Children's Home run by Heartwood RSW Ltd in Redbridge

Requires improvement

The children's home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

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The children's home provision requires improvement because:

 The lack of consistent leadership and management arrangements has resulted in shortfalls in all outcome areas. Ofsted has not received legal notification of the departure of the registered manager or the responsible individual.  The home does not provide young people with a wide range of activities tailored to their interests. Activities do not expand their experiences or enable them to make a positive contribution to the wider community.  Young people do not have meaningful opportunities for informal learning. This is particularly important for young people who are not attending school.  Sanction, restraint and complaint records do not meet regulatory requirements. This makes it difficult to monitor trends and patterns and to ensure that action taken is effective.  The home does not have a location risk assessment. Staff are not fully aware of the potential risks to young people in the neighbourhood.

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The children's home provision requires improvement because:

 Former managers have not implemented the new regulations and quality standards. The principles are not embedded in the home’s documentation and working practices. Young people’s care is not influenced by this guidance.  The home does not have a workforce development plan. Staff have not received a full induction to their new roles and do not benefit from constructive annual performance appraisals.  Ofsted has not been informed of all significant incidents. The statement of purpose also requires updating. All young people should have a children’s guide.  The home should provide a pleasant domestic atmosphere. The lounge has a broken sofa. Young people would like to personalise their bedrooms and for the rest of the house to look more ‘homely’.

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The children's home strengths

 The majority of involved professionals are impressed with the care and highly rate the service.  Some young people are making good educational progress and have clear career goals and aspirations for the future.  Young people benefit from a strong, resilient, experienced, well-qualified staff team. They care deeply about enriching children’s lives and wish to make a positive difference.  New leaders and managers are having a positive impact on the service. They are experienced individuals who are aware of the shortfalls and are determined to improve service delivery.  Independent consultants are currently undertaking a comprehensive service review. It is commendable that the organisation has invested in this audit. It demonstrates a recognition and willingness to address concerns.  Young people are learning the skills necessary for independence. They enjoy cooking and are able to make a range of international dishes.

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The children's home strengths

 Regular house meetings enable young people to contribute towards decision-making. They positively influence menu planning, which helps to promote healthy lifestyles.  Young people engage in key-work meetings, which enable them to explore personal and practical issues. Young people are making positive choices and learning self-responsibility.  There are no current issues with young people going missing. Young people constructively influence their behaviour management plans and reward agreements. They take pride in working towards incentives that are meaningful to them.  The home has an exceptional relationship with neighbours, which enables young people to feel part of their local community.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that must be taken so that the registered persons meet 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 persons must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the education standard, the registered person must ensure (2)(a)that staff: (v) promote opportunities for young people to learn informally; (viii) help a child of compulsory school age but not attending school to access educational training and support; and (b) that each child has access to resources to support the child's learning. 1 October

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Requirement Due date

9: The enjoyment and achievement standard

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the enjoyment and achievement standard, the registered person must ensure (2)(a) that staff help each child to (ii) participate in activities which meet and expand the child's interests and preferences; and (iii) make a positive contribution to the wider community. 1 October

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must review the appropriateness and suitability of the location of the premises at least once in each calendar year. (Regulation 46(1)) 1 October

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that within 24 hours of a measure of control, discipline or restraint a record is made which includes all required information. (Regulation 35(3)) 1 October

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that each employee completes an appropriate induction. (Regulation 33(1)(a)) 1 October

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must give notice in writing to Ofsted if (a) a person other than the registered person carries on or manages the home; (b) a person ceases to carry on or manage the home (Regulation 49(2)(a)(b)) 1 October The registered person must ensure that a record is made of the action taken in response to and the outcome of any complaint. Regulation 39(3)) 1 October

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must revise the statement of purpose. (Regulation 16(3)(a)) 1 October

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must have regard to the quality standards. (Regulation 15) 1 October

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendations:  Ensure that the children's guide is made available to all children when their placement in the home is agreed (or on arrival at the home if the placement is made in an emergency). (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 24, paragraph 4.21)  Provide a homely domestic environment, where children’s bedrooms are personalised and all furniture is in good condition. This specifically refers to the broken sofa. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)  Ensure that all staff have their performance and fitness to carry out their role formally appraised at least once annually. This appraisal should take into account, when reasonable and practical, the views of other professionals who

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Recommendations

have worked with the staff member over the year and the children in the home's care. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.5)  Compile a workforce development plan. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.8)

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Information about this children's home

This is a privately owned children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for five children, irrespective of gender, who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

08/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

13/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Requires improvement

Young people say they are reasonably happy living at the home. One stated that they ‘love’ living here. They acknowledge the support given to help them to form new friendships and make better life choices. Feedback from professionals is variable. Two described the overall service as ‘excellent’. A parent stated that the home ‘could be better’ and staff more ‘proactive’. They highlighted the ‘lack of structure’, as being a concerning issue. An involved professional stated, ‘More needs to be done to care for, nurture and build productive relationships’ with young people. Although young people are generally settled, they expressed that it is ‘boring here’. They have the opportunity to pursue their interests, an example being going to the music studio. Staff do not consistently tailor activities to individual hobbies and interests. Activities are generally basic, for example going to the cinema. They have enjoyed a trip to a theme park and staff encourage them to join the local

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Requires improvement

youth club. Activities do not expand young people’s experiences, and they do not have opportunities to make a positive contribution to the wider community. Young people progress and achievement in education is varied. Not all young people are in education, and the home does not provide sufficient opportunities for informal learning. Although a computer is available, there are limited resources to enhance young people’s intellectual or vocational skills. This means young people are not fully supported to develop their learning and experiences. Some young people are doing exceptionally well academically. This has been recognised at their placing authority award ceremony. Their aspirations for the future are commendable. The school described this as ‘excellent all round effort.’ Young people have their own rooms, which are suitably furnished. There is sufficient storage and a desk for private study. Young people have a television in

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Requires improvement

their room, enabling them to watch programmes of their choice. There is a choice of communal television lounges. The paved garden has wooden seating, enabling young people to spend time outdoors. Young people would like the premises to be ‘more homely’. They would like to decorate and personalise their rooms and for photographs to be on display throughout the building. One lounge has a broken sofa, which needs attention in order to provide a pleasant, domestic environment Young people principally wish to lead healthy lifestyles. They are instrumental in the improved nutritious diet. Young people practise their independent living skills. A favourite pastime is cooking. They take pride in their ability to make a range of international dishes. Young people receive support from relevant health professionals. They receive encouragement to participate in regular exercise, an example being joining a gym. Young people influence decision-making for

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Requires improvement

individual and collective issues. They positively contribute towards menu and activity planning and purchases for the home. Young people positively engage in key-work sessions, which enable them to explore personal and practical issues. An independent reviewing officer expressed their satisfaction with their young person’s ‘progress, change and reflection’. They highlighted that this is the ‘best placement’ that their young person has had. Staff facilitate contact with parents and can assist with supervising meetings. Young people receive encouragement to make gifts for special occasions, such as mother’s day.

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Requires improvement

The recording of restraints and sanctions does not meet regulatory requirements. It is difficult to monitor the trends and patterns and whether interventions are effective. A location risk assessment is unavailable. There is an absence of knowledge regarding the appropriateness and suitability of the local area. Staff are, therefore, not fully aware of the potential risks to young people. Young people feel safe and they learn the importance of personal safety, self- responsibility and being respectful. They deepen their awareness of cyber bullying and the need for internet safety. There is evidence of young people making positive choices. For example, young people are no longer involved in gang activity. There is a satisfactory selection of polices to address safeguarding issues, including child sexual exploitation, radicalisation, gangs, missing and weapons. Individual behaviour management plans assist staff by outlining the respective

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Requires improvement

young person’s triggers and de-escalation techniques. Young people agree to the content of their plans, which includes the type of physical intervention to be used in an emergency. Behaviour reward agreements are personal to each young person. They take pride in working towards receiving meaningful items of their choice. Young people also learn to take responsibility for their actions, for example apologising for their behaviour. There are currently no issues with young people going missing. Leaders and managers carefully consider potential placements. This helps to ensure that new admissions do not have a detrimental impact on the young people already living there. The organisation introduces changes to improve safeguarding arrangements. Examples are the introduction of appropriately located closed circuit television and waking night staff. The home blends into the residential area. Staff have an exceptionally good

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Requires improvement

relationship with neighbours. This positively impacts on young people as they are made to feel part of the local community. Examples of this inclusiveness are the young people’s being given edible gifts at Easter and Eid. Certificates and regular checks confirm the safety of the physical environment. The thorough recruitment of staff additionally helps to provide a safe atmosphere.

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Requires improvement

The organisation is aware of the weaknesses in practice. Most notably those linked to the inconsistent leadership and management arrangements. Independent consultants are currently undertaking a comprehensive service review. They have highlighted systemic failures in the home and are identifying the necessary action to address service development. It is commendable that the organisation has invested in this audit. It demonstrates a recognition and willingness to address concerns and to establish a firm foundation to build on. The registered manager and the responsible individual have left the organisation. The organisation has attempted to inform Ofsted in writing of the changes in leadership and management. They endeavoured to use the online process, but details of changes had not been received. The lack of leadership and guidance has impacted on every aspect of this inspection. The statement of purpose is currently

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Requires improvement

under review. Former managers did not implement the new regulations and quality standards. Staff were unaware of the quality standards, and the principles are not embedded in the home’s documentation and working practices. This results in young people not receiving care that reflects best practice. Complaint records do not detail the outcome or details of any investigation. Ofsted has not been notified of all significant incidents, although details have been shared with placing authorities. New managers who demonstrate a sound determination to improve service delivery are in post. Staff describe the new manager as ‘brilliant’. A social worker highlighted that they are ‘impressed’ with the new manager, whom they describe as being ‘highly accessible and helpful’. This individual has approximately twenty years’ social care experience, working extensively with families, youth services, equalities and inclusion. They have sound management experience, which includes

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Requires improvement

developing new integrated services. Young people benefit from a strong, resilient staff team. The staff team expressed their views that they have felt pressurised, unappreciated and unsupported. Despite the lack of consistent leadership, they have ensured that they deliver an adequate service. Young people respond well to the gender-balanced staff team. Social workers describe staff as ‘friendly and efficient’, ‘polite and professional’ and ‘supportive’. The new manager feels that the staff team is a key strength, having ‘carried’ the service through a turbulent time. Staff are suitably qualified. The vast majority have the recommended vocational training. Ongoing basic mandatory training further equips them for their roles. The home does not have a workforce development plan. There is a lack of vision regarding the continued professional development of staff. Inconsistent leadership has also had an impact on staff inductions. Staff new to their respective roles have

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Requires improvement

not been given the expected level of induction. They have had to rely on their previous skills and experience in order to manage children’s needs effectively. The majority of recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed. Young people benefit from the improved admission process. New referrals are only accepted if the home is able to meet their needs. This helps to ensure that inappropriate placements do not affect the stability of other young people. Improvements in record-keeping ensure that case files offer a clear, objective reflection of staff intervention. The recommendation regarding staff appraisals has been repeated. The organisation is aware of the shortfalls, and there are plans in place to further improve.

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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 children looked after 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 that 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 that 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 whom 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

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

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