Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Halton

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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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness .

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Young people benefit greatly from an experienced staff team that is motivated and skilled in helping them to achieve the best possible outcomes. Staff spoken to are extremely proud of the young people’s achievements. Both young people have lived at the home for quite some time and enjoy a sense of permanence and belonging.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The staff are successful in supporting young people with their education, which means that they have excellent attendance. Effective relationships between the home and education staff mean that staff have a good understanding of young people’s levels of progress and targets. They take appropriate action where school is becoming difficult, for example, they provided support in lessons for one young person who was struggling. This enabled the young person to maintain their school placement.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

A key strength of the home is the opportunity for young people to enjoy a range of social, educational and recreational opportunities. Individual interests and talents are encouraged, which helps to improve their confidence and self-esteem. For example, one young person recently received a promotion at cadets. She has also been rewarded with a trip to the Christmas markets in Germany in recognition of her educational achievements. Another young person enjoyed her work experience. The employers wrote, ‘It was a pleasure to have (name)… she embraced the whole experience with a positive attitude… she was a very welcome and helpful addition to our team.’

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

An ongoing programme of redecoration and refurbishment ensures that the home is well maintained to a high standard. Most recently, the home has had sound proofing to the adjoining walls following several neighbour complaints. This provided an effective resolution for all parties. The staff have also converted part of the dining room into a study area. This provides the young people with a quiet space for their revision.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

Staff support young people to develop skills and strategies to manage their own conflicts and difficult feelings. Regular key worker sessions are an opportunity for them to talk about their concerns. Staff provide clear and consistent expectations of behaviour and encourage young people to make positive choices. Consequently, there have been no physical interventions since December 2015, and few sanctions have been given. There have been very few episodes of young people going missing from the home. The staff work well with the police to ensure the safe return of young people should they going missing.

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The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

The home is well managed. Effective monitoring systems provide critical oversight of the quality of care. Appropriate action is taken following any recommendations from the independent person’s visits. This ensures that the service continues to develop and improve. The manager has addressed the one requirement made at the last inspection. Records of the manager’s monitoring are kept in the home, this includes a copy of the quality care review undertaken in the last six months. The manager and her staff team are fully committed to driving up standards and improving outcomes for young people.

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Information about this children's home

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a large national private provider.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 29/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 22/12/2015 Full Good 06/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness 31/07/2014 Full Good

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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 with the given timescales.

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Statutory Requirements

There are no requirements or recommendations resulting from this inspection.

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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 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 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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