Children's home run by Aspris Care Central Limited in North Northamptonshire

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:

 Staff understand the individual needs of the children and are committed to working with them.  Children say that they feel safe living in the home, and that staff listen to and help them.  The children take pride in their home. They are involved in choosing decor and undertake chores around the house.  Staff understand the importance of education, and support children to attend and progress.  There is a wide variety of activities, both in the home and the community. Staff support children in maintaining hobbies and interests.  Staff understand the importance of contact for children and their families, and support this.  Children know who to complain to, and say that they feel listened to by staff and that they feel safe living in the home.  There are good individualised placement plans in place which support staff working with the children. Social workers, parents and children sign these.  Recruitment is robust and children are involved in this process.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Children have regular house meetings, where their wishes and feelings are listen to and acted upon.  Staff understand the importance of celebrating children’s achievements and creating positive memories of their time in the home.  Incidents of children going missing have decreased. However, they do not receive a return to home interview from an independent person after an incident of being missing.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 When a child returns to the home after being missing from care or away from the home without permission, the responsible local authority must provide an opportunity for the child to have an independent return home interview. Homes should take account of information provided by such interviews when assessing risks and putting arrangements in place to protect each child. (Children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 45, paragraph 9.30)

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is part of a large organisation operated by a private company. The children’s home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

Recent inspection history

22/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

10/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.5

Good

The children have built good relationships with a stable, dedicated staff team that supports them to progress. One child commented, ‘I like it here a lot, it’s very good. There are lots of activities and the staff are friendly.’ Another commented, ‘It’s like a family environment; it’s a good, friendly place.’

p.6

Good

Children have made good progress since moving to the home. Education is seen as an important part of the children’s daily life. Attendance is excellent and there is good communication with the home’s school. Reports are detailed and inform staff of predictive grades and how the child can be supported with education at home. One child has been doing 30 minutes of reading a day over the holidays, and this is incorporated into his weekly planner.

p.6

Good

Three young people are starting college in September. Due to some risks, the college was not keen for them to attend. The manager has worked with the college, and staff will supervise the young people during the day. Staff have begun to work with them around how they will explain that they have someone with them in class. Young people have come up with ideas, such as that they need extra support, which peers will also have. This means that the young people will feel confident to attend class with staff yet still be able to integrate with their peers.

p.6

Good

Children have regular key-work sessions and key-work workshops. These are informative and detailed, and cover a wide range of topics. The therapist will also give staff feedback from her sessions which staff will incorporate into the key-work sessions. A new format has recently been introduced which is more child friendly. Children have the opportunity to sign and comment on their key-work sessions.

p.6

Good

Staff have good knowledge of the children and why they are in care, and what their current needs and future plans are. A child spoken to commented, ‘I know why I am in care, and the staff know and understand why.’

p.6

Good

Children have individualised care plans in place, which support staff in working with them on all aspects of their lives. These are reviewed monthly and children, parents and social workers sign to say that they agree with the home’s placement plan. This ensures that everyone is working consistently with the child.

p.6

Good

The children have weekly incentives, which are individualised, and they can earn extra activities or things that they want, such as computer games. A child is currently working towards a go-karting trip. Staff use positive consequences to acknowledge when children have tried or achieved something positive. Sanctions are fair and proportionate. A child commented, ‘Sanctions are fair; staff tell us what the rules are, so we know.’ Children comment on both rewards and sanctions. A child commented, ’I think sanctions are fair. I get to comment on them and on my rewards.’

p.6

Good

Children who damage property in the house may have to pay reparation towards the damage. This is in proportion to their pocket money and is recorded. Once the reparation has been paid, they will go with staff to replace the item if it affects the whole group, such as an X-Box controller. If it only affects them, such as damage to their room, they will get to spend the money on posters or something else for their bedroom. This shows the children that they have a responsibility not to cause damage in the home and that losing some of their pocket money over several weeks can have an impact on them.

p.7

Good

The children’s health needs are promoted. They are registered with the local GP, dentist and opticians and have regular check-ups. They also have a health assessment from the looked after nurse. Staff are aware of health services in the local area such as the substance misuse nurse and the sexual health clinic, and will support children to attend, if necessary.

p.7

Good

Children are encouraged to eat healthy meals. The housekeeper encourages them to help to prepare meals and cook healthy snacks. Children have given her a list of likes and dislikes and she will discuss the menu with them. There is a wide range of choice and she will encourage them to try new foods. She commented, ‘The children don’t see me as staff, although I work Monday to Friday. They will often come into the kitchen for a chat and do some baking.’ The housekeeper attends staff meetings and has completed all mandatory training, as well as the national vocation qualification in children and young people. This ensures that she understands the needs and risks of the children.

p.7

Good

Staff understand the importance of children having a wide variety of activities, both in the home and in the community. Due to the children’s risks, children are staffed one to one. This gives them the opportunity to attend activities in a group or individually to help to build social skills and self-esteem. A child commented, ‘There is loads to do. I went Pokemon hunting with staff yesterday and I’m going to Harry Potter World tomorrow’. A parent commented, ’He has the opportunity to do lots of activities; he’s a lot happier since being there.’

p.7

Good

Staff understand that transitions for children both coming into and leaving the home can be difficult and have an impact on the whole group. In the house meetings, children are informed of pending admissions. If possible, children come to see the home before they move in. One child commented, ‘I came and had a look round and was shown my bedroom. Staff were really nice’.

p.7

Good

Staff supported a young person who recently left to move into independence. A plan was agreed with his social worker and staff ensured that he had everything that he needed for his new accommodation.

p.7

Good

Staff want children to take good memories of their time in the home. Each child has a scrapbook which staff write comments in every day. These are written in bright, colourful pens and are given to children when they leave. One entry was, ‘Very first Pokemon hunt today #pokemontrainer’. Another was ‘Quality shopping today then Pokemon hunting #pikachu’. These give the children positive memories of their time in the home.

p.8

Good

There are regular children’s meetings, which all children attend. Children and staff have agendas and topics such as bullying, behaviours and world topics. Staff also use these meetings to gain feedback from them to ascertain comments and views about the day-to-day running of the home. They will also request activities or items that they want purchased for the home. The manager will read the minutes and write a comment, which is fed back at the next meeting. This ensures that children feel that their views and wishes are listened to and acted upon.

p.8

Good

Staff understand the importance of contact for both children and their families, and support this in line with the social worker’s care plan. Children spoken to said that they were happy with contact arrangements and that staff supported them. A parent commented, ’Staff bring him to see me and supervise contact. Staff are always friendly and supportive.’ Staff record contact visits so that they can be monitored and reviewed, if necessary.

p.8

Good

Children are supported in developing their independence skills, in line with their care plan, age and understanding. They are encouraged to keep their rooms tidy and all undertake chores around the house. One young person commented that he can cook simple meals and is able to use public transport independently.

p.8

Good

The home is large, bright, spacious and decorated to a good standard. The children take pride in their environment, which is warm, welcoming and nurturing. The children are encouraged to personalise their bedrooms and have recently had them redecorated. The large conservatory is being divided to make more office space. The children were consulted and have chosen the colour scheme and carpet for their new space.

p.8

Good

The home is located in a rural area and has large, well-maintained grounds. Children often host barbecues and invite the sister homes. They recently had a sports day, when the homes competed against each other in a variety of games and activities. There are two large sheds, and children spoke about these being turned into a music studio in the near future. Judgement grade

p.8

Good

The children know how to complain and they feel listened to. A child made a complaint about a member of staff. Although he withdrew this, the manager still wrote to him and looked into why he was not happy. The child commented, ’I complained about a member of staff who I felt was not listening to me. I withdrew it, but we sat down and talked it through, which has helped.’ Children report that staff listen to them and help if they are not happy with something.

p.9

Good

Staff challenge unwanted behaviours and reinforce boundaries. A child commented, ‘I know what the rules and boundaries are and they have helped me to change a lot.’ Staff will also remind children of boundaries and acceptable behaviours in house meetings or key-work sessions. Boundaries and rules are consistent, and this supports children in knowing what is expected of them.

p.9

Good

There have been no physical interventions since the last full inspection. There are good individual behaviour plans in place. This supports staff working with the children and informs them of potential triggers and actions to take to minimise unwanted behaviours.

p.9

Good

Comprehensive risk assessments are in place for children, both in the home and in the community. These outline potential risks, along with strategies for staff to manage these safely. These are reviewed monthly and amended, if needed. Children read and sign their risk assessment. This supports their being able to understand why certain measures are in place and helps them to manage their own safety, where possible. Staff understand the importance of children managing certain risks according to their age, understanding and level of risk.

p.9

Good

All health and safety checks are up to date. The area risk assessment is up to date, looking at local amenities in the area. The police were contacted and responded with information concerning the local area.

p.9

Good

Staff have a good understanding of safeguarding and have attended all relevant training, including ‘Prevent’ duty training. Staff also understand the safeguarding issues of young people using the internet and monitor children when they use this. Only one young person is permitted to have a mobile phone, and a risk assessment has been completed. The home has purchased a mobile phone with internet access which children can use only with staff to enable them to participate in the new trend of Pokemon hunting, while still being safeguarded.

p.9

Good

There have been three incidents of a young person going missing since the last full inspection. One of these young people was due to move into independent living and was spending time with his girlfriend. Staff understood that he was finding the transition of moving from the home in the following couple of weeks difficult and needed to learn to manage his own risks. The manager worked with the social worker and it was agreed that he could have three days a week away from the home. There was good evidence that the young person was able to keep himself safe and remain in contact with staff when spending nights away from the home.

p.9

Good

Each child has an individual missing protocol which has been agreed with the local police. Staff will actively look for children who are missing, and complete a running log of events and inform all relevant professionals and parents, if appropriate. Staff speak to young people on their return regarding whether they are safe, need medical attention and where they have been. Children do not receive return to home interviews from an independent person. There is clear evidence that the manager has requested this from social workers and team managers.

p.10

Good

All medication is stored and recorded appropriately. The children’s GPs have completed a form outlining what household medication can be given. Consent for medical treatment is in place and signed by social workers and parents, if appropriate. All staff have completed appropriate training to ensure that medication is safely administered and recorded to protect children from medication errors.

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Good

The manager has been in post since October 2015, and has the relevant qualifications and experience to manage the home.

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Good

Managers have a clear vision for the home. They recognise the strengths and areas that they would like to develop. The children are central to the home. They commented that staff listen to and act on their suggestions, and ask them about their views on the running of the home.

p.10

Good

Staff have a good insight into the children’s needs and behaviours, and treat them as individuals. Staff receive regular supervision, which they say they find supportive. A member of staff commented, ‘I can talk about any issues. It’s really supportive. I also have mentoring sessions which help me to develop.’ Another commented, ’Supervision has helped me to develop and I now supervise staff. The manager has helped me to progress.’ Appraisals are up to date and reviewed every six months. These look at staff development and identify any training needs to support staff working with the children. All staff have either completed the national vocational qualification level 3 or are registered for it and due to finish within the required timescale.

p.10

Good

The manager has a good understanding of the children’s needs. A social worker commented ’The staff have turned his life around. He is very lucky to have such positive care from all who worked with him.’

p.10

Good

Regular reports are sent to social workers, including a weekly report from the therapist, giving them a good insight into the children’s progression. A parent commented, ‘Staff are really good at keeping me updated with what’s happening with him.’

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Good

There are regular staff meetings. These give staff the opportunity to discuss the children, care practice and any issues in the home.

p.11

Good

There are alarms on the children’s bedroom doors that bleep when doors are opened. Children are aware of these and understand why they are in place, and there are consent forms from social workers.

p.11

Good

Recruitment is very robust. There are several stages to the interview process to ensure that the home employs good-quality staff. The children are involved at the second stage, and interview perspective staff and spend time with them. They then feed back to the manager. This means that children feel that they have a say in the staff who will be working with and supporting them. All checks are in place and verified before staff can begin to work in the home.

p.11

Good

There is a very detailed, comprehensive, induction programme in place which staff complete during their six-month probation. These are regularly reviewed by supervisors and the manager to ensure that staff are working in line with the home’s policies, procedures and ethos.

p.11

Good

The home does not use agency staff. Staff will cover shifts or come from the sister home to ensure that the rota is covered. Staff understand the importance of having staff who know and understand the children and their risks in order to safeguard them.

p.11

Good

Staff spoken to understand the strengths of the home and are committed to supporting the children to progress. They want children to have positive experiences while living in the home.

p.11

Good

The manager monitors care practice and the progression of the children. Reports from the independent visitor are also used as part of the monitoring system and are fed back to staff via staff meetings.

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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’. 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

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What the inspection judgements mean

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 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 ‘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 0300 123 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 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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