Children's home run by Inspire Children’s Services Limited in St. Helens

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 effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people enjoy strong, trusting relationships with the staff. Consequently, they feel safe and are very happy and settled at this home. They enjoy positive experiences and are continuing to make good progress. They particularly benefit from the security of long term stable placements until they feel ready to live independently. As an example, one young person has lived at this home for nearly five years and has made remarkable progress in spite of significant learning disabilities and complex mental health needs. This has been acknowledged in writing by external specialists involved in his care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Comments from young people include, ‘I am happy here and I do loads of activities. I feel safe and always speak to staff if something bothers me when I am out’ and, ‘I am still very happy and feel safe here. I chose to work on Christmas day and then went to see my mum. The staff bought me a phone and I got a flying lesson for my birthday. I am concentrating on my exams now because they are important for my future then I’m going to take up archery lessons. I like fishing and really enjoyed snowboarding which I am good at. I am now level three qualified.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The current individualised financial incentives in place to encourage young people’s good behaviour and effort is proving highly effective at this home. Consequently there have been no restraints at this home for a considerable period of time. For one young person in particular, this is outstanding progress from his starting point.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has also been a sustained period with no missing from home incidents or offending behaviour which is significant progress. This is within a context of young people enjoying increased independence in the community with their friends. One young person said, ‘Since Christmas I can now stay out later at night with my friends which I am very happy about.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

After an extremely protracted legal process, which the staff supported, a young person was found not guilty of a serious offence. He said, ‘It was an amazing feeling and I am so relieved that I can finally move on.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person is looking forward to going on a residential with peers which demonstrates the outstanding progress he has made in this placement. At one time, this would not have been feasible as the risks would have outweighed the advantages.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are robust arrangements in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the young people. In particular, excellent partnership working with the local police support officer is firmly established. This has resulted in one young person having the confidence to talk to her about a known local bully and ultimately pressing charges against him.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Following intelligence of small fires being lit in the vicinity of the home, the staff immediately arranged for the fire service to visit and discuss the consequences of fire setting or discarding a cigarette. The presentation was very visual which met the specific learning needs of one young person, so he was extremely attentive throughout and is now more aware of the dangers.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Both young people have also designed posters demonstrating their understanding of child sexual exploitation which will be displayed at an imminent conference.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The timeliness, frequency and recording of individual key worker sessions have significantly improved since the last inspection. These demonstrate that young people positively engage in relevant and highly sensitive discussions and the staff appropriately challenge and provide encouragement to make good choices. Recent examples include racial stereotyping, sexual health and personal hygiene.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have also contributed to the revision of their own individualised placement plans. One young person took the process very seriously, working on it after school for three evenings. This shows that they are genuinely investing in this placement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the required health and safety certificates are in place and checks undertaken at the required frequencies to ensure a safe environment. An ongoing programme of redecoration and refurbishment ensures the home is maintained at a good standard. Young people are actively involved, which demonstrates their strong sense of belonging and pride in their surroundings. One young person recently helped to redecorate his bedroom and said, ‘I like my new cars wallpaper.’ Their current project is redesigning the games room.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This experienced staff team are strong and effective advocates for the young people. In particular, they successfully challenged a placing authority who wanted to move a young person against his wishes into their in-house provision because of the progress he had made. They have also successfully negotiated to realise one young person’s wish to start having overnight stays with his mum and at friend’s houses.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Conversely, staff sensitively explain to young people why some of their requests will not be adhered to if they are not deemed to be in their best interest. A current example is ensuring one young person only plays age appropriate computer games.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All the young people enjoy positive family contact and are enabled to spend special festivals with family. Their confidence and self –esteem have demonstrably increased in this home and they both now express positive future ambitions. One young person said, ‘I plan to go to college in September to study computers and psychology. I want a job in IT, but I think a psychology A level will look good on my CV.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The new manager is a suitably qualified, experienced and child focussed individual who provides strong leadership and clear direction to the staff team. He is now the registered manager of two children’s home, but makes sure he is always at this home when young people return from school to welcome them and to show a genuine interest in their day.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff say the manager is very approachable and actively seeks their views about service development. This secures a strong sense of shared responsibility and accountability. Consequently morale is high. The management structure within the home has also recently been strengthened with the appointment of a deputy and two seniors. One member of staff said, ‘I am very happy here and take pride in my job. I am confident that the staff team and management are behind me every step of the way.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff benefit from regular team meetings with open and honest debates, individual supervision sessions and timely and reflective annual appraisals which include young people’s views. Recent comments include, ‘I really like her’ and, ‘I enjoy her company and she likes to keep the house clean.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people confirm that they were spoken to sensitively about the recent staff changes and so they understand that staff move on to further their careers. They had a party and wrote thank you cards in appreciation of the care and support afforded them by one member of staff who had worked at the home for many years. One young person said, ‘The staff explained and I understand that they need to progress and it’s only right because I’ll be leaving to live independently soon too.’ The three requirements made at the last inspection have been fully addressed. Consequently, the staff are now much more aware of young people’s educational targets and actively support them to achieve their individual potential. As a direct consequence, at a personal educational planning meeting in February it was acknowledged that one young person has now met all his targets.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff recently attended a parent’s evening specifically about effective planning and supporting revision and have put the advice into practice. They also secured additional professional tuition within the home to help one young person prepare for his GCSE’s. To his credit, he has also agreed to attend revision sessions in school during the Easter holidays. He said, ‘I am expected to achieve all A’s.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection one young person was going to school independently on the train every day, but was arriving late. In response, the staff are now transporting him until after his examinations. They also transported another young person a significant distance every day until he successfully completed a life skills course to improve his employment opportunities. He enjoyed his work experience with a local gardening firm to the extent that he has secured a place at college to study horticulture. This is an outstanding achievement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The new manager has strengthened the internal monitoring systems in place to drive continuous improvement. His most recent review report on the quality of care provided at the home is an accurate and evaluative document. Moreover, it is informed by the views of young people and external stakeholder’s views which are consistently very positive.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Recent examples include, ‘This home liaise well and offer a high level of care with a robust support plan. The staff are very pro-active in responding to his highly complex needs which often change’, ‘He is very happy here and the staff have his best interests as their priority in service delivery’, ‘This is a stable long term placement which has enabled the young person to make significant progress. He is very settled and extremely positive about living at this home which is a quality, homely setting. He is also enjoying increased independence socialising with friends in the local community’ and, ‘The staff are friendly and well informed about the young people. The home is very nice and decorated to a high standard. I have no concerns about the care given. My young person is happy here and has built up positive attachments.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

An effective system is now in place to ensure mandatory courses and required refreshers are completed in a timely manner. There has also been a significant increase in the range and quality of courses available to staff to meet the needs of the service and to aid their personal development. Independent monitoring visits are completed at the required frequency and any shortfalls identified are efficiently addressed. The last report concludes, ‘This home is well led by a strong and committed manager who is empowering both young people to prepare for adulthood. They are effectively safeguarded at this home and continue to make progress’. However, a requirement has been raised to ensure that this process demonstrates consultation with young people and their parents.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are progressing well in their preparation for future independence. For one young person the current focus is on budgeting and shopping for his own lunches. Comments include, ‘I take my medication morning and night and I get involved in menu planning and choose what I spend my pocket money on. I have saved £120 to buy some new clothes. I want a designer track suit’ and, ‘I am healthy and do not take drugs or alcohol. I have a bedtime routine that works well. Up to my exams I had a part time job and I have my own bank account. I plan to go to college so I will get a good job.’

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Information about this children's home

This is a private children’s home registered with Ofsted to provide care and accommodation for up to two children at any given time who may be experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties and/or a learning disability.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

19/03/2015 CH - Interim improved 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

Regulation 44: Independent person, visits and report

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Requirement Due date

Ensure that the monthly independent visits includes consultation with young people living at the home and their parents. (Regulation 44(2)(a)) 30/4/16

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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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