Children's home run by Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council in Wigan

Outstanding

The children's home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the home contribute to significantly improved outcomes for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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The children's home provision is outstanding because:

 Staff really enjoy their work and deliver exceptional care, which enables young people to make exceptionally good progress.  Innovative and individualised communication systems maximise young people’s decision-making. Their views matter and influence the running of the home.  Comprehensive individual care plans direct the care provided to young people. Staff successfully plan activities targeted to young people’s individual goals. As a result, young people make excellent progress towards their goals.  Effective risk assessments enable young people to take risks appropriate to their levels of understanding and abilities. Staff help young people to take managed risks that allow them to develop and learn.  Young people benefit from a highly skilled staff team that works very well together and shows consistent practice. Staff continually develop their skills and challenge themselves to improve the outcomes of the young people.

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The children's home provision is outstanding because:

 A committed and innovative registered manager leads this home and is a role model to the stable and consistent staff team. She provides exceptional care for young people and drives ongoing improvement in the home.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendations:  Where the home has questions or concerns about a child’s medication, they should approach an expert health professional, such as a general medical practitioner, community pharmacist or designated nurse for looked-after children. (‘Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 35, paragraph 7.15)  All children’s case records (regulation 38) must be kept up to date and stored securely while they remain in the home. Records must be kept in a permanent form, signed and dated by the author. (‘Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.3)

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Information about this children's home

The home provides short break care and accommodation for up to five children who have learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities. The home is operated by a local authority and is fully equipped to meet the needs of the children using this short break service

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

16/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

26/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Outstanding

The short breaks service continues to provide exceptional care. It is currently supporting over 43 families and is making a measureable difference to young people’s lives. Although the wider residential services have recently been restructured, this has not impacted on the service provided to young people at this home. A committed staff team has continued to deliver highly valued care, which enables young people who have disabilities and complex needs to make exceptionally good progress. Social workers, parents and other professionals involved with the home were all very complimentary about the, ‘outstanding support and care’ provided by staff. One social worker said, ‘[Name of home] really is an excellent provision, and young people really enjoy their stay at the home. Communication is always excellent, and staff are continually willing to go above and beyond.’ Young people experience their short breaks in small and compatible groups. This

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Outstanding

enables them to learn about the needs and wishes of others and to build up new friendships. Parents see this as an essential part of their child’s stay and are pleased with the benefit that this has on their child’s ability to socialise in their own family. Staff help young people to spend positive time with others and, in doing so, they improve their skills in social interaction. Staff help young people to access activities that offer everyday learning and enjoyment, such as sensory play, interactive games and practical skills, such as baking. These increase essential developmental skills, such as object recognition and hand-to-eye coordination, and their independence skills. This supports young people’s learning and progress. Young people, including those who do not communicate verbally, receive appropriate support to contribute their views and opinions in a variety of ways, specific to their unique communication styles and abilities. Staff are fully aware of

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Outstanding

the young people’s individual and immediate methods of communication, including gesture, facial expression, sign language or the use of symbols. Furthermore, the manager and staff are resourceful in developing their outstanding practices, to continually improve the quality of care that they provide. They creatively use research-informed practice in effective communication aids, for young people with no or limited verbal communication. This is in consultation with families and professionals. For example, ‘talking mats’ were introduced, and staff attended training on how to effectively support young people in using them. The mats have provided young people with a structure by which information is presented in small chunks, supported by symbols. It has allowed young people the time and space to think about information, to work out what it means and to say what they feel in a visual way, which staff then record and photograph. These have proven extremely

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Outstanding

successful and, for the first time, one young person who has no verbal communication was able to have their wishes and feelings shared as part of their review meeting. This approach encourages young people to be as independent as possible and to make effective choices about their everyday lives, such as what drinks or snacks they might like, or what activities they might like to try. Young people receive prompt attention, to meet their immediate health and comfort needs, from suitably trained staff. This enables young people to feel safe and happy, as they receive continuity of care for important support routines, such as personal care or mealtimes. Parents said that their children continually benefit from the continuity of care provided. For example, 'Staff asked about all our routines at home. This includes mealtimes, bedtimes, personal care etc. They make sure these are copied and it helps [Name of young person] understand what is

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Outstanding

happening next.’ The staff consistently create and follow each young person’s individualised care plan. This ensures that all young people receive appropriate support to meet their short- and long-term goals. Plans are reviewed but, on occasions, they have not been signed or dated when changes have been made. Although this does not directly affect the welfare of the young people, it weakens the ways in which progress is verified and continues to be monitored. The registered manager was already aware of this and has spoken to staff individually about the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date records. Managers and staff demonstrate strong and effective partnerships with all relevant adults. Parents, who responded to the Ofsted questionnaires, reported that they appreciate the, ‘open and honest communication staff provide’, and that they ‘continue to be fully involved in planning their child’s programme of care’.

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Outstanding

Professionals identify a considerable strength of the home as being the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment of the staff team. Social workers said, ‘Planning is individualised and adapted to meet the young person’s individual needs’, ‘Young people always remain at the centre of practice’, and ‘Staff continue to support young people’s independence and take the time to celebrate all of the steps they achieve, however small.’

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Outstanding

During young people’s short breaks, they are kept safe and are well looked after. Staff carefully integrate their knowledge and understanding of the needs of young people who have disabilities and complex health needs with their knowledge and understanding about how to help young people to keep safe. This highly effective combination enables staff to identify key triggers to changes in mood and resilience, and to work with young people and other professionals to reduce any risk arising from such changes. By being proactive, staff improve young people’s feelings of security and well-being, and this leads to improvements in their overall welfare and progress. Medication in the home is generally well managed. Staff keep detailed records, and regular audits take place. However, on one occasion, the medication records indicated that there had been a discrepancy in the dosage given to the young person. During discussions with the registered manager, it was established that no

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Outstanding

medical advice had been sought. However, staff had contacted the person with parental responsibility, who confirmed the new dose. The manager agreed that, as a further safeguard, confirmation should have been obtained from the young person’s prescribing general practioner, and she had already taken effective action to address this. This included adding medication procedures to the agenda for the team meeting and direct one-to-one sessions with staff involved. This demonstrates that safe practices continue in the home and that policies and procedures are consistently adhered to. Staff have a calm, effective and gentle approach towards behaviour management. When young people become distressed or frustrated, staff use a variety of de- escalation techniques, which are specific to the individual young person’s needs, to divert their behaviours and to help reduce the source of anxiety. These may be moving to another part of the home for some quiet time, or going for a walk in the

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Outstanding

garden. This helps young people to feel calmer. As a result, there have been no incidents of physical intervention at the home between inspections, and bullying is not a feature at this home. All staff attend regular and up-to-date training in child protection that includes the particular vulnerabilities of young people who have disabilities. In addition, the registered manager recognised that there was a shortfall in staff’s knowledge about child sexual exploitation and arranged for specialist training to be delivered. This was specifically in relation to young people who have disabilities and complex needs. Staff reported that this had been ‘extremely helpful’, and one staff member said, ‘I had never really considered how much more vulnerable our children are. The training has really made me think and recognise how much more alert we have to be.’ Furthermore, effective systems are in place to record and manage any

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Outstanding

concerns regarding the welfare of young people. Staff demonstrated a clear knowledge and understanding of the need to highlight any physical or emotional changes in young people, which might indicate they have suffered harm. They promptly communicate any concerns about young people’s welfare to parents and appropriate professionals, to ensure that young people’s safety remains a high priority. Effective monitoring of health and safety ensures that young people and staff are safe. Risk assessments regarding the home, the activities and behaviours of the young people are thorough and provide staff with clear strategies on how to respond to concerns if they arise. The staff use detailed and up-to-date written risk assessments, to develop a clear understanding of risks to individual young people’s safety and to guide them effectively to manage and reduce these risks. They achieve the right balance between protecting young people from identified causes

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Outstanding

of harm and allowing them to take risks, which continues to promote their personal growth and independence. Staff working with young people are carefully selected and vetted, using safe recruitment processes. This helps to prevent unsuitable people from having access to vulnerable young people. Rigorous induction programmes ensure that staff are equipped to care safely for each young person, in a manner that protects their rights and dignity. New staff work alongside experienced staff, to ensure that they have opportunities to learn all about young people’s routines and personal care needs. This ensures that safe caring practice is maintained and that young people remain comfortable with staff that understand and support their complex needs. One staff member said, ‘This was all new to me, but other staff have been really good in answering questions and providing advice and support, especially when I

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Outstanding

have not been sure. This has really helped me in my role and, more importantly, helped me get to know all about the young people and the best and most appropriate way to meet all of their individual needs.’

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Outstanding

A highly skilled, ambitious and inspirational registered manager provides effective leadership to a well-qualified, committed and competent staff team. Due to the recent restructure, the home now has two deputy managers who successfully support the manager in her role. Together, they create a culture of high expectations of the staff to improve the lives of the young people for whom they are responsible. Staff respond enthusiastically to their managers’ expectations and all reported that they feel, ‘extremely well supported’ and that they ‘love working at the home.’ One staff member said, ‘I can really see the difference we can make in young people’s lives.’ The managers ensure that, prior to any new young person accessing a short breaks service, they spend a lot of time in preparation. Careful consideration is given to the needs of each young person and the compatibility of the group. The safety and

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Outstanding

welfare of all young people are prioritised. Managers spend time meeting with families, professionals and young people, before the short breaks service begins. Introduction visits and tea visits take place before overnight stays are arranged. These provide opportunities for young people to get used to their new surroundings and to meet the staff and the other young people whom they may be spending time with. A comprehensive placement plan is compiled. This identifies the aims and objectives of the service and the goals and support available for the young person in order to meet their needs effectively. Pre-planning is key to ensuring that young people’s needs are met and that resources are readily available, to ensure the safety of all young people. The registered manager regularly monitors the quality of care provided. She uses learning from practice and incorporates any findings from feedback gained from

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Outstanding

consultation exercises with stakeholders, including professionals and families, into reports on the conduct of the home. The reports record progress made against actions to support the development of the home. Each revised plan identifies adjustments to the performance criteria for the home, to ensure that progress is maximised. Furthermore, all staff are fully engaged in identifying and supporting ideas that can further improve the outstanding quality of service being provided to young people. The home meets the aims and objectives of the statement of purpose. Families and social workers, as well as other professionals, are clear about the services and support that the home provides. The manager ensures that the physical environment is maintained to the highest standards. The home is a warm, nurturing family environment, which is sufficiently resourced and appropriate to meet the needs of the young people. In addition, in the last three months, a new

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Outstanding

system of independent monitoring has been introduced. Following monthly visits, a detailed report has been provided to the manager, with the findings from the visit and any recommendations for action. This helps to improve the level of scrutiny of the home. This further benefits the overall experiences of young people accessing the service. Staff benefit from regular and developmental supervision. They said that this helps them to reflect on their performance and ensures that they continually improve the quality of care that they provide. Team meetings take place regularly, and the manager is very clear about the responsibilities of each team member to attend. Additional meetings have been introduced for night staff, to ensure that the home continues to provide a consistent approach to young people at all times. Professionals and parents offer high praise for the service, and recognise that staff offer young people opportunities for development and growth that they may not

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Outstanding

otherwise have. Results clearly demonstrate the positive impact and value that short breaks at the home have on the lives of young people, who grow in confidence and maturity.

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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 that 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 whom 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

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Information about this inspection

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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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