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

Unique reference number SC035492 Inspector Sarah Oldham Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council Registered person address Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, Civic Centre West Street OLDHAM OL1 1UT Responsible individual Kim Scragg Registered manager Susan Colette Quiala Date of last inspection 25/11/2014 2 of 6 Inspection date 17/03/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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This inspection

Since the last inspection in November 2014, some young people have made the transition into semi-independence in accordance with their agreed care plans and wishes. Staff supported this process by ensuring young people had the knowledge and skills in preparation for their move. The recommendation relating to obtaining pathway plans in a timely manner has now been met.

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This inspection

There has been a number of new placements to the home over the last three months. Where placements have been made on a planned basis, young people have been supported to visit the home and to meet the other young people and staff. However, some placements have been on an emergency basis. Although consideration is given to the matching of young people, there is not a formal impact assessment or procedure in place. This has meant that some young people have had further changes in placement, impacting on stability for them and the other young people within the home.

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This inspection

There has been some bullying within the home. However, this has been quickly addressed with the young people through individual key worker sessions, young people's meetings and increased staff support. This positive intervention has resulted in young people feeling safe to discuss and share any bullying concerns.

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This inspection

Educational attendance is promoted well. Staff work closely with schools and educational providers to enable young people to make improvements in attendance. This gives them increased opportunity to gain qualifications for their future careers.

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This inspection

All young people have detailed behaviour management plans with strategies to minimise behaviour that place them at risk of harm. These plans are kept under review and amended when there are additional areas of risk or concern raised. Young people are aware of consequences to inappropriate behaviour and this helps 3 of 6 them to understand boundaries. Positive behaviour is acknowledged and praised to further support their overall understanding of acceptable behaviour.

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This inspection

Some young people, prior to moving into the home had high levels of missing from home. Although there has been an increase in missing from home incidents since the last inspection, some individuals have been supported to reduce incidents. Staff follow clear missing from home protocols and procedures. They actively make attempts to contact via telephone and search the local area as well as known areas the young people have previously accessed. Staff ensure the young people are welcomed back to the home and complete work with them to raise their awareness of the potential risks and how to keep themselves safe. One social worker said 'although (name) behaviours are challenging, these are decreasing and she is responding well to the boundaries implemented, and the support provided by staff. This is very positive for her.'

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This inspection

Young people are developing good relationships with staff and this is evident in the views expressed by young people. One young person said 'staff here are ok and they listen to me and what I want for my future.' Another young person said ' I am happy, I get on well with the staff and want to stay here.' The views of young people are central to the ethos of the home and regular meetings are held to ensure that all young people contribute their views. Staff are honest with young people if is it is not possible to act on their wishes and explain the reasons why. This promotes good communication and develops positive relationships.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager has a good understanding of the strengths of the home and areas for ongoing development. She has developed effective systems for the monitoring of the home and the outcomes for young people. Where there are areas for improvement, these are clearly identified, action plans implemented and clear timeframes in place. For example, recent notifiable events were not forwarded to Ofsted in a timely manner. The manager has acknowledged this and put systems in place to ensure any future notifications are made within agreed timescales. This will enable the regulator to have a full overview of the home. External monitoring of the home also provides additional oversight to ensure positive outcomes for young people are promoted.

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This inspection

As a result of this inspection, a requirement and a recommendation has been made. The requirement relates to notifying Ofsted of significant events within agreed timescales. The recommendation is regarding making sure the home can meet the needs of the young people placed. 4 of 6

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people of either gender on a medium to long-term basis. The home is run by a local authority that provides services to support young people with emotional and behavioural problems.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

25/11/2014 Full good 05/02/2014 Interim good progress 12/07/2013 Full good 13/03/2013 Interim good progress

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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 Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in Schedule 5 takes place, the registered person shall without delay notify the persons indicated in respect of the event in column 2 of the table. (Regulation 30 (1)) 30/04/2015

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure the home provides admission to children whose needs they can reasonably expect to meet. (NMS 11.2) 5 of 6 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Recommendations

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What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections 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

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The 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 relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

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