Children's Home run by Trafford Borough Council in Trafford

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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, in December 2015, there have been a number of positive developments. A new manager was appointed in January 2016 and is awaiting registration. She brings with her experience, drive, enthusiasm and commitment. Since the last inspection, she has reshaped how the home runs. This continues to have an immensely positive impact on both the young people resident in the home and the staff team. The new manager is driving forward new and innovative ways to ensure the safety of all young people. Monthly workshops chaired by external agencies such as the police, support agencies and health professionals, including the education commissioner, are well attended by young people. The workshops help young people both to understand the work that goes into keeping them safe and provide effective strategies to help them to remain safe. The manager holds regular drop-in sessions to enable the young people to discuss

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

matters pertinent to them. This has proved valuable in the development of positive, trusting relationships. Consequently, young people are more settled and there has been a significant reduction in episodes of going missing from the home. All young people have consistent educational placements. Three residents have secured further educational placements for September and one young person is on the way to joining the armed forces. Young people thrive in an environment with positive structures and routines, and say, ‘I love it here. We all get on so well. The staff are great. I am looking forward to September.’ Behaviour management systems are further developed. Positive reinforcement and the development of positive social engagement are key attributes in how young people reflect on negative behaviours. Young people receive regular certificates for the smallest positive achievements. The manager said, ‘They love it. We post them

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

under their door at night so they wake up feeling positive. It helps them to see that we are really proud of them.’ Likewise, the home is decorated by young people with posters and pictures, reflecting positive changes in their lives. Young people are calm, relaxed and happy in the home. Young people now enjoy daily activities including wall climbing, skating, hill walking and visits to places of interest. They engage well and are keen to try out new and exciting opportunities. The manager said, ‘We are planning a camping trip and everyone is really excited. It is going to be so much fun.’ Consequently, young people feel completely involved in both the home and community. Equality and diversity are significantly improved in the home. Young people benefit from regular sessions that address inequalities, and also learn about different faiths and cultures. Each young person has their own book about them – who they are

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

and where they are from. This book includes photographs and stories to enable young people to develop a sense of self and to celebrate their individuality. Likewise, memory boxes, personalised mugs and planting individual trees really enable young people to develop a sense of belonging. Both the interior and exterior of the home are significantly improved. Young people enjoyed showing me around, particularly to see their ‘state-of-the-art’ bathrooms and individualised bedrooms. Further developments include a new kitchen, new designer living room furniture and new garden furniture. Young people clearly take pride in their home. The new manager has reviewed and improved many of the systems for recording the work undertaken with the young people in the home. For example, young people now have a child-friendly care plan which they review regularly with their individual key worker. Furthermore, key workers now ensure that work is targeted

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

to meet the individual goals of young people’s care plans. This ensures that young people and staff can track progress and revise their work programme, where necessary.

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Information about this children's home

The children’s home is maintained by a local authority and registered to provide six places for young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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What does the children's home need to do to improve?

There are no requirements or recommendations made at this inspection.

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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

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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