Social care · Social care interim inspection
Children's home run by Hull City Council in Kingston upon Hull, City of
Summary
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- Inspection date verified
19 Feb 2016
- Inspectors verified
Jacqueline Malcolm
- Postcode verified
HU1 2AA
- URN verified
SC034706
Deep dive
What this report says
In plain English
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Tone of the report
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In line with other reports of this type.
How the report reads, start to finish
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Strengths
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- The staff team have followed improved risk management strategies, which help them to consistently support young people and talk to them about the risks to their safety and wellbeing. p.2
- He remains in touch with the staff team, which is testament to his positive relationships with these positive role models. p.2
Concerns
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- In some cases the risks have been too great and the placement has been rendered unsafe. p.2
- The staff members attend the police liaison and multi-agency meetings which help ensure the appropriate safeguards for young people who place themselves at risk of harm are in place. p.2
- Young people who have engaged in serious and risky behaviours have been protected as far as possible by staff who have effectively acted on the concerns in communication with the police, social care and safeguarding professionals. p.2
- The practice with respect to considering and agreeing placements needs to embed the lessons learned from poor placement matching. p.3
Next steps
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- The independent person must produce a report about a visit (“the independent person‟s report”) which sets out, in particular, the independent person‟s opinion as to whether – (a) children are effectively safeguarded; and (b) the conduct of the home promotes children‟s well-being (Regulation 44 (4)(a)(b)). p.6
- In particular, ensure that the independent visitor provides an evaluative, rigorous report that shows clear consultation with the young people and staff. 31 May 2016 p.6
- In order to meet the care planning standard, with particular reference to considering the impact that a new placement will have on the existing group of children, ensure that staff produce written matching consideration and contingency plans so that children p.6
- 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. p.7
- This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection. p.7
What the report dwells on
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Anatomy of the report
How the report is built, against others of the same type and grade.
- Pages
- 8
- Words of findings
- 1,190
- longer than usual (typical 904)
- Reading level
- Hard
- Flesch 45, typical 48
- Average sentence
- 20 words
- Next steps
- 5
- typical 4
- Hedged sentences
- 5%
- “some”, “not always”, “most”…
Where the words go
Full report text
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
This home was judged Requires improvement at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .
p.2
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
The staff team has experienced a turbulent period managing some of the young people‟s risky and challenging behaviours. During this time young people have been placed and discharged within short timescales. This includes the two young people who were present at the last inspection who have since experienced planned and unplanned moves respectively. A new young person has been placed, alongside an existing young person and he is settling into the routines and boundaries. Preparations are being made for a new admission during an emerging settled period. The consistent and resilient staff team have remained committed to providing good quality care, help and protection to the young people.
p.2
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
Progress has been made to meet most of the requirements and one recommendation raised at the last inspection. A reviewed copy of the home‟s statement of purpose has been sent to Ofsted as required by the regulations. Notifications of significant incidents that involve young people have also been forwarded. This enables Ofsted to monitor the information and respond to any potential safeguarding matters. The provider has acted on the requirement and took action when the registered manager was absent for more than 28 days.
p.2
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
Young people who have engaged in serious and risky behaviours have been protected as far as possible by staff who have effectively acted on the concerns in communication with the police, social care and safeguarding professionals. The staff team have followed improved risk management strategies, which help them to consistently support young people and talk to them about the risks to their safety and wellbeing. In some cases the risks have been too great and the placement has been rendered unsafe. With respect to one of the young people who was moved in an emergency due to his risky behaviours his departure was conducted with sensitivity and care. He remains in touch with the staff team, which is testament to his positive relationships with these positive role models. The manager said, „We did something good, we did make a connection.‟
p.2
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
None of the current group of young people are at a known risk of child sexual exploitation. The staff members attend the police liaison and multi-agency meetings which help ensure the appropriate safeguards for young people who place themselves at risk of harm are in place.
p.2
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
The staff team are very sensitive to the needs of young people who are in trouble with the law. Their support and protection bears the hallmarks of good, non- judgmental practice. The manager said, „We will be there for him‟ when referring to a young person who is due to attend court. She speaks positively about the good things that have arisen from the young person‟s negative experience. For example, improved behaviour and strengthened relationships between the young person and staff has made it possible for more meaningful discussions to take place.
p.3
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
The practice with respect to considering and agreeing placements needs to embed the lessons learned from poor placement matching. This is reflected in the requirement and follows the making of a further placement that was not well matched with the existing group dynamics. The result was a violent incident between two young people, which resulted in the discharge of the young person who was admitted. The manager has since taken firm steps to address this issue. Her subsequent good planning in preparation for a current admission is resultant of her asserting her expectations about how future placements should be made. This is a positive development that promotes better outcomes for young people. Similarly, good, well-considered preparation and planning resulted in a positive outcome for one young person who was found his „Forever family.‟
p.3
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
Independent monitoring reports no longer show evidence of duplication of the contents. However, the reports do not include an unequivocal opinion from the visitor of whether young people are safeguarded and their welfare promoted. This requirement is repeated.
p.3
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
Missing from care incidents have decreased due to the change of dynamics and boundaries that the young people comply with in the home. The one recommendation that related to missing from care return home interviews has progressed. An advocacy worker visits the home at regular intervals. This provides young people with an opportunity to discuss their reasons for running away from home with an independent adult. Bullying is not a problem at the home, although staff do talk to young people about the negative impact of this behaviour. Physical intervention is only used to protect young people. The records are closely monitored to ensure they are safe and proportionate.
p.3
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
Young people benefit from good quality accommodation that has been redecorated and provides reveals a pleasant living space. Young people‟s personalised rooms and communal areas contribute to a physically safe and homely environment for them to live. Their wishes and feelings are listened to and acted on as appropriate. This enables them to contribute to the running of the home, their plans and the array of activities that they engage in and enjoy.
p.3
children and young people since the most recent full inspection
The manager‟s good oversight of care practices enables her to promote and challenge young people‟s access to services. This includes education; primary and specialist healthcare agencies, particularly when young people‟s engagement has been sporadic or the services have not been promptly delivered. Staff sickness has been covered within the team resources and although it has stretched them, no detriment has been caused to the young people‟s welfare. Notwithstanding this issue staff are committed to their continued professional development. This broadens their skills and the application of their learning benefits young people‟s outcomes. A staff development day held shortly after the last inspection enabled the team to take the time to review their current practice, improve consistency and raise standards.
p.3
Information about this children's home
This local authority managed children‟s home is registered to provide a service for five young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
p.5
Recent inspection history
Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement
p.5
Recent inspection history
4 November 2015 Full Requires improvement
p.5
Recent inspection history
19 February 2015 Interim Improved effectiveness
p.5
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.
p.6
Requirement Due date
The independent person must produce a report about a visit (“the independent person‟s report”) which sets out, in particular, the independent person‟s opinion as to whether – (a) children are effectively safeguarded; and (b) the conduct of the home promotes children‟s well-being (Regulation 44 (4)(a)(b)).
p.6
Requirement Due date
In particular, ensure that the independent visitor provides an evaluative, rigorous report that shows clear consultation with the young people and staff. 31 May 2016
p.6
Requirement Due date
14. In order to meet the care planning standard, with particular reference to considering the impact that a new placement will have on the existing group of children, ensure that staff produce written matching consideration and contingency plans so that children -
p.6
Requirement Due date
(1)(a) receive effectively planned care in or through the children's home; and (b) have a positive experience of arriving at or moving on from the home. 31 May 2016
p.6
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.
p.7
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.
p.7
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 .
p.7
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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