Children's home run by Oldham Children’s Social Care in Oldham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has Declined in effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection, a number of young people living at the home were in the process of moving on to independent living, with some moving to planned foster placements. These young people were fully involved in the discussions and decisions about their move. This resulted in successful, positive experiences for them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, a number of young people have moved into the home. This, combined with changes in staff, has impacted on potential progress. Staff continue to provide support and encouragement to enable young people to engage in education. However, not all young people engage on a regular basis. A number of planning meetings held with educational staff to look at a range of resources, including home tutoring and on-line education as additional support, is yet to improve educational outcomes for young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people have placement plans which identify their individual needs and desired outcomes. These plans include individual risk assessments to reflect the support they need to stay safe, and where there are restrictions in place such as contact arrangements. The home has recently commenced locking the kitchen at night, which has not previously happened. There are no specific risk assessments in relation to this restricts access for young people without a clear understanding of the reasons why.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Incidents of young people missing from home have increased with the change of young people living at the home. However, individual missing from home risk management plans are in place for each young person. These are regularly reviewed. Staff have a good knowledge and understanding of protocols and strategies to follow. They work in partnership with other agencies and discuss risks with young people. This has resulted in a significant decrease for one young person and a reduction overall for another young person. Return home interviews offer young people the opportunity to discuss concerns with a person independent from the home. Information gained in relation to practice in the home enables evaluation and the identification of ways to further reduce episodes of missing from home for all of the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection there have been two notifiable incidents in relation to criminal damage and negative behaviour of young people. Agreed strategies did not impact on the behaviour and resulted in police involvement, with one young person moving on from the home. Although transition plans were in place for this young person, these were implemented sooner to meet their needs and those of the other young people. The damage to the property has, in the main, been addressed. However, some repairs remain outstanding to the hallway. The manager has requested this work to be completed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Strategies to help young people manage their behaviour are generally positive, with young people having the opportunity to earn additional rewards for positive behaviour. Sanctions implemented are discussed with them. Recording of these are clear and young people say they feel they are fair. There has been an increase in physical interventions, with four since the last inspection. Prior to these, there had not been any since 2013. All staff receive regular training to ensure their skills and knowledge remains current. However, recording is unclear and does not reflect the measures taken to support the young person prior to or during the intervention as required.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people say they know how to make a complaint and are confident that action is taken to address their concerns. Any allegations made are addressed in accordance with agreed protocols, and measures are implemented to safeguard children and young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people remain happy with the level of care and support they receive. They say the staff are positive and listen to their wishes and views. The young people take part in and enjoy a range of activities both within the home and the local community, including walks, going to the cinema and using the local leisure facilities.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

As a result of this inspection, three requirements have been made. These relate to educational outcomes, records relating to any physical interventions and restriction of access to some parts of the home. A recommendation regarding repairs to the hallway has also been made.

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Information about this children's home

This home is a local authority children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven children and young people 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

11/02/2015 CH - 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

In order to meet the education standard, the registered person must ensure 2 that staff help each child to achieve the child’s education and training targets, as recorded in the child’s relevant plans. 14/05/2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that children can access all appropriate areas of the children’s home’s premises; and any limitation placed on a child’s privacy or access to any area of the home’s premises is intended to safeguard each child accommodated in the home, is necessary and proportionate and is kept under review and, if necessary revised (Regulation 21 (b) (c) (i) (ii) (iii)) 14/05/2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes the date, time and location of the measure and the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure (Regulation 35 (3)(iii) (viii)) 14/05/2016

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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 the home is a homely environment. This relates specifically to repairs to the wall and door frame within the hallway being completed (Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15 paragraph 3.9))

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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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