Children's home in Sheffield

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection one young person has moved in and one young person has left. The transition out of the home was well-planned. Plans included input from other professionals and external agencies. This helped to reduce the young person’s anxieties and ensured they received appropriate support. In contrast, the new admission was quick and meant not all of the young person’s needs were fully assessed . For example, the young person arrived at the home without prescribed medication.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home offers a nurturing environment which enables young people to modify their behaviour. For example, one young person arrived with a history of having a high level of physical intervention. Since commencing their placement this has significantly reduced. The young person is being helped to use other methods to self–regulate their emotions so that progress can be made. Young people also recognise the progress they are making. One young person commented ‘I’ve made loads of progress, with my anger, I was on the verge on going to secure. This is my longest placement’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home’s environment and outcomes for young people continue to be monitored. This is achieved through regular monitoring by the registered manager and monthly quality assurance visits completed by an independent visitor. This system ensures the young people are not only safe, but are making measurable progress as a consequence of their placement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Safeguarding practice continues to be ingrained into staff practice and this has been revisited during supervisions and staff meetings. The home works closely with other agencies to secure good outcomes for the young people. This helps ensure that young people make good progress educationally, socially and emotionally.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff utilise their training and skills to appropriately support young people with their changing needs. They also work in partnership with a wide range of other agencies. These include police, mental health professionals and teachers. A wide range of activities are available to young people. Particular favourites are attending fishing and drama classes. Young people feel that they have a voice and are clear about how to make complaints. One young person commented ‘this home is really good. The staff team are committed they are really, really good, they have got a lot of experience. They are dead supportive’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A number requirements were made at the last inspection. These have largely been met. This has seen improvement in, regular supervision taking place, the young people’s bedrooms meeting their needs and a registered manager being in post. However, One requirement remains unmet. This relates to staff recruitment. For Example, if a person has previously worked in a position involving work with children or vulnerable adults, verification is not sought of the reason why the employment or position ended.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Although the home has been redecorated the kitchen is in an ill state of repair. This detracts from a homely environment. For example, kitchen cupboard doors are hanging off their hinges, as are some of the kitchen unit door handles. Also the statement of purpose is unclear about the range of needs for whom it is intended to provide accommodation for. This includes stating that the home is a rehabilitation home for young people who have misused drugs and alcohol and whom have mild learning difficulties. It is however registered to take young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. This causes confusion for placing authorities.

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is run by a private organisation to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/08/2015 CH - Full Requires improvement

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Recent inspection history

29/08/2013 CH - Interim Inadequate progress

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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

The registered person must ensure full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2, in particular a full employment history together with a satisfactory explanation of any gaps in employment, in writing and If a person has previously worked in a position involving work with children or vulnerable adults, verification so far as reasonably practicable of the reason why the employment or position ended.(Regulation 32(3)(d) and (4)). 20/05/2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 1, in particular a statement of the range of needs of the children for whom it is intended that the children's home is to provide care and accommodation. (Regulation 16 (1)). 20/05/2016

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Requirement Due date

6: The quality and purpose of care standard

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the quality and purpose of care standard, the registered person must ensure -

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Requirement Due date

(2)(c) that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to meet the needs of each child; and enable each child to participate in the daily life of the home. This is particular reference to the kitchen. 20/05/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 Ensure consideration is given to understanding children placed in homes may undergo a difficult transition and what should be simple aspects of their care take on a substantial significance in this context. Staff should provide a nurturing environment that is welcoming, supportive, and which provides appropriate boundaries in relation to their behaviour. Homes must also meet children's basic day to day needs and physical necessities. Staff should seek to meet the child's basic needs in the way that a good parent would, recognising that many children in residential care have experienced environments where these needs have not been consistently met – doing so is an important aspect of demonstrating that the staff care for the child and value them as an individual. (The Quality Standards page 15 paragraph 3.7)

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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

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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