The Orchards

The Orchards Inspection report for residential family centre

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Unique reference number SC484673 Inspection date 04/10/2016 Inspector Sharon Payne Type of inspection Full

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Setting address 6 Hillyard Road, London W7 1BH

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Telephone number 020 3441 7970 Email infor@theorchards.org.uk Registered person Sarita Massen Registered manager Sarita Massen Responsible individual Sarita Massen Date of last inspection N/A Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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Brief description of the service

The Orchards Residential Family Centre Ltd is a privately owned company. This residential family centre is registered to provide care and accommodation for three families. Families benefit from their own rooms within a large residential property. The centre is able to provide residential, day and community-based assessments.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding : a service of exceptional quality that significantly exceeds minimum requirements Good : a service of high quality that exceeds minimum requirements Requires improvement : a service that may meet minimum requirements but is not yet demonstrating the characteristics of a good judgement. Inadequate : a service that does not meet minimum requirements

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Overall experiences of children and parents Good

Families benefit from an effective assessment process, which realistically evaluates parenting strengths, areas for further development and their capacity to change. Final reports are comprehensive, concise and clearly interweave theory to highlight significant points. Parents learn to establish routines, and to improve their caring, play and stimulation skills and their emotional responsiveness.

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Overall experiences of children and parents Good

Families receive an effective level of support, which meets their holistic and diverse needs. They benefit from positive relationships with staff, who are professionally nurturing and empowering. Families are able to voice their concerns and influence decision-making. Access to parenting programmes, life coaching and counselling enables them to develop paternally and as a person. They also learn practical life- skills, to help them to live independently, examples being cooking and budgeting. A parent rates the service ‘10 out of 10’.

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Overall experiences of children and parents Good

Families receive protection from the strong safeguarding arrangements. They also receive a broad range of training. Parents benefit from specialist programmes, which help to build up their resilience, addressing domestic violence and personal relationship issues. The home provides a safe environment. There is appropriate Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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Overall experiences of children and parents Good

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. surveillance through direct observation, closed circuit television and audio monitors. Families benefit from strong, highly experienced leadership and a well-supported staff team. The provider fills the gaps in provision for families, funding specific items to meet presenting needs, examples being purchasing food and clothing for parents and children.

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Overall experiences of children and parents Good

Staff work well with other professionals, and this multidisciplinary approach focuses on the best interests of children. Feedback from professionals is exceptionally positive. The highly effective working relationships with other agencies and professionals ensure that families receive the necessary specialist support. The centre also provides parents with the confidence to access community resources, such as children’s centres.

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Overall experiences of children and parents Good

The centre offers a good quality service for parents. Shortfalls are minor and can be easily rectified. This relates to improving the quality assurance system. Recommendations to strengthen practice further relate to the service development, individualised family placement plans and assessment feedback.

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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, Residential Family Centres Regulations 2002 and the national minimum standards. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescale.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

Establish and maintain a system for reviewing and improving the quality of care provided at the residential family centre. (Regulation 23) 01/12/2016

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Recommendations

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendations:

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Recommendations

 Ensure that records clearly state how parents are helped to understand and accept the outcome of the assessment (NMS 1.14).  Seek feedback following a placement from involved professionals as part of the quality assurance process (NMS 1.15).  Produce a written development plan (NMS 13.3).  Complete a family placement plan for each family (NMS 9.2). Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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Recommendations

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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Quality of assessment Good

Families benefit from an effective assessment process, which realistically evaluates parenting strengths, areas for further development and their capacity to change. Professionals describe the quality of assessments as ‘good’ and value the fact that reports are produced in a timely manner. Parents engage daily in the assessment process and receive regular feedback. Staff confirm that parents are helped to understand and accept the outcome of their assessment. This information, however, is not consistently recorded. In addition, staff do not routinely obtain feedback following a placement from professionals involved, as part of their quality assurance process. These recommendations will further strengthen the assessment system.

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Quality of assessment Good

Assessments competently follow the letter of instruction. Where this is not available, staff actively follow principles within governmental assessment and safeguarding guidance. Final reports are comprehensive, concise and clearly interweave theory to focus on the best interests of the child. They also stress the importance of a secure attachment. Reports detail parental capacity and the action needed to address shortfalls. They conclude with clear recommendations for the future.

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Quality of assessment Good

The registered manager leads on producing the final report. They bring a wealth of experience to this role and are mindful of the timescales for permanency. Reports are perceptive and there is a good understanding of the need for adults to have a reparative parenting experience, the objective being to enable them to parent their own children positively. A professional states that: ‘Reports strongly withstand the close scrutiny afforded by the court, as they are detailed, evidence- and theory- based.’

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Quality of assessment Good

The assessment focuses on a four phase approach. This initially includes a settling-in period, moving into higher monitoring, intervention and direct support. Phase three intensively focuses on parenting capacity, strengths and vulnerabilities. The concluding phase concentrates on the discharge plan, support package and reintegration. Staff are suitably trained to undertake this work, and further specialist training is in progress.

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Quality of assessment Good

Parents understand the need for surveillance. Staff observe in person, through closed circuit television and through baby monitors. They appropriately intervene to promote the welfare and safety of children. The assessment covers: healthcare, stimulation, physical, emotional and basic care needs, attachment, interaction and emotional bonds, hygiene, budgeting and finances, relationships, support networks, Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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Quality of assessment Good

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. and integration with community links and resources. Assessments purposefully focus on safeguarding, identifying and managing risks and the impact of domestic violence on the emotional and behavioural development of children. They also concentrate on engagement with professionals, and on the external and environmental factors which have an impact on parenting capacity.

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Quality of assessment Good

Staff work successfully with parents with a wide range of needs. These include learning disabilities, a variety of cultural and linguistic needs and young parents. The centre has a generic placement plan which sets out expectations. The parenting programme and play skills training are based on social learning theory. The constructive, non-judgemental approach enhances the attachment process and encourages the natural development of positive behaviour.

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Good

Families receive a broad level of support, which holistically addresses their needs. This provides the opportunity for each parent to maximise their potential, developing paternally and as a person. A parent describes the service as ‘great’ rating it a ‘10 out of 10’. A placing authority commends the ‘high and fair standard of care’. A parent and professionals confirm that it is a good service, and they could not identify any areas for further improvement.

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Good

Families receive extensive support in relation to their health, education, emotional, social and psychological well-being. The centre provides an in-house psychologist, enabling parents to reflect on their past and disclose their experience of loss and separation. There is specific consideration of their emotional well-being through the provision of a counsellor. Key working includes life-coaching, and actively addresses life-skills.

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Good

Staff deliver a specialist nurturing parenting programme. This helps to promote successful parenting practices, to improve self-esteem and self-awareness, to develop empathy for their child’s feelings and needs, and to develop positive discipline. Parents learn to develop key elements for successful relationships and confident parenting. Parents also enjoy attending baby massage. Community-based activities include rhyme time, young parents’ group and stay and play sessions. Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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Good

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Parents learn essential life skills for self-development, which enhances their practical and interpersonal abilities. Staff assist parents with applying for benefits, budgeting and cooking. Emotional resilience work helps to enhance their coping mechanisms, productive problem-solving and managing stress. Staff help families to develop a strong cultural identity. This is particularly useful where a child is of dual heritage. A parent confirms that staff ‘have done a lot for me’, highlighting the beneficial aspect of learning ‘new things’.

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Good

There is strong consideration of health needs. The service securely stores medication and effectively supervises the administration of medication. Parents can purposefully engage in a programme aimed at tackling substance misuse. The centre has developed a healthy eating resource, which contains an international range of recipes. It also provides teaching on food hygiene, nutrition and kitchen safety. Gym equipment is available for parents to exercise.

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Good

The safeguarding practices of the centre protect families from potential harm. Leaders and managers appropriately notify all parties of significant events relating to the protection of children and parents. A court professional highlights that ‘children’s safety and well-being are paramount’, in the centre’s work. There is a rigorous approach to risk management, and comprehensive risk assessments are regularly updated. The 24-hour support, surveillance and competent health and safety practices effectively safeguard children.

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Good

Child and adult protection procedures comply with regulations. There is efficient management of cases where children are at the home under police protection. This enables children to remain safe while at the centre and supports safe decisions about their future care. Training on the wider aspects of safeguarding includes preventing radicalisation, female genital mutilation and domestic violence.

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Good

Staff manage challenging behaviour effectively, which contributes to a feeling of well-being and security for families. A parent acknowledges that they were ‘off the rails’ initially, and input from staff helped them to make significant changes. Parents are able to participate in a programme aimed at tackling domestic violence. This creates insight, helps to build resilience and looks at the perpetrator. They also learn the importance of positive relationships and personal safety, and have the opportunity to participate in specialist training, an example being paediatric first aid.

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Good

Parents learn about choices and consequences in order to encourage wanted behaviour and discourage unwanted behaviour. They respond well to the rewards system, which offers an incentive for achieving their goals, an example being a Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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Good

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. takeaway meal. A parent praised the anger management work, stating that it had ‘changed’ their life. Parents have access to art therapy and mindfulness, helping them to relax, be self-expressive and connect with their creativity.

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Good

On admission, parents receive a welcome pack that includes their residents’ guide. The centre is able to cater for emergency admissions. It is able to meet the needs of families by providing childcare items, such as nappies and baby milk. Children also receive an outfit or toy at the assessment midway stage and a gift on discharge. Where there are financial issues, leaders and managers also help to fund basic items. The registered manager states that they want parents to ‘know somebody cares’.

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Good

There is a compassionate understanding of the emotional aspect of the assessment process. Parents receive daily free time to undertake activities of their choice, and staff can assist with baby-sitting. Staff also arrange fun social activities, an example being a Christmas pantomime and a trip to a renowned shopping mall. Families influence the day-to-day decision-making and contribute to life at the home. Examples of the latter include the provision of an outdoor buggy space and helping to choose children’s books for the centre. Staff can also supervise family contact at the centre to prevent disruptions to children’s routines and provide a secure base. Parents reside in a centre which blends into the residential area, presenting as a family home. Families have a choice of a single or a double fully furnished room with a cot and baby equipment. One of the bedrooms has an en suite shower room. They

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Good

share a kitchen which has a dining area, dishwasher and laundry facilities. The television lounge provides a sufficient range of toys and books. The garden is multi- purpose, having a smoking area with outdoor furniture. Children can play on the lawn and there are plans to develop parents’ interests in gardening. The environment is well maintained, physically safe, has appropriate security and meets health and safety requirements. The employment of a cleaner ensures that the cleanliness of the centre is of a high standard.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

Leaders and managers are currently not meeting the legal requirements fully regarding quality assurance. Although there are monthly visits from an independent Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. person, leaders and managers should undertake their own evaluation of the quality of care. This will ensure that there is a cycle of continuous improvement to have a positive impact on service provision. Recommendations also relate to service development, individualised family placement plans and assessment feedback. These are minor shortfalls and can be actioned easily. Shortfalls do not detract from an otherwise sound service, which positively promotes the needs of families.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

Parents and professionals can access the organisation’s comprehensive website, which provides a sound overview of the service. The statement of purpose meets regulatory requirements efficiently. Case records reflect the day-to-day lives of families and the work that staff undertake. They contribute positively towards the overall assessment process. The centre has a generic placement plan which they adapt to each family. An individualised family placement plan is not produced as recommended in the national minimum standards. This would strengthen care planning arrangements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

A permanent, suitably experienced and qualified registered manager runs the residential family centre. This individual is also the joint owner of the business. This highly experienced professional has over 20 years of post-qualifying experience in social work. They have also worked as a guardian ad litem, in training and development and as a regulatory visitor. They have expertise of working within the mental health, substance misuse, physical and learning disability and therapeutic fields. Their substantial experience gives them extensive insight regarding legal proceedings, specialist assessments of parents and their complex needs. A professional describes them as: ‘A hands-on leader whose passion is clearly on developing the mothers’ parenting capacities. However, her focus remains the children’s best interests.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

The deputy is a very experienced qualified psychotherapist and further strengthens the leadership and management arrangements. This individual has over 35 years’ experience in social care. This includes social work, nursing, mentoring and fostering and adoption. The service additionally benefits from an operations manager who leads on business management, helping to ensure that the organisation is running as well as it possibly can.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

Families receive assistance from well-qualified and suitably vetted members of staff. The staff team includes qualified social workers and they lead on various aspects of the parenting programme. High staffing ratios ensure that families receive focused one-to-one support. A parent describes staff as ‘friendly’, stating that they ‘give me good support’. Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Managers and staff receive regular reflective supervision. This enables them to evaluate their interventions with families and address their own personal development. Team meetings provide a collective opportunity for staff to further reflect, learn together and improve their practice. The emotional impact of the work on staff is recognised and managed well, through a comprehensive employee assistance programme.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

Effective training competently equips staff for their respective responsibilities. New staff benefit from a robust induction programme, enabling them to use transferable skills and acquire the relevant knowledge for their roles. A staff member confirmed that their induction gave them 'confidence’. The organisation has established links with a training provider for free online courses. Parents will also have access to this training.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

Leaders, managers and staff work exceptionally well with external agencies. A placing authority describes them as being ‘an excellent provider’, stating that: ‘They would be happy to place with them again.’ A court professional describes communication as ‘concise, immediate and child-focused’. These working relationships with other agencies and professionals positively benefit families. Their liaison with health professionals ensures prompt completion of the necessary psychological and psychiatrist assessments.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

Links with community teams enable families to receive specialist support, for example within the substance misuse services. Parents greatly appreciate attending external groups at the children’s centres and other community venues. Here they can enhance their parenting skills, which ultimately benefits their children. Health visitors share information and invite parents to activity days, such as cooking workshops. Parents also have a chance to socialise on summer day trips, events and relevant meetings. Parents can also access a domestic violence survivors group. Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Website: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers Requires improvement

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The 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 relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the inspection framework for the inspection of residential family centres.

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