Children's home run by Icare Children’s Services Limited

Good

The children's home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people make progress as a result of the help and assistance that they receive from staff at the home.  Staff are motivated and committed to ensuring that young people make and sustain progress.  Partnership working is strong.  Education is prioritised, and young people progress.  Young people develop positive relationships with staff.  Young people enjoy a range of activities relevant to their ages and interests.  Safeguarding practice is good.  There have been staff changes, but the team is cohesive.  Relationships between young people, their families and friends are promoted.  Managers have effective systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of service offered to young people.  Some shortfalls identified include: − There are gaps in staff employment history. − Not all staff having achieved the relevant staff qualification for working in a children’s home. − Not all staff have completed medication training.

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The children's home provision is good because:

− Not all staff are aware of the home’s contingency plan in the event of a disaster. − A document from a young person’s file is missing. − Improvements in the home and garden are not complete.

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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 must ensure that full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. In particular, ensure a full, written employment history, together with a satisfactory explanation of any gaps in employment, in writing. (Regulation 32(3)(d). 27 May 2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that an individual who works in a care home in a care role has the appropriate qualification if, by the relevant date, the individual has attained (4)(a) the level 3 diploma for residential childcare (England) (‘the level 3 Diploma’). The relevant date is (5)(b) in the case of an individual who was working in a care role in a home on 1 April 2014, 1 April 2016 (Regulation 32(4)(a)(5)(b)). 24 June 2016

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain records (case records) for each child, which (a) include the information and documents listed in Schedule 3 in relation to each child, in particular a copy of the child's looked- after child health review (Regulation 36(1)(a)). 27 May 2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendations:

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Recommendations

 Ensure that young people live in an environment that meets their basic day-to- day needs. In particular, ensure that improvements to the home and garden environment are completed (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.7).  Ensure that staff can access appropriate facilities and resources to support their training needs, and understand the key role that they play in the training and development of staff practice, in particular, that they complete medication training (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.11).  Ensure that staff understand arrangements for children in an emergency, including when a child has to move out of the home in an emergency situation (‘Guide to the children homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 58, paragraph 11.13).

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Information about this children's home

This privately owned children’s home provides care and accommodation for up to four young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.6

Good

Young people make progress in their welfare and development. This is underpinned by positive relationships between young people and staff. One young person said, ’It is OK here, I can talk to staff.’ Professionals were complimentary about the impact that the home has on young people. One said, ’He has settled wonderfully there. Staff are so responsive. They are making a difference.’ A particular strength is young people’s education. Staff work proactively and determinedly with other professionals to identify education placements. All young people have returned to school following placement at the home, even when they may have been out of school for a significant period. Young people’s learning and confidence about education improves. An education professional commented, ‘We work well together for his benefit. Good communication means that we keep each other informed about how the day has gone.’ Staff from the home and school

p.7

Good

speak to each other daily, so that each is prepared if there have been difficulties. Young people are supported, because staff are well informed. Young people maintain contact with their friends and families. When possible, friends visit young people at the home. Young people are supported in attending contact with their families so that they retain important relationships with their loved ones. One professional commented,’ He has progressed to the point that he is able to return home to family.’ Young people’s health is prioritised. Health surveillance takes place with relevant professionals, and when specialist services, such as therapeutic services, are needed, these are sought. Despite advice and guidance from staff, some young people continue to smoke and to use illicit substances. Managers and staff provide ongoing advice, guidance and support to assist young people. Young people enjoy good quality day-to-day life. They have daily planners outlining

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Good

activities, education, appointments and so on. Young people say that they go out, see friends, go out with staff and enjoy a varied lifestyle. Young people often arrive at the home in crisis, and staff are attuned to identifying their needs and providing appropriate nurturing and support. Young people develop an understanding of the rules and boundaries of the home, which leads to an increased understanding of self-regulation and responsibility. During times of crisis, damage occurs in the home, and there are areas of the home that need improvement. In addition, a large garden area is not fully developed, in order to allow young people to make the best use of their space. Managers, staff and young people are working together to complete repairs and refurbishment internally and externally. Young people develop appropriate self-care and independence skills in line with their ages and stages of development. Young people report that they enjoy

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Good

cooking. They prepare snacks. They look after their rooms and help staff to rectify damage where this has happened. Young people move towards their transition to young adulthood, prepared and equipped with essential life skills. Young people are involved in the day-to-day running of the home. They personalise their rooms to their own taste and are involved in decision making about activities and weekly menus. One said that he wanted to move to a smaller room, which he found preferable, and he is working with staff to redecorate and to prepare the new area. Staff listened carefully to one young person who is pleased that his bedroom door has an alarm, as this reinforces his sense of safety. His wishes were incorporated into his individual risk assessment.

p.8

Good

Young people are safe at the home because staff are knowledgeable about their needs and prioritise their safety. Staff work effectively together, and this consistent approach means that young people understand the rules and boundaries in place that promote their protection and well-being. Good communication between staff, young people and professionals ensures that all parties understand and address any emerging risks presented to or by young people. Social workers commented favourably about the proactive response to any risk-taking behaviour by young people. For example, staff involve community drug agencies to support young people’s substance misuse, and young people have one-to-one work with staff, in which staff advise and support them to make positive choices to change their behaviour. Young people rarely go missing from care and are not at risk of sexual exploitation. When young people have unauthorised absences, staff respond quickly and

p.8

Good

effectively, maximising young people’s safety. Staff have developed positive working relationships with local police officers, promoting good practice in relation to young people’s safety. Young people know that adults work together for their benefit. Staff work well together to promote positive behaviour. Young people are in distress and demonstrate challenging behaviour. Staff understand young people’s triggers and have effective strategies in place to support and de-escalate situations, leading to a calmer environment for all. Young people understand how staff will respond and they learn to self-regulate their emotions, resulting in a reduction in incidents. Young people say that they can approach staff and talk to them. They say that, while they may not agree with everything that staff say to them, they think that staff listen to their views, and understand them. One-to-one work with young people means that staff reinforce positive messages about young people’s

p.8

Good

progress, achievements and areas to work on. These improve young people’s insight, and increase self-esteem and understanding. Staff understand the risks of exploitation and gang affiliation and their impact on young people. Staff ensure that they know young people’s whereabouts and their friendship groups, and they are able to identify risk factors and to tackle these, taking action as necessary. When safeguarding issues have evolved in the home, as a result of the actions and behaviour of some young people, managers and staff analyse the impact on the young people’s group as a whole. Liaison with relevant agencies, resulting in the development of appropriate strategies and responses, means that all young people are effectively safeguarded. The registered manager ensures that regular health and safety checks are undertaken. This means that any identified hazard is rectified, promoting a safe environment for all. Young people participate in fire evacuations, which further

p.9

Good

The registered manager has a level 4 diploma in leadership and management. He is enrolled on the level 5 diploma. He has been the registered manager for the home since its opening. This is the first inspection following the home’s registration in October 2015. There have been a number of changes in the past seven months. The registered manager has appointed an interim manager who has applied to Ofsted to become the registered manager. The current registered manager will continue his role as responsible individual. The registered manager is working closely with the interim manager to ensure a smooth transition, beneficial for all young people and staff. There have been significant changes in staffing, and in the past few months, a stable group of staff has been in place, offering good-quality care to young people. Leaders and managers are prioritising team development to reinforce and improve further the quality of care offered to young people. Not all staff are suitably

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Good

qualified. The focus of the registered manager and team is the well-being and safety of young people. Young people have complex needs and staff value and respect each young person. Young people gain a sense of stability and nurturing because staff care about them and promote their self-confidence and self-respect. Managerial oversight and reviews mean that young people continue to progress from their starting points. Managers monitor plans and targets given to them by local authorities. Managers and staff discuss young people’s progress in team meetings and in supervision sessions. Ongoing reflection and review mean that progress is maximised as areas to work on are identified and plans swiftly put in place. Managers have improved record keeping at the home, ensuring that information is accessible and clear. Although most essential information is on young people’s files, looked after health plans are missing. This means that staff may not have all

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Good

relevant and up-to-date information specific to young people’s needs. Managers and staff have a good understanding of the purpose of the home, as set out in their statement of purpose. This is kept under review and amended when necessary, and a copy is sent to HCMI in a timely manner. Managers work closely with the monthly independent visitor and address shortfalls identified at the visits, in order to improve the quality of care for young people. In addition, managers scrutinise all aspects of the home’s running to improve the service. Managers have an understanding of the strengths of the home and areas for development, including consolidating and strengthening the staff team after a difficult period in the home, repairing and refurbishing the home following damage, enhancing the garden area for young people’s benefit, and completing initial staff training. Other areas include considering ways of enhancing young people’s

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Good

involvement in the running of the home and with their care planning, and improving young people’s participation in decision making concerning their lives. Managers work collaboratively with a range of other professionals and external agencies. They use these networks to develop the service and to improve the quality of provision for young people. One professional said, ’We have a great working relationship with the home. Staff are keen to work with us. The young person is really well supported by staff.’ Managers encourage and promote good practice among staff. Staff take the initiative with new developments, for example, gathering relevant information about safeguarding issues, including research and practice in child sexual exploitation and young people involved in gang affiliation, and disseminate the information to colleagues, improving staff knowledge and understanding of young people’s needs. Others have developed a reviewing tool to analyse young people’s

p.10

Good

behaviour over a monthly period and to identify patterns and trends. This enables staff to develop appropriate responses and strategies for young people’s benefit. Managers have recently revised their supervision process and all staff now benefit from regular reflective supervision. This incorporates not only discussions about young people’s progress and teamwork, but also includes staff development needs and areas of progress. Not all staff have completed initial training in medication management, so that not all staff have the knowledge and skills to administer and store medication safely. This is identified as a priority by managers. Not all staff have the required qualifications to work in a children’s home. In cases where they have not gained the qualification, all staff are enrolled on courses, but not all staff have completed these within the requisite timescale. Recruitment and selection procedures are generally rigorous and mean that only

p.11

Good

suitable staff are employed to work with young people. However, the organisation does not always ensure that they have a complete work history of staff including employment histories. This means that the reasons why there are gaps in work history and what applicants have done during this time are not always clear. Consequently, not all elements of safeguarding young people are robustly maintained. In addition, the home does not have a contingency plan, identifying the steps that staff will take in an emergency. Staff need clear and concise guidance of steps to take in an emergency, so that any potential distress to young people is minimised.

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What the inspection judgements mean

The experiences and progress of children and young people are at the centre of the inspection. Inspectors will use their professional judgement to determine the weight and significance of their findings in this respect. The judgements included in the report are made against Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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What the inspection judgements mean

An outstanding children's home provides highly effective services that contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help and protection and care. Their progress exceeds expectations and is sustained over time. A good children's home provides effective services that help, protect and care for children and young people and have their welfare safeguarded and promoted. In a children's home that requires improvement , there are no widespread or serious failures that create or leave children being harmed or at risk of harm. The welfare of looked after children is safeguarded and promoted. Minimum requirements are in place, however, the children's home is not yet delivering good protection, help and care for children and young people. A children's home that is inadequate is providing services where there are widespread or serious failures that create or leave children and young people being

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What the inspection judgements mean

harmed or at risk of harm or result in children looked after not having their welfare safeguarded and promoted.

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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 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

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Information about this inspection

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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