Children's Home run by Action for Children in Hertfordshire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since February 2015. She has the relevant qualifications and experience to manage the home, and has a clear vision for the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were three requirements and four recommendations made at the last full inspection. The manager is in the process of implementing monitoring systems to ensure that there is a clear insight into the effectiveness of care practice in the home. There was evidence that appraisals are due for completion over the next few months. Case records are being completed, but not all are signed by the author, therefore this requirement will be repeated. All recommendations have been met.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people continue to make good progress and have positive relationships with a staff team that know and understand their individual needs. The young people were observed coming into the home after school. They were greeted by staff, asked about their day and offered a drink. When asked if he was happy coming into the house, a non-verbal young person smiled and put his thumbs up. Others were seen having positive interaction with staff. A young person who used the service a few years ago has come back as a volunteer for one afternoon a week. He attended an interview, and all checks were completed and verified. Staff reported that he has been able to become a positive role model for the young people, and that he takes his role very seriously. To support him, a nominated member of staff works alongside him.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people have clear goals and targets. These are devised with input from parents, school and the young people, and are regularly reviewed. Staff complete daily case records, outlining what work has been undertaken during their stay. Staff were also observed during a handover shift, planning to support young people with goals and targets.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff understand the importance of celebrating young people’s achievements. There is an outcome board displaying certificates of achievement, and copies are sent home to parents.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff receive regular supervision, and commented that they find this supportive. The manager has also used supervision to support staff with any care practice issues and to monitor individual practice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work closely with education providers. They attend reviews, and work with schools when setting goals and targets for continuity. The manager has three- monthly meetings with headteachers to discuss communication and targets, and to share information.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been one sanction since the last inspection. Staff spoke to the young person about the reason for this, and supported him in being able to record his comment.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are good, clear care plans in place, which help and support staff when working with the young people. Each young person has a behaviour plan giving staff information about triggers and using distraction techniques. Staff follow these when young people display challenging or unwanted behaviours. This results in no physical interventions being used since the last full inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff understand the importance of keeping young people safe and are aware of who to report concerns to. All staff have completed e-learning. The majority of staff have completed the local authority’s safeguarding training, there is a date set for other staff to attend in May. Safeguarding and child sexual exploitation is a standard item in both staff meetings and supervision.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no reports of young people going missing. Each young person has a grab pack, which staff take when going into the community. This has all the relevant information needed should a young person go missing. The local police office regularly visits the home. He has attended young people’s meetings to talk to them about how they can keep themselves safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff understand how difficult it can be for young people to transition into the home. Young people identified that the entrance porch did not feel welcoming. They were able to choose electric blinds and decor. There is information for both parents and young people along with photos of staff, how to complain in picture exchange communication systems (PECS) and photo albums showing young people participating in a wide variety of activities both in the home and in the community. Young people are able to spend time in this area until they feel ready to transition into the rest of the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The environment is safe and there are appropriate locks on doors and windows. The manager has changed the protocol for staff carrying keys after a young person recently picked up staff keys and opened the front door. Bedroom doors have alarms on to alert night staff if young people get up. These are not used for all young people, but there are no consent forms on file from parents agreeing to their use.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are monthly visits from an independent visitor who completes a report for the manager. However, there is no evidence that an assessment is made about how the home protects and safeguards the young people. There are no consent forms on file giving the regulation visitor permission from parents or social workers to access young people files.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has a warm nurturing feeling, and decorated to a good standard, the young people have been involved in choosing décor and pictures. The kitchen has been adapted so that wheelchair users can prepare snacks or help cook dinner. Young people have been consulted about pictures and bedding for the bedrooms which are bright and welcoming. Staff personalise these before young people arrive taking into account their ages and preferences, for example, older young people may have a television in their room. Staff put a photo outside their bedroom during their stay so they can identify their room and gives it some personalisation.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is information in PECS around the home informing young people of how to complain as well as fire evacuation. There are photos of young people on activities. Young people’s meetings are in PECS and displayed in the corridor. There are photos of staff on duty meaning that young people are able to identify who will be working with them during their stay.

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Information about this children's home

The service is managed by a large charitable organisation. It provides short breaks for up to six children with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

16/06/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

08/07/2014 Interim Sustained 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 ‘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 must maintain records ("case records") which are kept up to date and are signed and dated by the author of each entry. (Regulation 36 (1) (b) (c)) 31/05/16

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Requirement Due date

Ensure an independent person inspects such of the home’s records as the may be required. In particular seek permission from placing authorities to review their records when relevant. (Regulation 44 (2)(b)) 31/05/16

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Requirement Due date

The registered person may only use devices for the monitoring or surveillance of children if the child’s placing authority consents in writing to the monitoring or surveillance. (Regulation 24 (b)) 31/01/16

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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 ‘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 0300 123 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, work- based 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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