Setting in North Northamptonshire

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

Managers have addressed the requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection. Managers ensure that they do not sign off restraint records when they are involved in the incident in question. This helps to maintain objectivity in the reviewing of significant events. The homes complaints process has improved to ensure all information is stored appropriately including any written responses to young people. The engagement of young people in their personal health care has increased. This results in young people receiving medical advice which in turn improves their physical well-being. A review of the use of sanctions has led to a less punitive approach. For example sanctions that lacked obvious impact, such as repeated loss of monies, are no longer applied. Staff now help young people to consider more restorative ways of responding to their negative behaviour. This includes doing chores around the home or repairing damage caused.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager continues to lead with enthusiasm, drive and commitment. The registered manager and her deputy our overseeing the development of a relatively new staff team. Staff say they receive, ‘great support and induction’ that enables them to focus on meeting the individual needs of young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Strategies to keep young people safe are effectively applied and reduce their risks. The vulnerabilities of young people are well known with good strategies implemented to reduce them further. Staff in the home liaise effectively with agencies, including the local police, to keep young people safe, for instance by raising concerns of young people who may be at risk of exploitation. This results in cohesive safety plans where swift actions ensure young people who leave without permission return safely.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

New staff are provided with a good level of induction which they say gives them a good insight into the needs of young people. They undertake key training including safeguarding, whistleblowing, restraint and the risks of child sexual exploitation. Good on-going training opportunities ensure staff are kept up to date with relevant issues such as awareness of radicalisation. Young people live in a home that provides them with a good standard of accommodation. The home is suitably maintained with the lounge area providing young people with a relaxed and comfortable environment.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Placement stability remains a priority in the home. When young people move on this is part of a planned transition, such as to semi-independent living. Moves have been successful with staff using the strength of relationship with young people to help them cope with obvious periods of high anxiety and stress. In some instances this has meant protecting them from self-destructive and dangerous behaviours including self-harm. The strength of the home in seeing transitions through ensured young people engaged with staff support to move on positively.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people say, ‘this is good place to live…staff are always available…it is chilled out’. Observations showed staff and young people sharing positive interactions in an atmosphere that is generally calm and relaxed.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides accommodation for up to two young people aged from eight to 17 years who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is operated and owned by a private organisation. The organisation also run a registered school that is situated nearby.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

10/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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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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