Children's home run by London Borough of Waltham Forest in Waltham Forest

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 home continues to provide a valued service for children and their parents. This service is evolving to take into account the changing needs of children. It is also extending to children from neighbouring local authorities. One parent noted how the home had made a, ‘huge difference’ to their child’s life. Another parent said their child, ‘loves his time’ at the home. Shortfalls on this occasion relate to record keeping.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager provides effective leadership and takes an instrumental role in the continuous drive for improvement. They have effectively addressed the one requirement from the last inspection. There is now a more structured system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the feedback and opinions of children and their parents. Children have greater influence which contributes to a service which is continually evolving to meet their needs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two of the five recommendations have been effectively addressed. The views of other professionals and children are being requested to inform staff appraisals. The recruitment of additional bank staff enables the service to effectively respond to unexpected events. This eliminates the need to cancel short breaks, which had a negative impact on children and their families.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are three recommendations from the last inspection have not been completed. The home is still required to have a workforce development plan which demonstrates how they will fulfil the requirements of their statement of purpose. Two recommendations relate to the children’s guide. This document should be available in a more accessible format suitable for children’s level of understanding. They should also have information regarding advocacy support and how to contact the Children's Commissioner. Staff are currently liaising with schools to ensure appropriate pictorial communication aids are used. These shortfalls do not place children at risk of harm.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children enjoy their short breaks. Especially when they have a chance to spend them with their friends. They decide the type of activities and foods they wish to have during each break. They celebrate birthdays and a range of festivals. There are lots of different events happening over the Easter holidays, which included an Easter egg hunt. Children participate in a range of activities within the home. Popular pastimes include using the music room, cooking and arts and crafts. The home provides a warm, welcoming environment. Photos of children throughout the home helps them feel part of a large extended family. Inspirational quotes and newspaper articles are also on display to motivate staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home excels in their strong partnership arrangements. In particular their work with other teams within the borough, other local authorities and educational establishments. The registered manager continues to attend borough wide safeguarding meetings. This enables them to increase their knowledge on key issues, an example being missing from care procedures. The service is more integrated and has a higher profile within the local authority. This provides access to a wider range of resources for children. Staff attend all educational reviews at each child’s respective school. This provides good continuity of care, through the sharing of information. This positively contributes towards care planning and builds on children’s strengths.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work in a very caring, child-focused empowering manner. A parent comments on the, ‘very welcoming, friendly and supportive’ staff. There is a fervent understanding of each child and their review reports are an excellent demonstration of this. Reports concisely detail children’s skills and progress and photographs clearly illustrate their achievements. Parents proudly confirm how staff support their children to develop independence and self-care skills and confidence. Parents appreciate the management of health needs and support through adolescent years. Children learn valued life, behavioural and social skills. They assist staff with shopping, cooking and household chores. A parent highlights their child ‘is able to learn life skills in a happy and caring setting.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example in raising their awareness in regards to road safety and stranger danger. Occasionally staff have to sanction a child to help them understand appropriate standards of behaviour. There are also instances when staff have to physically restrain children to protect them from injury to themselves or others. However records of restraint do not always detail all the required information. For instance they do not routinely detail whether the staff member has spoken to the child about the using a physical intervention. This shortfall means opportunities to help children understand the reasons behind their action maybe lost.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a high level of professionalism amongst the staff team. Senior support staff participate in management meetings which raises their competence and changes their mind-set. Staff are forward thinking and demonstrate a commitment to improving the service for children. Staff continue to expand their skills through a range of training events. There are now accredited behaviour management instructors on site, who help to promote good practice. New children to the home have a tailored introduction. This includes an initial visit that enables them to settle at their own pace. On leaving the home children have a party and gifts, which marks the occasion in a meaningful way. Photos of their time at the home creatively documents their memorable experiences. Children can also benefit from outreach work and day care if they no longer qualify for overnight stays. Staff additionally work in partnership with colleagues to assist

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Information about this children's home

This is a local authority managed short break service for eight children who have a learning or physical disability.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

06/03/2015 Interim improved effectiveness

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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

35: Behaviour management policies and records

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that within 5 days of the sanction or restraint they or a person authorised by them has spoken to the child about the measure. (Regulation 35 (3) (c)) 01/06/2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain records for each child which include the information and documents listed in Schedule 3. (Regulation 36 (1) (a)) 01/07/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure the children's guide is provided in an accessible format. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 24 paragraph 4.21)

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Recommendations

 Ensure the children's guide helps children understand how they can access advocacy support and the Office of the Children's Commissioner. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 24 paragraph 4.22)

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Recommendations

 Ensure there is a workforce development plan which can fulfil the requirements of the statement of purpose. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 53 paragraph 10.8)

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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

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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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