Children's home run by Branas Isaf (Holdings) Ltd in Hertsmere

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

Since the last inspection, three young people have left and three have moved in. All new admissions have been planned. This in turn has helped to ensure young people’s needs are assessed and the right support put in place in readiness for their admission. Within short periods of time significant progress is visible. This is especially noticed by professionals that have known young people for long periods of time. When young people leave the staff ensure they are supported during their transitions. This includes where possible, ensuring a young person has the opportunity to visit their new placements in advance of their move. Improvements have been made to the home environment, making it safer and pleasant for young people. These changes include a new kitchen being fitted, areas being redecorated and a cooker repaired. Staff help young people to develop their knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe and to have aspirations for their futures. In achieving this, staff ensure young

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

people experience a nurturing and stable environment where they are able to thrive physically, emotionally, educationally and socially. There remains a strong commitment to engaging and consulting all stakeholders including, police, placing authorities and colleges. This extends to prompt sharing of relevant information, which helps to quickly identify risks and carefully consider what action is needed to help keep young people and others safe. A lot of support is given to ensuring young people have the knowledge, skills and values to prepare for adulthood and to play a part in creating a healthy and safe community. This extends to encouraging young people to be part of community clubs such as the local ruby team and going on regular four mile runs with staff. Plus, young people having individual independence plans, which can include access to an independent flat where life skills can be further developed. One social worker

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

remarked on the home’s pathway planning as being ‘fantastic’. Well established training and development programmes help staff to have a sound knowledge and understanding of the needs of young people. Since the last inspection this has included receiving training on mental health, autism awareness, restorative justice and child development. However, this has not extended to include learning disabilities and deprivation of liberty. This slightly hinders staff in being able to enhance their practice from reflecting on the experiences of young people, particularly the decisions that are made by the court of protection. Positive behaviour continues to be encouraged and reinforced, resulting in the low level of physical intervention required. Instead, young people develop the skills to self-regulate their emotions and make safer decisions. The registered manager continues to ensure there is a systematic self-evaluation

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

which has the purpose of improving the quality of young people’s experiences. Young people describe being very happy and chilled in their placement. Professionals equally report positive things about the setting. This includes describing it as an ‘excellent provision’ and ‘by far the best provision.’

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Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for young people between the ages 10- 18 (10-17 upon admission) who have displayed harmful or concerning behaviours and may also have moderate learning difficulties. The home is privately owned and managed.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

05/03/2015 CH - Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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 staff can access appropriate facilities and resources to support their training needs. This extends to receiving training around learning disabilities and deprivation of liberty. (The Quality Standards page 53 paragraph 10.11)

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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

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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