Children's home run by Oak House Children's Home Limited in Redbridge

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has declined in effectiveness . An experienced interim manager is in post. She has made a positive impact on the leadership team and on the standards of care in the home. The previous registered manager left the home in April 2016. She has not resigned her registration with Ofsted. The interim manager has not yet applied for registration. The responsible individual advised Ofsted of the change in management arrangements. However, as the post of registered manager has been vacant for more than 26 weeks, this results in an automatic judgement that the home has declined in effectiveness. Staff enjoy working for the interim manager. One describes a ‘good team of consistent staff’, which benefits the children. Since the last full inspection, children have experienced a period of relative stability with only one child moving on in a planned way and one child recently admitted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff supported the child moving on from the home to help with their transition and to make sure that there was a positive ending for her. Three children currently live in the home. One is settling and getting used to the staff and routines. The others have formed strong, positive relationships with staff who have supported them over a longer period of time. There is support for education. In one case, there is exceptional progress in a child who has returned to full-time education, is participating in school clubs and attending regularly unless ill. Staff support education, for example, by making sure that children have the correct uniform and books to help with their study. Attendance is not so good for another child. However, staff are aware of what may have caused this and anticipate that this will improve. Education is not yet in place for one resident who has recently come to live in the home, but it is at the planning

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

stage. Behaviour management is good. With staff help and consistent boundaries, some children have significantly reduced anti-social, challenging and criminal behaviour. They are learning to show remorse for actions that may harm other people. Due to their improved self-regulation, they are no longer getting involved in the criminal justice system, have reduced challenging incidents and are calm enough to study in school and improve their chances of achieving their ambitions. The use of behaviour contracts has been effective in helping to set firm boundaries about acceptable behaviour. Another child is pursuing subjects which interest them, for example, recording music and music videos as well as learning basic skills. There is better engagement with health professionals, such as Fusion to support those who use drugs. Children say that they feel safe in the home. They say that they do not experience bullying. Children pursue their individual interests but also take part in activities,

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

such as bowling and pamper evenings, with other residents and the staff. They enjoyed a trip away in the summer for a holiday in CentreParcs. Staff manage well episodes when children are absent or missing. Staff make sure that children understand the risks that they are placing themselves at, for example, the risk of sexual exploitation. They build their confidence and self-esteem to help children to see abusive relationships for what they are. Management ensures that practical arrangements are in place, such as providing children with mobile phones so that they can remain in touch with staff when they are away. There is significant progress for one child who no longer goes missing from the home. This is a great improvement to her safety and she is no longer at risk of sexual exploitation. Another child is returning to the home after short absences rather than going missing for long periods, which is also an improvement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The interim manager met the two recommendations and one requirement made at the last inspection. The independent visitor provides effective scrutiny of the home and helps to improve standards. They now include in their reports their opinion on how the home keeps children safe and protects their well-being. Management provided staff with training on the ‘Prevent’ duty and female genital mutilation. Staff are more aware of how to protect children from these potential threats, although they report that no children have been at risk during this inspection period. Management is now aware of the need to challenge placing authorities when they do not arrange for someone independent to interview children on their return from being missing.

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Information about this children’s home

This privately owned home provides care for five young women who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

25/11/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

30/01/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person(s) meet(s) 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 provider must appoint a person to manage the children’s home if there is no registered manager in respect of the home. Specifically, the previous registered manager must resign from their registration with Ofsted and the interim manager must apply to be registered. (Regulation 27(1)(a)) 31/01/2016

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendation:  Inspection focuses on the outcomes that children are being supported to achieve. It tests compliance with the relevant regulations and has regard to the Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards. Specifically, ensure that records and guidance reflect the standards and regulations. (Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 8, paragraph 1.23)

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What the inspection judgements mean

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

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

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and 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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