Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Herefordshire

This monitoring visit

On 21 and 22 June 2016 Ofsted completed an unannounced full inspection of this home. Ofsted judged this home to be inadequate in all areas. At the time, there were concerns regarding a number of areas, including:  Inconsistencies in management and staff practice;  young people’s voices were not being heard;  there was a unplanned admission into the home;  young people did not have sufficient support or encouragement to achieve healthy lifestyles;  staff did not have the required training and skills to meet the young people’s needs;  staff did not challenge young people’s behaviour effectively, nor were behaviour management plans updated; and  recruitment checks were not being thoroughly completed. At this time, the manager remains in post and is in the process of applying to Ofsted to be registered manager. This has begun to give leadership and management greater consistency. One young person is now residing in the home and has recently moved back into

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This monitoring visit

the main house after it has been refurbished. The manager is not planning to admit any more young people at this time. Reconsideration will be given to this after Ofsted’s next full inspection. The team is fully staffed to meet the needs of one young person, and recruitment is ongoing to help build on a stable and consistent team in readiness for future admissions. There have been a number of significant improvements in the management of the home. Staff have undergone training, and further training is booked. For example, training on safeguarding has taken place, and further safeguarding training is booked. Key staff have undergone supervision training and supervision is now taking place regularly. Training in regards to key-working sessions is also underway. The key-working sessions are now meaningful for the young person and are being used to help the young person to have his voice heard. Efforts are being made to promote healthy living for the young person. The

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This monitoring visit

manager has invested in a large trampoline and other outdoor equipment. Regular activities are now taking place, and outdoor activities are promoted. For example, the young person has recently enjoyed a day at the beach and plans to visit a theme park soon. Behaviour management plans are now clear, and strong partnership working is taking place with the placing authority, to ensure that plans are agreed and well informed. These plans are updated, and it is intended that they will be further developed. A recent incident with the young person demonstrated that staff have a more skilled and consistent approach to behaviour management. Staff are now working together, and events are not escalating to unmanageable situations. This brings a sense of security for the young person as expectations are now clear. A complete audit of the recruitment is underway, and new systems are in place to ensure that safer recruitment procedures are followed. This helps to ensure the

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This monitoring visit

young person’s safety. All of the requirements from the last inspection have been met. However, due to the short time since the last inspection, there has not been the opportunity for the changes to be embedded into the everyday culture and practice of the home, and, therefore, the judgement of inadequate remains.

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Information about this children's home

The home accommodates up to seven young people, irrespective of gender, who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is run by a private company. The home’s statement of purpose indicates that the age range will be between 11 and 18 years of age.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the home since its last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. 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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