Children's Home run by Channels and Choices Limited in Kent

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

At the previous inspection one recommendation was made and this has been met. Staff supervision records demonstrate that safeguarding issues are discussed to minimise the potential risk to young people. Young people are experiencing stability and security in a calm and nurturing environment where they receive consistent, sensitive care from staff who understand their specific emotional needs. They are making significant progress in developing social skills, managing their emotions and engaging in education. The staff team undertake on-going training and development in research-led attachment practice, liaising closely with a team of therapists to implement personalised strategies to address each young person’s attachment style and assessed needs. In addition to this day-to-day therapeutic support, young people constructively participate in one-to-one weekly therapy sessions allowing them to explore their feelings, develop their sense of self-worth and build their self-esteem.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Through considerate, constant responses from staff and close supervision, young people learn to trust the adults who care for them. They share extremely positive relationships and feel safe and contained. Staff are especially understanding when young people’s behaviour changes. Through resilience and persistence they support them through difficult periods when they are unable to manage their own anxieties, frustrations and emotions. The staff team, led by a thoughtful and perceptive Registered Manager, are creative in their thinking of how to support young people. One young person’s rugby coach has been effectively involved in direct strategies to support them in controlling and modifying their challenging behaviour. Behaviour management stems from this therapeutic approach and these trusting relationships. Incidents involving physical intervention are rare though staff are well-trained to manage such events safely. The Registered Manager closely

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

monitors all incidents to ensure staff have taken appropriate, safe action to support young people. Sanctions are applied considerately so that young people have opportunities to reflect on their actions. One young person showing bullying behaviour researched the effects of bullying at the library to increase their awareness and understanding of the consequences of their conduct. In addition to the strong focus on young people’s emotional needs, staff closely monitor their physical health. They receive routine and specialist health interventions as necessary with staff implementing regular, specific support strategies to promote healthy lives. All young people attend school and are achieving their targets. Excellent liaison with school staff results in appropriate support for their specific needs. The Registered Manager is particularly focused on ensuring mainstream school staff understand their needs fully and have appropriate strategies in place during the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

school day to provide them with a positive educational experience. Staff foster a family-like environment where young people are relaxed and comfortable living in a group whilst making secure attachments. Young people respond positively in this setting with some showing immense improvement in their behaviour as their confidence and self-esteem develops. Such progress influences other areas of their lives as they take pride in their appearance, are more able to participate in social activities and start to realise their true potential. One young person has been voted newsletter editor at school, another is playing for a local rugby team. Group meetings are frequent with staff encouraging young people to voice their opinions and views, not just on matters affecting their daily life at the home, but on wider issues of topical interest. A weekly young people’s newspaper prompts discussion about current affairs. A news item about the possible shortage of

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

chocolate gave rise to much debate. Protecting young people’s welfare is central to all practice within the home. Staff are well-trained in safeguarding matters, aware of the dangers young people face and implement targeted key working to raise their awareness and understanding of keeping themselves safe. Detailed quarterly monitoring reports by the Registered Manager and comprehensive external monthly monitoring ensures that high standards of care are maintained. The Registered Manager is keen to continue to improve the home, both the physical environment and the support staff provide for young people to succeed and fulfil their potential.

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Information about this children's home

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by a private organisation. It offers therapeutic residential care.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

12/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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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