Children's home run by St Christopher’s Fellowship in Wandsworth

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:

 Children say that they feel safe living in the home and could name staff who they could speak to if they were worried or upset.  Staff understand the importance of education. They actively support and encourage the children to attend school and to complete their homework.  There is a stable, dedicated staff team, that knows and understands the individual needs of the children. Staff are committed to working with the children.  Children are encouraged to take part in a wide variety of activities, both in the home and in the community.  Staff understand the importance of contact for children, families and important people in their lives. Staff facilitate this to happen.  Staff are consistent with boundaries and appropriately challenge inappropriate behaviours.  Children are supported to learn appropriate risks in consultation with social workers.  Children have regular house meetings where their wishes and feelings are

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The children's home provision is good because:

listened to and acted upon.  Children know how to complain, but do not have the opportunity to comment or sign to say that they are happy with the outcome.  Bullying is currently not a major issue at the home, but staff have not had any training in recognising or dealing with bullying, as outlined in the home’s statement of purpose and function.  Children are aware of the alarms fitted to their bedroom doors, but there is no consent from children or social workers for these to be used.  Staff have completed all mandatory training, although some staff have not completed the national vocational qualification within the required timescale.  There is a child-friendly children’s guide, but it does not contain the day-to- day routines of the home.

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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 may only employ an individual to work at the children’s home if the individual has the appropriate experience, qualification and skills for the work that the individual is to perform. For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), an individual who works in the home in a care role has the appropriate qualification if, by the relevant date, the individual has attained the level 3 diploma for residential childcare (England) (‘the level 3 diploma’) or a qualification which the registered person considers to be equivalent to the level 3 diploma. The relevant date is, in the case of an individual who starts working in a care role in a home after 1 April 2014, the date which falls two years after the date on which the individual started working in a care role in a home or, in the case of an individual who was working in a care role in a home on 1 April 2014, 1 April 2016. (Regulation 32 (2)(a), (3)(b), (4)(a)(b), (5)(a)(b))

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that a record is made of any complaint, the action taken in response and the outcome of any investigation. This is with particular regard to following up fully any complaint made by a young person. (Regulation 39 (3)) 01/02/2017

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Requirement Due date

The registered person may only use devices for the monitoring or surveillance of children if the child’s placing authority consents in writing to the monitoring or surveillance. (Regulation 24 (b)) 01/02/2017

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Requirement Due date

11. The positive relationship standard To meet the positive relationship standard the registered person must ensure that staff: (2)(a)(xii) understand and communicate to children that bullying is unacceptable; and (xiii) have the skills to recognise incidents or indications of bullying and how to deal with them. 03/03/2017

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendations:  The children’s guide should help children to understand the day-to-day routines of the home, and what care they can expect to receive while living in the home. (‘Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 24, paragraph 4.22)  The child’s general medical practitioner (GP) should be kept informed of any progress of care, including any suggested changes of that care. This is in relation to GPs signing to say what household medication can be given to young people by staff. (‘Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 18, paragraph 3.33)

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Recommendations

 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. This is in relation to impact risk assessments being completed. (‘Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 56, paragraph 11.4)

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Information about this children's home

The children’s home is managed by a charitable organisation. It provides care and accommodation for up to eight young people, irrespective of gender, who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 01/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 12/10/2015 Full Good 21/01/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness 24/06/2014 Full Adequate

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Good

The children have built good relationships with a stable, dedicated staff team that supports them to progress. One child commented, ‘It is like being in a family and we get to make lots of memories. I am happy here.’ A social worker commented, ‘I am really pleased with the way she has progressed since moving there.’

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Good

Staff have a good knowledge of the children and why they are in care. Staff are aware of what children’s current needs and future plans are. Children spoken to said that the staff knew why they were in care and felt that this was important. One child commented, ‘Staff explained to me in detail about why I am living here which helped.’

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Good

Staff see education as an important part of the children’s daily life. They support and encourage the children to attend. There are good links with education providers and staff attend parent’s evenings and meetings. All children are accessing education and attendance has increased. One child commented, ‘When I came here I had less than 40% attendance. I now have 100% and I am really proud of myself.’ One child was on a day’s exclusion. Staff took them to the library, helped them complete some homework and supported her to write a letter of apology to the school. The child commented, ‘It has been really boring not going to school today. I cannot wait to go back tomorrow.’ Staff support children to complete homework in the evenings and incorporate time for this into the shift plan.

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Good

Children have regular key work sessions covering a wide variety of topics. Children comment and sign these, which show their involvement in the sessions.

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Good

Children have individual care plans in place, which are detailed and support the staff in working with them on all aspects of their lives. Children have the opportunity to comment and sign these plans along with parents and social workers to ensure consistency. There are also individual detailed daily plans informing the staff of the children’s likes, dislikes and potential triggers. These are comprehensive, which ensures that staff have a consistent approach, for example, getting children up in the morning or settling them to bed. Children are involved in completing these.

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Good

Children are encouraged to work towards incentives. One child commented, ‘I had an incentive of a new double bed if I improved my school attendance, which I now have. I am now working towards other things.’ Staff recognise children’s achievements through key work sessions and house meetings. There are well done cards, which staff can complete and give to children in recognition of achieving or trying to achieve something or, for example, simply making staff a cup of tea or helping clear up after meals. This shows the children that they are valued and staff recognise when they have done well.

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Good

There have been 11 sanctions since the last full inspection. These are fair, proportionate and evaluated by the manager, to ensure that they are appropriate. Children have commented and signed each entry.

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Good

The children’s health needs are promoted. All children are registered with the local GP, dentist and opticians. Staff support children to attend routine health appointments, including a yearly medical from the looked after nurse. Staff record the outcome and actions of each visit. Staff also work closely with other health professionals involved in the children’s care.

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Good

Children are supported and encouraged to cook and eat healthy meals. Staff do not purchase sugary drinks or cereals and the majority of meals are cooked from scratch. The children have an allotment in the garden where they grow vegetables to use when cooking. Staff also encourage children to participate in exercise. There is a well-equipped gym, which children use with staff and different challenges are set for staff and children with the winner getting a prize such as a trip to the cinema.

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Good

Staff understand the importance of children having a wide variety of activities, both in the home and in the community. Some children are involved with activities such as horse riding, St John ambulance club and dancing. This supports children to build and maintain friendships with their peers in the community.

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Good

Children have recently been involved in a week of ‘come dine with me’ and a ‘bake off’. Staff have produced books with photos of these events, which help create positive memories for children. The children recently hosted an open day for social workers, families and friends, with a barbeque and a bouncy castle. This was a great success with over 70 people attending throughout the day.

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Good

The children went on a two-week holiday to Scotland during the summer. A child commented, ‘This year I was able to make it to the top of the hill. I couldn’t do it last year’.

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Good

There are regular house meetings, which all children attend. Children have the opportunity to discuss any worries or concerns as well as planning activities, weekly menus and things that they want to be purchased for the house. Staff also use these meetings to gain feedback from them, to ascertain comments and views about the day-to-day running of the home and to give positive feedback on children’s achievements. The manager reads the minutes and writes 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.

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Good

Staff understand the importance of contact for both children and their families and friends and support this in line with the social worker’s care plan. A social worker commented, ‘The staff have supported her in seeing mum when she wants to.’ A child commented, ‘I get to see my sister a lot as she lives near, which is good.’ Staff also support children to spend time with friends in the community so that they can maintain peer relationships.

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Good

Children are supported in developing their independence in line with their age, understanding and ability. There are three stages that the children can work towards, the ultimate being independence on the top floor of the house. The children spoken to all commented that they have progressed with their independence since moving to the home and are very proud of their achievements. The manager is in the process of developing this further to support children when they leave the home, to be able to have all the skills to live in the community independently if appropriate.

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Good

There is a comprehensive children’s guide, which explains about the house, but not the day-to-day routines. This does not ensure that the children understand what happens during the day.

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Good

The home is large and spacious. The staff and children have worked hard to make it feel warm and welcoming. Children have recently been involved in choosing new furniture and pictures for the lounges. These are comfortable and decorated to a good standard. Children have been able to personalise their bedrooms, which are large and spacious. All children have pets, such as hamsters or fish in their rooms, which they look after. Three of the communal bathrooms have been refitted to a high standard and building work on the remaining bathrooms has begun. There has been a delivery of new washing machines and tumble dryers. Once the old industrial machines have been removed, the laundry room will be revamped. Children and staff are in the process of turning the art room into an internet cafe. The gym has been completed and a local club funded a new changing room with a shower and toilet. This means that the sister homes can use the gym without

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Good

interfering with the children in the house.

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Good

The garden is large and spacious. Children have recently chosen and planted their own fruit trees. There is a herb garden and an allotment where children grow vegetables which they then cook.

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Good

Children take pride in their home because they are encouraged to be involved in choosing the decoration. Judgement grade

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Good

Staff challenge unwanted behaviours and reinforce boundaries. A social worker commented, ‘Staff have put boundaries in place and know that she will react when she does not get her own way but they stick to what has been put in place and that is what she needs.’

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Good

Daily information plans incorporate behaviour management plans, which give staff a good insight into how to support the children and potential triggers, behaviours and how to work through these. This ensures that staff work in a consistent way.

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Good

During the inspection, there were observations of good interactions between staff and children. Staff used appropriate banter to engage with children. Staff ensure that they eat with the children including those working towards independence if they want. A child commented, ‘There’s always someone you can speak to if you need to.’

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Good

Comprehensive risk assessments are in place, which outline the risk and the strategies for managing challenging behaviours safely. These are reviewed monthly and amended when necessary. Staff are not risk averse. They understand the importance of children learning to manage risk, taking into account their age and understanding.

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Good

Health and safety checks are completed and up to date. An area risk assessment is in place, which outlines potential risks in the area and actions for reduction.

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Good

Children spoken to say that they feel safe living in the home. One child commented, ‘It is the staff that make it feel safe.’

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Good

There are incidents of children leaving the home without authority. Individual protocols are in place. The staff have a good relationship with the local missing from home team and they are in regular contact. The manager keeps them updated with new admissions and of any concerns along with a copy of each child’s going missing protocol. A member of staff from the missing from home team commented, ‘There are some issues with children leaving the home but the staff work well to support them. I have no issues with the home.’ A social worker commented, ‘Staff are doing as much as they can to keep her safe, they work well with the police and myself and always follow procedure.’

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Good

Children who leave the home without authority receive a return to home interview from a dedicated worker who commented, ‘Through conversations with children we have managed to find links to other children who go missing from homes both in and out of the area. We have had strategy meetings and can link in different social workers and homes. I have found links between friendships which are inappropriate and we have been able to disrupt these.’ This shows that the home and professionals are working together to keep children safe.

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Good

Children spoken to commented that there is no bullying in the home. However, staff have not undergone any training in regards to bullying which is outlined in their statement of purpose and function. Therefore, it is not clear that staff would recognise the signs and symptoms of bullying and be able to support the children.

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Good

Impact risk assessments are not completed to look at the potential risks to the other children of a new child coming into the home, along with strategies for risk reduction in order to safeguard all children.

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Good

The children know how to complain. Those spoken to were confident that they could bring up complaints with their key worker, at in-house meetings or in writing to the manager. A young person commented, ‘I have made a complaint and I know that the manager is looking into it and she keeps me updated.’ However, there was no evidence that children have the opportunity to comment and sign to say that they are happy with the outcome of the complaint. This means that staff have no record to say whether children are satisfied with the outcome or wish to take it further.

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Good

The manager has been in post since October 2016 and has the relevant experience to manage the home. She was previously the home’s deputy manager. She is working towards her level 5 qualification.

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Good

The manager has a clear vision for the home and recognises the strengths and areas that she would like to develop.

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Good

There were three requirements and one recommendation from the last inspection. These have all been met.

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Good

Staff have good insight into children’s needs and behaviours and treat them as individuals. There is good communication between the staff and social workers. A social worker commented, ‘I am always kept updated and receive monthly reports which are very informative.’ Another commented, ‘Communication is good, staff will contact me if there are any issues and have all the information I ask for.’

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Good

Staff receive regular supervision, which they say that they find supportive and can discuss any issues. A new member of staff commented that he found two-weekly supervisions and his in-depth induction supportive in helping him to understand the job of looking after and keeping the children safe. All appraisals are up to date.

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Good

Monthly reports are sent to the social workers, giving them a good insight into any issues and children’s progression. Children are supported to comment and sign these, meaning that they have some input into their current plans.

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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. The therapist attends when appropriate to discuss and support staff working with the children.

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Good

Recruitment is robust. Staff cannot begin to work in the home until all checks have been received and verified.

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Good

The home rarely uses agency staff. Staff cover shifts or staff come from sister homes to ensure that the rota is covered. Staff understand the importance of having a team that knows and understands the children and any risks in order to safeguard them.

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Good

Staff spoken to understand the strengths of the home. They actively work with children to give them a positive experience and to build memories to take with them. When asked what was good about the home a child commented, ‘Building memories with the staff.’

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Good

The majority of staff have completed their national vocational qualification level 3. However, three remaining staff members, although registered on the national vocational qualification level 3, have worked with children for more than two years. Therefore, they do not meet the requirement to have achieved the appropriate qualification within the required timescale.

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Good

There are alarms on the children’s bedroom doors that buzz when doors are opened. Children are aware of these and why they are in place but there are no consent forms from parents or social workers.

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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 looked after children 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 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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