxiety levels. As a result, relationships between staff and young people continue to develop positively. One member of staff commented, `Our relationships have definitely improved with young people. Now we can communicate with them better.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Communication through symbols is much more evident. However, some symbols do not match the meaning of the word written underneath it. Other symbol notices contain too many symbols for young people to understand. Further improvement is required in this area to enhance communication and avoid any confusion for young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people's life opportunities are now significantly increasing. The introduction of new hobbies such as judo have improved young people sense of achievement. It has provided them with skills to attain grades and enter competitions. Additionally, young people have opportunity to socialise with others and have made friends for the first time. Staff nurture these new friendships and provide opportunities for their friends to come back to the home and share birthday parties and tea visits.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are now enjoying their own allotment and are successfully managing the land. They plan to grow their own vegetables. They are also benefitting from the new addition of pet rabbits. Looking after them gives young people a sense of achievement and responsibility. It is helping to develop understanding of other's needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Good communication with other professionals such as school, social workers and health specialists is ensuring a consistent approach to young people's health care and education. Although this is evident in practice, it is not always clear in young people's plans. Having this evident in plans will demonstrate a multi-agency approach and will better demonstrate collective decision-making.

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Information about this children's home

This home is run by the Local Authority. It accomdates up to five young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is a mixed gender setting for young people aged 12 to 17 years old. 

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

6. The quality of care standard (2) In order to meet the quality of care standard, with particular reference to the use of sanctions being detailed in the home statement of purpose, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to - (a) understand and apply the home’s statement of purpose. 15/04/16

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Requirement Due date

In meeting the quality standards, the registered person must, and must ensure that staff seek to involve each child's placing authority effectively in the child's care, in accordance with relevant plans; (Regulation (5)(a)). In particular, this relates to making sure plans are agreed and reviewed by the social worker. They are signed and decisions about the child's care including the use of sanctions are made jointly. 15/04/16

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Recommendations

The registered person should ensure that staff understand and can meet each child's needs (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 52, paragraph 10.5). With particular reference, to continuing to provide staff with training and assistance to make sure they understand children’s needs in relation to the implementation of communication systems. The use of symbols should be good quality and meet young people's needs. For example, symbols are only used that match the word below and that are familiar to young people. Staff should ensure symbol and language used meets young people's levels of understanding.

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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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