Children's Home run by Southern Adolescent Care Services Ltd in West Sussex

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

The recommendation made at the last inspection has been addressed. The organisation have employed a full-time male member of staff. Although not providing an even balance, this small increase has enabled young people to receive care from male as well as female staff when previously this opportunity was very limited. The human resources manager confirmed that future recruitment processes would continue to focus on the need for a better gender balance across the team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager continues to lead with enthusiasm, drive and commitment. Since the last inspection she has successfully completed the QCF Level 5 Leadership in Health & Social Care; Children & Young People Services. Staff say they receive, ‘great support’ from the manager and her senior team that enables them to focus on meeting the individual needs of young people. Social workers note that the Registered Manager maintains extremely good lines of communication that keeps them fully up to date with the progress made by young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Strategies to keep young people safe are effectively applied and in the main reduce their risks. The vulnerabilities of young people are well known with good strategies implemented to reduce them further. The police confirmed the home is pro-active in liaising with them where there are concerns of young people being at risk of exploitation. This has led to swift actions being taken when young people leave the home without permission which has resulted in their safe return to the home. On a few occasions the home has decided the risk levels of some young people have escalated to a point where their care and intervention has not had the desired impact. Where this has been so the home have worked alongside the young person concerned and their placing authority to assist in their transition to other children’s services.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

New staff are provided with a good level of induction which they say gives them a good insight into the needs of young people. They undertake key training including safeguarding, whistleblowing, restraint and the risks of child sexual exploitation, prior to them working full time in the home. Good on-going training opportunities ensure staff are generally kept up to date with relevant issues. However the schedule does not currently provide staff with training around all areas of risk, such as awareness of radicalisation.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people live in a home that provides them with a good standard of accommodation. The building has been suitably maintained inside and out. The newly decorated lounge area provides young people with a relaxed and comfortable environment. The garden is in good order with the addition of a large trampoline proving very popular.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Placement stability remains a priority in the home. While several young people have left the home in recent months others have lived there for long periods; in some cases for two years. These young people have made considerable progress from their starting points, have completed their education and made significant strides toward independence. For example one young person was supported to volunteer at a local paint ball centre to build up his experience which has subsequent led to paid employment. This has improved his confidence, self-esteem and indeed future career prospects. True

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Most young people say they benefit from living at the home and make progress. During the inspection some young people were unsettled and their comments reflected this. However other young people confirmed they felt safe and noted, ‘this is the best place I have lived in’. Feedback from social workers was very positive with comments including, ‘despite their challenging behaviour staff are focused on consistently helping (name of young person) keep safe and learn from their mistakes…although (name of young person) does not always want to engage the home do all they can to help her progress’.

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Information about this children's home

The setting is one of three homes operated by the same private organisation. This home accommodates six young people on a planned or emergency basis. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties of either gender.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

05/08/2014 CH - Interim declined in effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

27/03/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory 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 (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

the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that-ensure that staff have the necessary experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child; in particular that they receive appropriate training regarding the risks of radicalisation. (Regulation 13 (2) (c)) 14/09/2015

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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

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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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