Children's Home run by Westgate Lifestyle Project Limited in Hounslow

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

This home was judged to require improvement at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness.

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The last full inspection outlined 10 requirements and seven recommendations. The home has addressed eight of these requirements and six of the recommendations. Requirements in relation to the supervision of the assistant manager and registered manager and revision of the statement of purpose remain repeated, with a further concern relating to staff recruitment being identified in this inspection.

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Recent recruitment activity is not safe. Managers failed to verify verbally either reference for a recent applicant. Staff files do not contain full copies of certification from the Disclosure and Barring Service. This does not offer a full assessment of previous employment history, potentially placing young people at potential risk.

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Staff morale is improved. Staff supervision is now more regular and an improved framework for performance appraisal is in place. The home’s rota shows a reduced use of agency staff and more consistent staffing. The registered manager and assistant manager are not currently receiving supervision. This inhibits the development of the home and limits oversight.

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The home is seeking to offer services to a younger age range of young people. More rigorous admission procedures support this. The home plans for a more long- term and effective intervention prior to transition to semi-independence services. This change is yet to be formalised in the statement of purpose.

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Positive changes have occurred at the home. The registered manager is now fully committed to the running of the home. She is present in the home from Monday to Friday and visits occasionally during the weekend. This has supported continued improvements and a commitment to a comprehensive action plan that was devised following the full inspection. The independent visitor has assisted improvements with more effective scrutiny. Case files and recordings remain improved, with a good level of management oversight and a good use of chronologies to chart the progress of young people. The registered manager continues to appropriately challenge placing authorities to provide young people with the support and resources they require. This improves the outcomes for young people and increases the overall stability of the home.

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

A revised behavioural management and ‘missing’ policy are in place. These policies offer clear and accurate guidance to staff and are in accordance with local safeguarding procedures. Records of sanctions show more consistency and remain reviewed by the staff team on a weekly basis. Risk-taking behaviour has decreased. Local police indicate that the home is more settled. One episode of missing behaviour has occurred since the last inspection, with full and effective safeguarding measures occurring. This improves safety for young people.

p.3

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Independence work is improved and is now more structured. Key-work sessions remain linked to key outcomes, such as cookery or budgeting exercises. Young people respond well to this, one of whom is currently sustaining a period of full- time employment for the first time. This has helped to develop their self-esteem and cease a pattern of criminal activity.

p.3

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Records indicate that staff have access to a more comprehensive training package. This supports staff retention and develops their understanding of young people’s presenting behaviour.

p.3

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The physical environment of the home is improved. It is more comfortable and welcoming for young people. Repairs to the bedrooms are complete and young people have supported staff in tidying the garden area and maintaining the home by regular, paid ‘chores’.

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This is a privately run children’s home, registered to care for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is a family-run business, owned and managed by the same person supported by her son, the assistant manager.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 07/12/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness 04/08/2015 Full Good 13/02/2015 Interim Declined in effectiveness 24/09/2014 Full Good

p.4

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 ‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

p.5

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees— (b) receive practice-related supervision by a person with appropriate experience. 30/11/2016

p.5

Requirement Due date

(3) The registered person must keep the statement of purpose under review and, where appropriate, revise it. 30/11/2016

p.5

Requirement Due date

(1) The registered must recruit staff using recruitment procedures designed to ensure children’s safety. (3) The requirements are that— (d) full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual’s previous employment history. 30/11/2016

p.5

What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the ‘Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection’.

p.6

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 focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

p.6

Information about this inspection

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 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 .

p.6

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,

p.7

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.7

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7