Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Central Bedfordshire

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 .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home provides long term care to three young people, each having lived in the home for approximately two years. Placements remain stable and young people are well cared for. Although no young people have recently moved to the home, the organisation operates an impact assessment, which considers presenting behaviours and the impact of these on all young people. This appropriate matching ensures a safe environment where staff manage presenting risks and vulnerabilities to keep young people safe and meet their individual needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Similarly, although no young people have left the home, they all undertake certain household tasks, such as helping with food shopping or drying dishes to develop their life skills.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people present with a range of needs, some being highly complex. Staff work collaboratively with other professionals to monitor potential risks and implement appropriate strategies, to ensure all young people are safe and their welfare protected. One social worker reported: ‘He is in the right placement. Staff are doing a very difficult job and they are doing it well.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

To improve the quality and standard of care, two requirements and four recommendations were set at the last inspection. Since that time, the acting manager has recruited to vacant posts, meaning young people are beginning to experience a more stable staff team offering both consistency and familiar care. No staff are currently eligible to have an annual appraisal but the manager has a system in place to monitor this future activity.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

As a result of the recommendations set, staff now encourage young people to review appropriate documentation relating to themselves. They sign this documentation, evidencing their review and input into recording. Young people report an improvement in this area and are happy with current practices. Recording has also improved. Staff ensure it is non-stigmatising and thoughtful, recognising the difficulties faced by young people, even when challenging their behaviour and the impact it may have on others and themselves. Managers have implemented a specific electronic programme, which monitors the training and ongoing developmental needs of each staff member. This ensures they have the specific knowledge to meet the needs of the young people and to deliver care in line with the statement of purpose. This standalone programme contributes to the home’s overall workforce development plan.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The recommendation relating to the environment has become a requirement at this inspection, as the home presents in a poor state of decoration and repair. Whilst a plan of refurbishment is in place, it needs to be executed with some urgency as the home presented as generally worn and unhomely and, in some places, was dirty as cleaning had been neglected.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make expected progress. All are in full time education and are generally progressing to the best of their ability. Staff recognise how emotional stressors impact on young people and can be detrimental to concentration and learning. For some young people, school has been a place of bullying; managers and staff work across the settings to ensure they address and manage these situations. Young people remain in good health. They receive a well- balanced diet and access a range of activities. These activities offer varied social experiences, be it working together or having individual fun and enjoyment.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have opportunity to have their voices heard, conversation flows easily between them and the staff. Formal house meetings also offer opportunity to young people to discuss their care experience. Although minutes are taken, they are not made consistently available to young people nor are previous minutes presented at meetings. As such, young people do not get feedback about past actions or their impact on the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The acting manager recognises the strengths and the areas for development within the home. Whilst the acting manager is bringing together a relatively new team, young people continue to miss staff that have recently left. However, new relationships are forming and young people’s comments include: ‘I trust staff yes, I can talk to them.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home offers staff a number of formal opportunities to consider how they meet the needs of each young person. This includes time in regular supervision, team meetings and clinical consultation. Staff meet young people’s needs, one social worker said: ‘He gets on with them well and he’s contented.’ Another said: ‘He feels very good about being there; overall it’s a positive placement.’

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Information about this children's home

This home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. All young people can access the linked school provision. A private company owns and operates this setting.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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 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 that:

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Requirement Due date

(2) (c) (i) the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to meet the needs of each child. 22/05/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure that children are consulted regularly on their views about the home's care, to inform and support continued improvement in the quality of care provided. They should be able to see the results of their views being listened to and acted upon. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 22 paragraph 4.11)

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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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