Children's home run by Salford City Council

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:

 Young people benefit from a caring, highly supportive and nurturing environment. Care is well planned and practice is highly individualised to meet the specific needs of the young people living at the home.  Although young people have not lived at the home for long, they have settled in well and are making good progress, taking into account their individual starting points. They are developing good relationships with staff, they benefit from continuity of care, and they have stability and consistency in their lives.  The home maintains highly effective partnerships with the families of young people, their social workers, schools and other professional agencies to ensure that the young people benefit from the best possible help and all-round support.  Young people are encouraged to attend school or alternative educational provision regularly. They receive effective support to promote their educational achievement. The

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The children’s home provision is good because:

home works closely and positively with a range of specialist services to promote their emotional and psychological well-being.  Young people are kept safe and have a strong sense of personal safety. They become increasingly safer as a result of the actions staff take to support and protect them. The safety of young people is consistently at the centre of staff practice, irrespective of the challenges that this presents.  There are effective arrangements for reviewing the quality of young people’s care. The manager has a good understanding of the home’s strengths and weaknesses, and she makes good use of the home’s internal and external monitoring activities to secure improvement. Young people benefit from a home that is managed efficiently and effectively.

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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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant persons without delay if— (a) a child is involved in or subject to, or is suspected of being involved in or subject to, sexual exploitation; (b) an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious; (c) there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there; (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. This relates specifically to the outcome of any complaint made against the registered manager. (Regulation 40(4a)(4b)4(c)(4d)(4e)) 27/10/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  The registered person should only accept placements for children where they are satisfied that the home can respond effectively to the child’s assessed needs as recorded in the child’s relevant plans and where they have fully considered the impact that the placement will have on the existing group of children. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 56, paragraph 11.4)

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Recommendations

 Ensure that children are in full-time education while they are of compulsory school age, unless their personal education plan contained within the care plan or other relevant plan states otherwise. The home must aim to support full-time attendance at school unless the child’s relevant plan indicates that this is not in their best interests. (‘Guide to children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 28, paragraph 5.14)

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Recommendations

 Ensure that ‘relevant plans’ are obtained from the placing authority. This relates specifically to obtaining up-to-date care plans, personal education plans and pathway plans for eligible care leavers. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations, including the quality standards’, page 14, paragraph 3.1)

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Information about this children’s home

 The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities.  The home is owned and managed by the local authority.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 02/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 09/07/2015 Full Outstanding 16/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness 17/12/2014 Full Outstanding 27/02/2014 Interim Good progress

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Good

Since the last inspection, there have been a number of planned and emergency admissions. The home has endured a high level of disruption and instability in recent months due to the challenging behaviours of some young people. However, those young people have now moved on and the home is far more settled and stable as a result. There has been a complete turnaround in group dynamics, which has made the home a safer environment for other young people. There are, however, lessons to be learned from this experience. A recommendation is made in respect of the suitability of any new admissions, taking into account the needs and vulnerabilities of other young people.

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Good

All the young people in placement are relatively new to the home. They are making good progress in relation to their individual starting points. They have settled in well and have been made to feel welcome by staff. Staff provide young people with continuity of care so that they have stability and consistency in their lives. Staff help young people to build positive relationships with them and with each other.

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Good

A social worker reports, ‘Considering he’s not lived at the home for long, he’s settling in well and that’s down to the staff and their understanding. New admissions bring a new dynamic and he’s quite vulnerable. Staff liaise with me on a daily basis and that’s very important. He seems to be developing good relationships with staff and he’s safe. I have no concerns. The staff are definitely a proactive workforce.’

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Good

Young people attend school or alternative educational provision, with good support and encouragement from staff. However, most attend education on a part-time basis and, for some, this is currently lower than 25 hours a week. Consequently, there are some young people who will require additional support to attend school more regularly. There are also some young people in need of a personal education plan to track their progress and achievements.

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Good

Young people benefit from well-planned, highly individualised care that promotes their needs effectively. However, some young people require a revised care plan to take account of their changing needs and present circumstances, because they have recently had a change in placement. Young people are supported to have regular contact with their friends and families. This ensures that they can sustain their close relationships with the people who are most important to them. Staff promote contact and young people are enabled to have overnight stays with their friends and families, if considered safe and appropriate. A social worker reported, ‘My young person has only just moved to the placement. The staff have been communicating well with myself, family and other professionals, ensuring we are up to date.’

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Good

Young people are registered with doctors, dentists and opticians, and they have access to these services when they need them. Medical consent is in place so that staff are clear about what health decisions and responsibilities are delegated to them. There are effective arrangements made to promote young people’s positive health, including regular access to specialist services to promote their physical and emotional well-being.

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Good

The nurse for children looked after reported, ‘They encourage the young people to engage with health professionals and are aware of their health needs. I will visit the home when they require any training or interventions for the young people. I will attend to see the young people when their review health assessments are due.’

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Good

Young people are provided with a broad range of positive and enjoyable activities both at home and in the wider community. Consequently, they can improve their social skills and develop their own specific interests and hobbies. Staff encourage their independence and allow young people to take appropriate risks to promote their growth and their natural development. Young people are taught skills, such as shopping, cooking and budgeting to promote their readiness for independence. However, pathway plans are required for eligible care leavers to facilitate their planned transition towards adulthood.

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Good

Young people know how to make a complaint and their complaints are addressed effectively. There has been a recent complaint from a parent about the registered manager, which is currently being investigated. Ofsted is to be notified of the outcome once the investigation is complete. No complaints were raised by young people during this inspection. Young people reported, ‘I’ve settled in all right. It’s good. I’m getting on all right with everyone. I go to school every day as it’s just around the corner. I haven’t any complaints. It’s very homely and comfortable. It’s a nice place to live.’

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Good

Staff are positive role models for young people. They actively involve them in key decisions, listen to their views and encourage them to express themselves as individuals. They address their needs and concerns, and act on their reasonable requests. As a result, young people feel valued, respected and listened to. Judgement grade

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Good

Staff have a good understanding of safe working practice. Risks associated with young people are well known and understood by staff. Staff understand the young people’s specific needs and vulnerabilities, and take appropriate action to address them. Using clear risk assessment and effective behaviour management strategies promotes the safety and well-being of young people. The safety of young people is consistently at the centre of staff practice, irrespective of the challenges this presents.

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Good

Social workers reported, ‘They know the children in their care very well and offer the appropriate support. Staff work very closely with professionals and family.[The]manager is very proactive and team leader who again knows children well and ensures services are fully informed when issues arise.’

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Good

Staff are trained and skilled at dealing with difficult and challenging behaviour. They understand how young people’s feelings and emotions can be communicated through difficult behaviour. They anticipate issues and take appropriate action to defuse any tensions or conflicts. They minimise the use of police involvement so as not to criminalise young people’s behaviour.

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Good

De-escalation is used effectively to avoid the need for restraint. However, when young people’s behaviours become unsafe, restraint is used as a last resort to keep them safe from harm. Consequences for unacceptable behaviour are proportionate and fair. Staff consistently apply the home rules and boundaries effectively to promote young people’s positive behaviour. The use of restorative practice helps young people to take responsibility for their behaviour and develops their understanding of its impact on themselves and others.

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Good

Young people are protected from abuse and all other forms of significant harm. They become increasing safer as a result of the actions that staff take to support and protect them. Staff maintain highly effective partnerships with the police and other safeguarding agencies to promote the safety and well-being of young people.

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Good

When young people go missing, or are absent from the home, they benefit from an effective, well-coordinated response to promote their safe return. This includes staff actively looking for them to persuade them to return. Return home interviews are undertaken regularly to identify the reasons why they go missing. Risk assessments in relation to missing from care are kept under regular review.

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Good

Staff employed are recruited and vetted carefully to ensure that young people are protected from unsuitable people. Significant incidents are reported to the appropriate authorities so that the right action is taken by the right agencies to support and protect young people. Young people benefit from effective support, help and protection.

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Good

Young people benefit from a physically safe, warm, comfortable and homely environment. The damage caused to the home by previous residents has been rectified quickly with a few remaining repairs and redecoration tasks outstanding. Vacant bedrooms have been newly repainted and re-carpeted. There are plans to redecorate the hall, stairs and landing, and to fit new carpets. Repairs are undertaken promptly and there is an effective programme of redecoration and repair. Health and safety matters are addressed effectively to maintain a safe environment for young people.

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Good

The home benefits from an extremely experienced and well-qualified registered manager who exercises effective leadership of the home’s operation. She ensures that the home is consistently well staffed and resourced in accordance with the needs and numbers of the young people. The staff team is stable, well qualified, suitably experienced, trained and competent. Staff have a shared ownership of their practice, and work effectively and well together as a team.

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Good

Staff development and training opportunities are identified and met. Staff have access to good-quality training and receive regular support through professional supervision. The manager supports staff’s personal and professional development. Consequently, young people benefit from well-supervised, qualified, trained and experienced staff who are well led, supported and managed.

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Good

There were no requirements or recommendations from the previous inspection. The home meets the aims and objectives as outlined in its statement of purpose by delivering a high-quality service for young people, their social workers and families. The home has a proven track record and a positive inspection history to date.

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Good

There are effective arrangements for monitoring the standard and quality of young people’s care. The manager makes good use of the home’s internal and external monitoring activities. Consequently, they have a good understanding of the home’s strengths and weaknesses and can take action to secure improvement. A new independent person has been recently appointed. Independent scrutiny of the home’s performance challenges leaders and managers to continually improve. Young people benefit from a home that is managed and monitored effectively to improve outcomes for young people at the home. The home maintains highly effective partnerships with the families of young people, social workers, schools and other professional agencies to ensure that they benefit from the best possible help and all-round support. The manager encourages a positive culture and a child-centred ethos that is shared and implemented by staff.

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Good

While leaders and managers make child-centred decisions, emergency admissions have had a negative impact on the smooth running of the home. Staff have demonstrated their resilience in managing some very difficult behaviours and situations over recent months. That said, the potential impact of new admissions should be considered more carefully, taking into account the needs and vulnerabilities of other young people at the home.

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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 children looked after 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 that 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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