Setting in Cannock Chase

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 improved in effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Effective leadership and management continue to have a positive impact on the outcomes for young people. The new manager has settled in quickly and been accepted readily by both staff and young people. The introduction of a deputy manager position has further strengthened management arrangements. While there have been staff vacancies, recent recruitment means there will be a full team once recruitment checks are completed. Staff are confident in leaders and managers, and feel supported in their role. Effective internal and external management monitoring ensures that weaknesses are identified and acted upon quickly.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are making notable progress from their starting points on admission. In particular, they are each developing independent living skills at a level appropriate to their age and understanding. One young person has made excellent progress in this area, now effectively managing a budget similar to the funds likely be provided when living independently. Young people each take on a level of food preparation, household tasks, and confidently use public transport. As a result, they are becoming well prepared for independent living in the future, and self- confidence is improving. Involved professionals and parents speak positively about the progress made by young people. Comments include: ‘He has really matured since moving in.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are very settled, happy and have positive relationships with staff. Comments from young people include: ‘Staff give really good support, they have helped me a lot.' Young people recognise the good progress they have made and link this to the quality of support they receive. School attendance is good, and young people are each reported as achieving within education. One young person spoke to the inspector with pride about the predicted distinction grade they are expecting for a college course.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

An emphasis is placed on encouraging young people to safely manage unsupervised time in the community, including the development of positive social relationships. They each have opportunity to take part in stimulating activities. For example, one young person is enjoying going fishing, and is planning to start bike riding with a member of staff who has a similar interest.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from a planned admission process, which offers the opportunity to visit the home before moving in. One young person reflected how he valued the arrangements made for the same staff to be present for his admission as were there when he visited. He described how this eased the admission process for him. In this last period, the registered manager has identified learning and development points linked to the evaluation of referral information, which she demonstrates will strengthen future practice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The actions taken to address a requirement set on the previous inspection means that young people live in an improving environment. The bathroom and many of the communal areas have been redecorated. Additionally, structured systems have been implemented to ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen is maintained. The safety of the medication administration has been strengthened in response to a requirement set at the time of the last inspection. Staff are now clearer about the procedures in relation to the storage of medication belonging to staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Safeguarding arrangements are prioritised. Care planning is underpinned by broad risk management strategies, which are effectively implemented in practice. As a result of the good management of behaviour, the number of incidents is low, and there has been no use of physical intervention since the last inspection. Risk-taking behaviours reduce, and as a result, young people become safer. For example, the number of self-harm incidents has reduced markedly for some young people. While there have been some missing from care and absence without consent events, these are reducing in number, with none in 2016. Staff understand their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding young people, and report such concerns promptly and appropriately to external agencies. This inspection finds that one incident meeting the criteria for notification to HMCI has not been submitted. As a result, HMCI has been unable to monitor the management of this specific event. A

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

requirement has been set in this regard.

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Information about this children's home

The home is privately owned, and is registered to provide care to three children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/02/2015 Interim Declined in 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

Ensure that HMCI is notified when there is an incident the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (3)(e)) 15/04/2016

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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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