Children's home run by Motivations Activity Projects Ltd in Birmingham

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has developed since the last inspection. This is due to their response to the previous requirements and recommendations, the continuing progress of young people and the improved administrative systems meaning that staff are able to spend more time supporting young people in their care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection, two requirements and two recommendations were raised. Staff and managers have improved the physical environment in various areas of the home including the soft furnishings in one young person’s bedroom. The floor in the annexe has been replaced and the office rearranged to make information more accessible for staff. Young people enjoy living in a home, which offers a comfortable environment in which to live.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Monitoring of the home has improved and the registered manager is now sending in six monthly reviews of the functioning of the home to the regulator. Self- evaluation of the service is enabling the managers to review the service provided to young people and to identify areas for improvement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Managers and staff work together to create an environment in which young people’s education is a priority. Young people all attend school or college. Staff are proactive in supporting young people’s choices about their studies, helping them make the most of opportunities in place to enhance and enrich their lives.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, one young person has left the home, and two young people have been admitted. One young person left following significant concerns about risks presented to staff and young people by his behaviour. New young people are settling into the home. One young person told the inspector, ‘I am happy here, I felt welcomed when I moved in. I have everything I need here.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have a good understanding of young people’s needs as reflected in their care plans. A motivated and consistent approach by staff helps young people achieve positive outcomes. Staff work well with young people to promote independence. One young person has started to travel independently, and his emotional maturity has improved. For example, he has a growing understanding of other people’s needs and feelings and in promoting his understanding of citizenship. Another young person is building their relationships with staff and this is helping to decrease incidents. A third young person is developing an understanding of a healthy diet, which in turn, is leading to improved overall health.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Partnership working continues to be a strength. A teacher commented, ‘We enjoy excellent relationships with staff at the home and we are confident knowing that we have back-up from staff if there are any difficulties.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people work with staff to develop their independence skills. Each young person participates in undertaking general chores within the home – washing their crockery, sorting out their rooms and completing personal laundry. In addition, staff work with young people, their families and professionals to monitor young people’s emotional progress, helping them manage their emotions and behaviour in appropriate ways.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Managers and staff continue to prioritise young people’s safety. There has been only one absence without permission since the last inspection. The number of incidents has fluctuated, reflecting the changing dynamics in the household, but the number of physical interventions remains low. Staff know each young person well, and can identify triggers that may result in a heightening of behaviour. Staff divert and de-escalate situations, resulting in a calm atmosphere for all.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager continues to have a good oversight of the running of the home. He has an achievable development plan in place, which focuses on staff recruitment, training and development, and aims to continue to provide a good service for all young people living at the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This inspection has not raised any requirements or recommendations.

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Information about this children's home

The service is operated by a private company and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 14/06/2016 Full Good 15/01/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 15/07/2015 Full Good 24/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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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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