Children's home run by Five Rivers Child Care Limited in Wiltshire

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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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

A judgement of Good occurred at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judge that it has Sustained effectiveness .

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The home has successfully addressed the two recommendations that resulted from the full inspection. Firstly, the service has commissioned an advocate specifically for completing independent return to care interviews. This provides young people with support and advocacy at an extremely vulnerable time. Secondly, managers have attempted to build relationships with the host local authority. They have requested access to youth offending services. This ensures full support for young people in contact with the criminal justice system. There are no requirements or recommendations resulting from this inspection.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Feedback from professionals remains positive, one commented, ‘Thank you for your care and devotion’ and another, ‘There is a real atmosphere of calm in the house.’

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The registration process for the interim manager has been finalised during this inspection. He continues to lead a vibrant, permanent staff team who are committed to achieving best outcomes for young people.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The living space in the home has improved. Young people now benefit from an open plan kitchen and dining area, which supports a family atmosphere during meals. They respond well to this.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Staff morale is high in the home, where managers support a culture of learning and development. Two staff members from within the existing team have received promotions to senior positions. This has acted as a major motivator. Staff benefit from comprehensive training and monthly clinical supervision. This develops their level of understanding of presenting behaviours. One staff commented, ‘It opened up my eyes and allowed me to reflect.’

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Outcomes in the home remain positive, despite the time-limited duration of the placements. Managers ensure that young people receive and make visits to and from receiving placements. This helps to prepare them effectively for transition and alleviate anxieties. Admissions to the home remain well managed. Managers scrutinise and thoroughly risk assess each referral. Despite registration for six young people, occupation levels rarely exceed two young people on a minimum of one to one supervision. This allows for close monitoring and support.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Behaviour in the home remains good, restraints are limited and there have been no reported incidents of absconding. Positive praise is the focus of an effective behavioural management system. This helps to promote a positive atmosphere where young people engage well with staff.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

When restraints occur, managers investigate thoroughly and advise staff on alternative strategies to help avoid the situation being repeated. This allows staff to reflect on their verbal de-escalation techniques and keep young people safe.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Manager’s audit files on a regular basis to ensure case recording in the home remains of good quality and that young people are making progress.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Participation for young people remains good. They comment on behavioural support plans and have access to advocacy. This allows staff unique insight into any triggers or antecedents to behavioural outbursts and helps improve behaviour.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Young people learn to control risk-taking behaviours in the home. Excellent key work sessions outline the benefits of self-regulation skills, such as deep breathing and counting exercises. This reduces the level of anger outbursts. This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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Information about this children's home

This section should outline:  The children's home can accommodate up to six children and young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The registered provider of the service is a limited company. The home is unsuitable for young people with mobility difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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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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