Children's Home run by Fairways Care (UK) Limited in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Good

The children's home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Introductions to this home are well planned. The impact of new residents is appropriately risk assessed including the views of existing residents prior to any admission.  Leaders, managers and staff in the home have high expectations for the young people. They support them to have high aspirations for themselves and assist them to attain their goals.  The young people are cared for by staff who are committed to meeting their individual needs. Young people say they feel safe; they live in a safe environment and become increasingly safe because of the actions staff take to support and protect them.  Staff provide consistent care and routines for the young people who have positive nurturing relationships with them. Behaviour is managed well through trusting relationships with the care staff. Young people are encouraged and supported to learn from their mistakes so they are not repeated.  The young people are able to recognise a trusted adult who they can talk to about

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The children's home provision is good because:

any concerns. They say that staff listen to them, take their concerns seriously and make efforts to accommodate their views wishes and feelings where possible.  The young people are encouraged to attend all meetings, including care planning and education meetings. They are supported to actively participate in day-to-day decisions about their lives.  The young people are supported to maintain positive contact with important people in their lives. This enables them to sustain family and social links as appropriate and preserve their identity.  Transitions for young people are well supported and positively managed to enable young people to maintain existing, and develop new, positive attachments.  There is good collaborative working with all care partners. This includes police, social care, health and education providers. This has led to improvements in outcomes for young people.  The communication between the home, parents, carers and professionals is very

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The children's home provision is good because:

good, the home collects regular feedback from consultations with them which is very positive.  Shortfalls have been identified in this inspection which do not directly impact on the care or safety of the young people. The leadership and management of the home were taking action to address the shortfalls identified in this inspection at the time.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets 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 person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

7.The children's views, wishes and feelings standard

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the children's views wishes and feeling standard (2) The standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to— (b) ensure that each child— (iii) is given appropriate advocacy support;

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Requirement Due date

In Particular: This is in relation to young people being encouraged to add their views and comments to the record of restraint. They should be offered the opportunity to access an advocacy support to help them with this.

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Requirement Due date

(1) The registered person must compile in relation to the children's home a statement ("the statement of purpose") which covers the matters listed in Schedule 1. (3) The registered person must— (a) keep the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it; and (b) notify HMCI of any revisions and send HMCI a copy of the revised statement within 28 days of the revision. (4) If a home has a website, the registered person must ensure that a copy of the statement of purpose is published on that website unless the registered person considers that such publication would prejudice the welfare of children in the home.

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Requirement Due date

In particular: Schedule 1 Protection of children 16. A description of the home's approach to the monitoring and surveillance of children. 17. Details of the home's approach to behavioural support, including information about— (a) the home's approach to restraint in relation to children; and 28/02/2016 (b) how persons working in the home are trained in restraint and how their competence is assessed.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 16(3)(a)(b)(4) (Schedule 1 - (16) (17) (a) (b))

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Requirement Due date

Regulation 21: Privacy and access (1)The registered person must ensure that— (a) the privacy of children is appropriately protected; (b) children can access all appropriate areas of the children’s home’s premises; and (c) any limitation placed on a child’s privacy or access to any area of the home’s premises— (i) is intended to safeguard each child accommodated in the home; (ii) is necessary and proportionate; (iii) is kept under review and, if necessary, revised; and (iv) allows children as much freedom as is possible when balanced against the need to protect them and keep them safe.

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Requirement Due date

In Particular: This is in relation to the kitchen door of the home being locked from 21:00 hours and young people not being allowed access without the permission of staff. And In relation to audible door alarms on the front door of the home and each of the young people’s bedroom doors announcing when the door has been opened. This is not individually risk assessed, is intrusive and invades the privacy of young people.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 21 (1) (a)(b)(c)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)) 28/02/2016

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Requirement Due date

Regulation 22: Contact and access to communications

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Requirement Due date

(1) The registered person must ensure that suitable facilities are provided within the children's home for any child accommodated there- (3) Subject to paragraph (5), the registered person must ensure that children are provided at all reasonable times with access to the following facilities which they may use without reference to persons working in the home— (a) a telephone on which to make and receive telephone calls in private; and (b) facilities to send and receive post and, if the necessary facilities are provided for the use of children, electronic mail, in private. (4) The registered person must ensure that a disabled child accommodated in the home is provided with access to such aids and equipment as the child may require as a result of the child's disability in order to facilitate the child's communication with other persons. 28/02/2016 In particular: This relates to the use of a telephone and access to email without asking

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Requirement Due date

staff for permission first. Also The home’s computer is highly filtered and password protected. There is also an electronic key logger attached to the young person’s computer. This is a blanket policy which is not individually risk assessed. (Regulation 22 (1)(3)(a)(b) (4))

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Requirement Due date

Regulation 24: : Monitoring and surveillance

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Requirement Due date

(1) The registered person may only use devices for the monitoring or surveillance of children if— (a) the monitoring or surveillance is for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child concerned, or other children; (b) the child’s placing authority consents in writing to the monitoring or surveillance; (c) so far as reasonably practicable in the light of the child’s age and understanding, the child is informed in advance of the intention to do the monitoring or surveillance; and (d) the monitoring or surveillance is no more intrusive than necessary, having regard to the child’s need for privacy.

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Requirement Due date

In particular: This is in relation to the home having no policy for the use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) which is present on the approaches to the home.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 24 (1) (a)(b)(c)(d)) 28/02/2016

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Requirement Due date

Regulation 34. Policies for the protection of children

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Requirement Due date

(1) The registered person must prepare and implement a policy which— (4) The registered person must prepare and implement a policy ("the missing child policy")setting out— (b) the procedures to be followed, and the roles and responsibilities of persons working at the home, in relation to a child who is, or has been, so absent. (5) Before implementing, or making an amendment which the registered person considers to be substantive to, the missing child policy, the registered person must— (a) consult, and take into account the views of, each relevant person; and (b) have regard to any relevant local authority or police protocols on missing children. (6) The registered person must keep under review and, as necessary, revise the home's child protection policies. 28/02/2016 In particular: The home’s policies and procedures around the protection of children should reflect any requirements of other relevant legislation. Statutory

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Requirement Due date

guidance on children who run away or go missing from home or care should be referred to I ndependent return home interviews should be offered and recorded.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 34 (1) (4) (b)(5) (a) (b) (6))

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Requirement Due date

Regulation 40: (4) The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if— (a) a child is involved in or subject to, or is suspected of being involved in or subject to, sexual exploitation; (d) a child protection enquiry involving a child — (i) is instigated; or (ii) concludes (in which case, the notification must include the outcome of the child protection enquiry); or (e) there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (5) A notification made under this regulation— (a) must include details of— (i) the matter; (ii) the other persons, bodies or organisations (if any) who or which have been notified; and (iii) any actions taken by the registered person as a result of the matter; (b) must be made or confirmed in writing.

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Requirement Due date

In particular: This in relation to not notifying HMCI of an incident where a young person may have placed themselves at risk of sexual exploitation, which was referred to the local authority as a child protection concern.

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Requirement Due date

(Regulation 40 (4)(a)(d)(i)(ii)(e)(5)(a)(i)(ii)(iii)(b)) 28/02/2016

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Information about this children's home

This provision is a children's home, which is owned by a private company. It is registered for up to two young people. The home provides care for young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties as well as physical and learning difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 CH - Interim Improved Effectiveness

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Good

At the time of this inspection one young person was resident at the home. Another had just made a successful transition to a foster care placement. Both say this is a good home where they are happy and settled. They say that they are fully involved in all aspects of their care and their views, wishes and feelings are taken into account. They understand that sometimes they may not always get what they want. The young person says, ‘I love it here, it is the first place that I actually feel welcome’. There were no complaints made about the service by the young person, they knew how to make a complaint if they felt the need.

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Good

The home is located in a residential street close to local shops and amenities. There are photographs of staff and young people taking part in a variety of activities displayed. Located outside the front door is a closed circuit television (CCTV) system which is directly linked to the computer in the manager’s office and records the foot traffic to and from the home. It was reported that this is in place following an attempted burglary at the home, and due to a historic dispute with a neighbour, which was successfully resolved. There is no policy for the use of this equipment in the home, saying how this will support the safeguarding and well- being of those living and working in the home. A requirement has been made to address this.

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Good

The home has an extensive well fitted kitchen dining area at the rear of the property which is adjoined by a large conservatory used as a recreation and leisure area for young people. It is reported by them that the kitchen area is locked each evening at nine o’clock and that they are not allowed access without the permission of staff who unlock the door. In the first floor office there is a container with crisps and snacks in it. After nine o’clock, this is where snacks are provided from; however it does not contain healthier snacks such as fruit or vegetables. Individualised needs and concerns related to food should be planned for by staff. Leaders and managers have taken action to manage this better. A requirement is made to address this.

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Good

The rear garden of the home is private and in good order, young people are supported to engage in work on the vegetable patch, planting, growing and picking their own vegetables. Access to the local major towns is easy by public transport or car. Young people are offered a range of activities such as youth clubs, leisure centres, libraries, parks and an entertainment centre; all within the local areas. The beach is also easily accessible and staff encourage young people to go for picnics and engage in sport activities such as rounders, cricket and football. As a result young people participate in activities inside and outside of the home offering them opportunities to develop social networks improving their self-esteem and motivation.

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Good

Staff support young people through key working. They have two allocated key workers and are encouraged to participate in two key work sessions a week. They can discuss matters relating to their care or the running of the home and the support of staff. During key work sessions young people set a list of goals which are realistic and achievable for them. They play an active role in this in order for them to understand and realise their own aspirations and potential. Accordingly young people recognise that they use their existing talents, giving them a sense of emotional and physical achievement. Staff celebrate young people’s success with them, and help the young people record this.

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Good

Staff have high aspirations for young people and instil the values of a good education. School attendance and engagement for the young person in residence is high, with positive predictions for GCSE passes. The young person says, ‘school is good, I will be going to sixth form and the post sixteen provision’ . Staff advocate strongly on behalf of young people and assist in devising and supporting all educational plans.

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Good

Young people make good progress with learning skills for independence. They learn to budget money, shop, cook, and care for themselves in a safe supported way. Young people reaching the age of fifteen years in the home are supported to go through their care plans and complete a ‘getting ready for adult life’ work book. This assists them to audit and develop their knowledge and skills for independent living. As a result young people are enabled to reflect on their lives and what their future aspirations may be and what support they need to attain these.

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Good

The health of young people is well supported with appropriate registrations made for community health services upon admission. Staff support young people to attend appointments if necessary. Health care needs of young people are assessed on admission. Staff have appropriate training on specific health issues relating to diet, smoking, substance misuse, alcohol and sexual health. Key workers monitor and identify young people’s individual health needs and support them with these. External health professionals are consulted when necessary. Young people who require medication for ailments or conditions are supported by the staff who are trained to safely manage administration of any prescribed medication. As a result the general health and wellbeing of young people is properly managed.

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Good

The wider organisation offers the home the benefits of access to therapeutic care for young people. Staff are guided in the identification of individual needs by a professional team of therapeutic practitioners, which includes a registered psychotherapist and a play therapist. They visit the home and young people have access to them on a weekly basis. Support is also offered to the young person’s family in some cases. If appropriate, young people are offered an emotional needs assessment. This highlights the impact of their previous experiences, the behaviours they are exhibiting and strategies for staff to meet their needs. This is further supported by regular monthly reflective group supervision. Consequently the emotional behavioural and mental health needs of the young people are appropriately identified and supported.

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Good

Contact for young people with friends and family is welcomed by the staff in the home. It is recognised that, when appropriate, relationships with their family and friends should be maintained with contact on a regular basis. Staff at the home transport young people to see their families at home; and if necessary collect families from their home to visit. Telephone contact with families is also encouraged when suitable. Consequently young people are able to maintain positive relationships with family and friends. A shortfall has been identified in relation to young people not being given access to a telephone and other electronic communication media such as email, for use in private, and without reference to persons working in the home. A requirement is made to address this.

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Good

Young people joining and leaving the home are well supported in making transitions without becoming anxious. Introductions to the home are managed using a detailed impact risk assessment process which includes all aspects of care, particularly any health and psychological needs. Consultation with existing residents is also considered. Once a decision is made to admit, a contingency plan to manage any known risks or concerns is put in place. Planned moves from the home by young people to a foster home, a return to the family home, or a move on to independence are equally well supported. An individualised plan is completed with visits, to foster care placement, post sixteen placement or home. Key workers continue to work and support the young person at this time. The young person’s move is considered by staff as a progression towards independence and adulthood and this is celebrated by the staff with the young people. Through this rigorous and

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Good

nurturing care planning young people are supported to make successful transitions.

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Good

Fitted to each bedroom door is a contact for an audible alarm system which activates a speaker box located in the ground floor hallway. When activated this alarm speaks the words ‘bedroom door open’ it is also fitted to the front door of the home and sounds ‘front door open’ this can be heard in all areas of the home. This is not individually risk assessed, is intrusive and invades the privacy of young people. The young person says, ‘I find it really ridiculous, it is annoying when someone gets up at night for the toilet.’ The manager of the home took immediate action to rectify this issue however a requirement is made to ensure the changes are maintained. Judgement grade

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Good

Young people say they feel safe living at the home. Thorough risk assessments identify threats and hazards for young people and methods for staff to reduce and manage them. Documentation for reviewing and managing this and all other plans has, since May 2015, been converted to an electronic format. As a result the manager is able to ensure that they are current and effective. Staff have access to this system and are familiar with the plans. Managers are able to monitor which staff have accessed plans and quality assure their knowledge of them.

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Good

Since the last inspection no young people have gone missing from the home or been absent without permission. Staff are aware of the policy protocol and procedures should a young person go missing. The protocols have been agreed with the local police. Staff receive additional safeguarding training in recognising the triggers, signs and symptoms of young people who may be at risk of child sexual exploitation. Safeguarding policies and procedures are robust. The Registered Manager has good working relationships with the local authority designated officer (LADO), and consults them when necessary. Staff in the home work effectively with placing local authority social workers and other professionals during the investigation of any child protection concerns. There have been no allegations made against staff since the last inspection. One child protection concern has been raised with the local authority. This has not been communicated

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Good

to HMCI. Leaders and manager’s report that they were awaiting a response from the local authority before doing so. A requirement is made to address this shortfall.

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Good

Since the last inspection there have been a number of times when restraint has been used to manage the behaviour of young people. Restraint has been used as a last resort. This has subsequently been reviewed and reflected upon in supervision and with other therapeutic professionals supporting the home to explore methods and alternative behaviour management strategies. These incidents have been recorded on the home’s electronic system in detail. Since the implementation of the electronic recording system young people have not been able to add their views to the record of restraint or offered an alternative method of recording their views of the incident. Similarly if this has been offered there is no record of it having been refused.

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Good

The home’s statement of purpose is in need of review in relation to a description of the home's approach to the monitoring and surveillance of children. Details of the home's approach to behavioural support, including information about the home's approach to restraint in relation to young people; and how staff working in the home are trained in restraint and how their competence is assessed.

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Good

Requirements are made to address these shortfalls. Sanctions are used appropriately and they are reasonable and proportionate to the transgression of the young person. It is agreed by the young person that this so. Their use is recorded and reported in detail on the home’s systems which leaders and managers closely monitor in good time. Similar to the issue found with recording restraint, the change to an electronic system now prevents young people recording their views on the measure. This will be addressed through requirements already made.

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Good

Safe recruitment procedures and practices are robustly followed in the home and through the policies and procedures of the wider organisation. As a result this ensures only suitable persons are employed at the home and protects young people from abuse. Additional staffing for the home is made through the wider organisation in the first instance. Agency staff are occasionally employed at the home. This is managed through the head office who undertake checks with the supplying agency to verify that safe recruitment requirement have been met.

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Good

Leadership and management of the home is good. The staff are effectively led by the Registered Manager who is appropriately qualified and experienced. She has been in post since November 2014. This was after being assistant manager at the home for four and a half years. Prior to joining the organisation she spent several years working in the care sector predominately with young adults. She is supported by a suitably experienced and qualified staff team comprising of an assistant manager, a shift leader, three support workers and a waking night support worker. All staff are appropriately qualified at NVQ level 3 or are in the process of attaining this qualification.

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Good

Leaders and managers ensure that staff access all appropriate training. Staff interviewed report they feel well supported and supervised by managers. Additional therapeutic supervision is provided if required from the wider organisation. During the inspection staff handovers were observed. Communication between staff was good and any concerns were properly shared and appropriately recorded.

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Good

The manager conducts monthly checks and reports; these inform the homes internal quarterly monitoring report and the Registered Manager’s six monthly report to HMCI. Both of these are very comprehensive. An independent visitor also monitors the home on a monthly basis; actions from these reports are completed and reported on by the manager. As a result the quality assurance and monitoring of the home are well managed both internally and externally. The progress of young people in the home is closely monitored through the homes electronic system. Information is gathered on a daily basis, is easily assimilated and quantifiable. As a result leaders and managers in the home are able to measure the impact of care and support for young people, in a timely fashion. They are able to identify areas where more focussed attention is required, and prepare appropriate information and reports to share with placing local authorities

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Good

and other support services. This information is also used to inform the home’s development plan which shows that leaders and managers have high aspirations for constant improvement of the home to the advantage of the young people living there.

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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 looked after children 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 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 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 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

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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