Children's Home run by Fair Ways in Hampshire

This monitoring visit

A full inspection took place on 18 July 2016. The home was judged inadequate in all areas. Compliance notices were issued in regard to two regulations. The purpose of this visit was to monitor the progress against the compliance notices. The senior management team of the organisation (SMT) have strengthened the leadership and management of the home. They have seconded an experienced acting manager and a second assistant manager to provide the necessary stability and leadership. These managers are bringing about positive change. Training needs, especially in relation to child sexual exploitation (CSE) and self-harm, have been addressed. Training now includes bank staff who regularly work at the home. Staff have received refresher training in safeguarding. There are clear plans to provide further training and ensure that staff are up to date with the most recent research and guidance. The SMT have introduced strategies to test the retention and

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This monitoring visit

application of the learning, especially in the area of CSE. The SMT provide various forums for staff to voice any concerns about staff practice. They are redefining the term ‘whistle-blowing’ to ensure that staff feel empowered to raise any concerns they have in a supportive environment. Staff are clear on procedure and how to escalate concerns when they want to offer professional challenge to decisions made about the young people in their care. There are suitable risk assessments in place. These consider the historical information as well as other professional assessments. Such documents underpin other plans, especially the CSE intervention plan. Staff demonstrate a good knowledge of this plan and implement it in practice. The SMT have worked with other professionals to successfully disrupt an inappropriate relationship between a younger female and an older male. The SMT have strengthened the admissions and referral process. An impact

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This monitoring visit

assessment is sent to a placements manager. A panel has been set up to review any comments and recommendations. This includes at least one senior head of department. The panel are responsible for approving pre-placement risk assessments. This maximises the opportunity to consider information already known about the young person to keep them as safe as possible. The SMT have reviewed the medication policy. Staff have a clear procedure to follow, which includes consultation with a health professional, in the event of a missed dose or a young person refusing to take prescribed medication. There are management tools in place to monitor practice and reconcile stocks of medication. The SMT are working to improve the culture within the home. They have involved ‘stop smoking’ professionals, introduced a no smoking policy on the whole site of the home and have clear plans to demolish a ‘smoking shelter’ in the rear garden.

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This monitoring visit

The SMT have reviewed their recruitment process for the manager of the home and subsequent monitoring and accountability. Various key indicators have been identified to measure performance. The SMT recognise the need to ‘dig deep’ when any concerns come to light and formulate a comprehensive performance management plan. The SMT have taken the concerns raised by Ofsted extremely seriously. They have undertaken a full internal review to ensure that there are not systemic failures within the wider organisation. They have made a strategic management plan to ensure that issues of child sexual exploitation are properly responded to across the company.

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Information about this children’s home

The home is registered to accommodate up to four young people who have emotional or behavioural difficulties. A private company owns and operates the home. The company has its own educational facility nearby.

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and progress made by the home since compliance notices were issued on 2 August 2016.

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Information about this 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, work- based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after and child protection.

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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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Information about this inspection

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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