Children's Home run by Pilgrims Corner Limited in Kent

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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The last inspection took place in March 2016 and no requirements or recommendations were made. Since the last inspection, one young person has left and one has joined the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and staff have undertaken training, which has focused on making risk assessments more collaborative and meaningful for young people. This has led to young people gaining increased understanding of the times when they are more at risk and, through working with staff, have begun to positively shape their behaviours and reduce this risk.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have worked closely with one young person and negotiated how they can support her to have free time in the community while keeping her safe. She now goes out locally while staff supervise from a distance. As a result she no longer goes missing.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff carefully evaluate known information about young people’s histories to ensure that their transitions into the home are successful. This information is then discussed with young people enabling them to understand how their needs have been assessed. Young people can see how their views have influenced and shaped their care and they become more confident to express themselves. One young person said, ‘I am safe, staff keep me safe and staff look after me.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A review of behaviour management practices has placed a stronger focus on young people’s role in managing their own behaviour. The emphasis has shifted from staff managing this to young people managing, with guidance, their own behaviour. This has been effective and sanctions are uncommon because staff and young people have learnt to negotiate and de-escalate matters within clear and agreed boundaries resulting in significant improvements in behaviour.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

During the inspection, staff used de-escalation techniques to successfully and sensitively mange a young person’s deteriorating behaviour. Staff re-enforce expectations of boundaries in a respectful and considerate manner. A young person said, ‘I haven't been naughty since I've been here, staff talk to me and help me to stop myself from losing control’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Where young people have previously been violent prior to moving in, this has ceased. Where they have lacked the skills to negotiate, they have gained these essential skills through forming meaningful relationships with staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person, prior to placement, had found it difficult to socialise with others and consequently spent excessive time alone in their bedroom. Staff have used a wide range of techniques including board games to help the young person learn to manage money, develop strategies to cope with winning and losing, and improve social skills. This young person now rarely wants to spend time alone. The social worker commented, ‘She really gets on with staff and wants to spend time with them, this was not the case prior to placement’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has also looked at the individual young person's needs and how they are best met. As a result, they have taken the decision to suspend further placements while staff focus on supporting this young person. This is a significant commitment and demonstrates the importance the registered manager and organisation places on providing stability and putting the needs of young people first.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection staff have increasingly focused on promoting health. This has been achieved through talking about heathy lifestyles, reading books and watching programmes that promote health. Young people now know what makes a good diet and enjoy an excellent range of home-cooked meals which they help plan, prepare and cook. Staff have made planning and preparing meals fun, a young person who previously refused fruit and vegetables now chooses to cook and eat them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Self-care promotion has helped young people who previously had less regard for their care to now maintain their personal hygiene and attend the doctors, optician's and dentists. A placing social worker said ‘This young person is now taking a real interest in their health and looking after themselves, this is a remarkable and significant improvement’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A review of preparation for adulthood planning has taken place since the last inspection. Staff now steer away from broader outcomes towards more specific targets and achievable goals. These plans are ambitious, challenging and enable them to build their self-confidence through their achievements.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A permanent registered manager remains at the home, effectively monitoring the quality of care and positively influencing improvements. The home remains stable and calm providing a good standard of care and support to the young people.

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Information about this children's home

The home is registered for two for children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties (EBD). The home is privately owned and is one of four within the organisation. The home is located within easy access to all local services and facilities. The company also own a school which some of young people may access.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

23 February 2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

04 February 2015 Interim Sustained 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 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 inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the

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Information about this inspection

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 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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