Children's Home run by Roundhouse Care in Staffordshire

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:

 Young people are extremely well cared for and nurtured by skilled, qualified and knowledgeable staff.  Young people thrive from the therapeutic approach that staff provide.  Young people experience settled placements that feel like home.  The home is excellently presented. It is warm and welcoming and provides a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.  Staff do an exceptional job to care for children and young people, whose confidence and self-esteem significantly improve from their starting points.  Staff respond well to young people who go missing from home, and who are vulnerable to child sexual exploitation. The risk of sexual exploitation for young people is significantly reducing.  The use of physical intervention is reducing. Young people manage their behaviour appropriately.  Staff work in excellent partnership with external professionals.  The home is led by an extremely committed, passionate and dedicated

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The children’s home provision is outstanding because:

manager and staff team.  The registered manager strives to drive improvement. She uses her knowledge and contacts with external professionals to influence the best outcomes for children and young people.

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Information about this children’s home

This home is operated by a private provider, and is registered to provide care and accommodation for three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

30/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Outstanding

Children and young people are extremely well cared for and nurtured by skilled, qualified and knowledgeable staff. Staff go above and beyond to ensure that children and young people exceed their personal expectations while living at the home. Staff are passionate about giving children the opportunity for a better future. A staff member said, ‘The children receive a different kind of care. We are all trained in therapeutic care and go the extra mile for the needs of the child. We create a family environment. We recognise their weaknesses and turn them into strengths and work to get them to achieve and not fail.’ The progress that children and young people make from the point at which they enter the home is remarkable. For example, one young person has maintained her placement, when previously placements have broken down. This is a significant improvement for her. She is now able to show her affection towards staff because

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Outstanding

she feels safe. A staff member said, ‘She knows she is supported and cared for. She is achieving in the way that is best for her.’ Children and young people contribute to the running of the home and the care that they receive, through regular consultation with the manager, staff and the independent visitor. This makes sure that their views and wishes are considered. As a result, young people feel valued and a part of the home in which they live. The relationships between staff and young people are exceptional. A staff member said, ‘They all get on really well with each other. The new group resilience is admirable. They all bounce back from everything that they have got going on.’ Staff work relentlessly to build trust with young people. They do this sensitively over time by gaining crucial knowledge about the life journeys of young people. Consequently, staff provide the most suitable and impactful approach, support and

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Outstanding

therapeutic intervention that help children and young people to feel safe and nurtured. A staff member said, ‘We use an attachment model and attend therapeutic meetings. The therapist is really good at helping us to reflect and regain our thoughts about practice. The manager is really supportive and she always gives [us] the belief in ourselves to keep going.’ Children and young people that are new to the home settle in well because they are excellently supported and welcomed by young people already living at the home. Their different ages are well matched. They form friendships quickly and enjoy spending time with each other. For example, one child loves to help the older children with their make-up and hair. The older children enjoy the interaction and openly encourage the participation of play between them. This helps and encourages positive social interaction and strengthens relationships. Staff do an exceptional job to care for the health needs of children and young

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Outstanding

people. Children and young people thrive because they understand the importance of living healthy lifestyles. They told the inspector that meals are nutritious, well balanced and varied. They help to choose the weekly menu. Thus, the menus cater for everyone’s taste and preferences. As a result, they are very fit and well. Children’s and young people’s confidence and self-esteem significantly improve because they are continually praised and encouraged to do well. Children and young people know that staff have their best interests at heart. Consequently, children and young people are very successfully helped to realise their dreams and aspirations, no matter how big or small. Staff empower young people to believe in themselves. As a result, young people experience settled placements that feel like home. Children and young people are provided with an extensive range of activities that meet their diverse needs. Their experiences in and outside of the home expand

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Outstanding

their social development, interaction and physical fitness. Staff are extremely encouraging when it comes to getting young people out and about. Children and young people have daily walks with staff out in their local community. These help them to keep fit. They take part in activities of their choice. A young person said, ‘I feel fit and well. I love the activities here. I go to the gym and cinema. I love walking.’ Other young people enjoy regular horse riding and gymnastics. Contact arrangements are supported well. Children and young people have access to friends and family members that are important to them. Staff go the extra mile to strengthen bonds between parents and their children. Staff provide additional support during contact to help to break down communication barriers. As a result, children and young people can see beyond the difficulties from the past and are encouraged to make positive changes for their futures. For some children and

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Outstanding

young people, this excellent support enables them to return home to live with their families. A staff member said, ‘He is doing really well now. His mom still keeps in touch with us on his progress.’ Children and young people strive to do well in their education regardless of the difficulties that they face. Staff are extremely dedicated to supporting them. An independent visitor said, ‘Staff are really helpful in transporting her to school. All her needs are taken into account. The journey to school is long. Staff prepare well, taking games, drinks and snacks to make sure she is comfortable on the journey.’ The combination of staff dedication and exceptional attentiveness helps young people to remain in the school that they are familiar with. As a result, young people continue to achieve and do well. The home is excellently presented. It is warm and welcoming and provides a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Young people take pride in their own personal

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Outstanding

space as well as the home in general. An independent reviewing officer said, ‘Staff make everyone welcome and relaxed when they visit the home.’ She also referred to a young person’s bedroom and said, ‘Her bedroom is lovely and cosy. She showed me her bed and jumped up and down on it. She seemed happy and comfortable. She was confident to show me around.’

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Outstanding

Children and young people feel extremely safe living at the home. They are provided with high staffing levels, which mean that staff can supervise them appropriately. As a result, children and young people are protected from harm. A young person said, ‘I have a key to my bedroom door. Staff always knock before they enter. My bedroom is private. I feel safe. Bedroom door alarms are used to keep us safe. Good safety arrangements here.’ The use of bedroom door alarms is evaluated through an individual risk assessment. This ensures that electronic devices used for the purpose of monitoring and surveillance are only used in line with regulation. The manager regularly reviews the use and amends the risk assessment accordingly. As a result, young people are protected and feel safe. When young people go missing, staff respond exceptionally well. Staff understand the risks and work in close partnership with the police vulnerable persons’ team to

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Outstanding

return children and young people home safely. This close working reduces episodes of missing from care and protects children and young people from child sexual exploitation. For example, staff began passing intelligence to the police after noticing suspicious vehicles parking near to the home. The intervention and excellent, effective joint working have helped police to intercept perpetrators. This attention to potential dangers significantly reduces the risk of child sexual exploitation for children and young people living at the home. A police officer from the vulnerability team said, ‘The team has worked very well with us. We have regular meetings to discuss plans. A trigger plan was put in place. This worked very well. The manager has excellent communication with us.’ Children and young people learn to manage their behaviour. They receive praise and rewards that help them to feel proud of their accomplishments. Sometimes,

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Outstanding

they are given consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Sanctions are fair and proportionate. Staff only use physical intervention as a last resort. The use of physical intervention is reducing. A staff member said, ‘We work in a therapeutic manner. Instead of concentrating on the behaviour and giving consequences, we work on the feelings and how we can help them. For example, a young person has come so far in such a short time in managing her feelings and her anger. We see the positive changes in her. She is usually very disruptive but has now learned mechanisms to manage her anger.’ The manager provides a children and young people’s guide that makes it clear how children and young people can complain and whom they can make their feelings known to. Young people confirmed that they have made complaints before coming to live at the home and feel confident to raise anything of concern. Advocates are provided to help children and young people to have their say. This ensures that

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Outstanding

their voice is heard. Bullying in the home is a rare occurrence. Staff are quick to pick up any behaviour that may lead to bullying. This helps to identify the issue early and protect the victim, while offering support to the offender. As a result, young people learn to live together and tolerate each other’s differences without fear of reprisal. Staff are safely recruited. The vetting process makes sure that all relevant clearance checks are completed before candidates start work. This tight process keeps children and young people safe from unsuitable people having access to them. Children and young people are protected and safe because risk assessments are meticulously maintained, monitored and reviewed. As a result, children and young people are provided with a consistent approach from staff, in line with the home’s policies and procedures and the child’s care plan. The manager communicates diligently with external partners to gain local intelligence about the home’s location.

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Outstanding

This collection of data provides a view about where the home is located. It clearly identifies any high risks. For example, the river, railway line and the local prison are all factored into the assessment of the location of the home. Being acutely aware of these factors helps the manager to identify potential risks that may impact on a child or young person being considered for a placement. As a result, children and young people are safely protected against any identified risk. The home is maintained to a particularly high standard. The fire and health and safety arrangements keep everyone that lives, works and visits the home safe. Young people have free access around the building without the risk of hazards to their health. This keeps them safe from accidents and injury.

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Outstanding

The registered manager has over two years in post. She has completed the level 5 diploma in management and has a number of years’ managerial experience in children’s and young people’s services. The home continues to be led by an extremely committed, passionate and dedicated manager and staff team. Staff are exceptionally passionate about the care that they provide, and this passion cascades from the director. Staff speak highly about the director of the company and the manager. They hold them in high regard and respect and admire the way in which they lead the service. As a result, children and young people receive outstanding care that improves their life chances. The registered manager successfully drives improvement. She persistently uses her knowledge and contacts with external professionals to influence the best outcomes for children and young people. As a result, the progress that they make during

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Outstanding

their placements is noticeably measurable. The manager has a great insight into each child because she takes the time and effort to get to know them all on a personal level. She has a hands-on approach and has a staff team that feeds back all relevant information. As a result, the manager is kept well informed and up to date with progress. The manager is knowledgeable and able to provide a good, effective care package because she is fully involved with the planning, monitoring and review of care. The manager knows and understands the strengths and weaknesses of the service because she continually seeks feedback through staff supervision and feedback from young people. This makes sure that action taken drives improvement. The monitoring of the home is rigorous. The independent visitor undertakes her monthly review in line with regulation. This oversight, along with the manager’s own review of the quality of care, enables the manager to shape and develop the

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Outstanding

service. Staff are supervised, trained and appraised to a high standard. The excellent management oversight keeps them informed, up to date and abreast of legislative changes. As a result, staff make good decisions, enhance their knowledge and develop skills that shape best practice. The manager herself benefits from good, effective supervision from the director. The manager said, ‘I feel grounded. My director understands me well.’ The manager and staff team continually strive to meet the objectives of the home’s statement of purpose. The manager said, ‘We know the statement of purpose objectives are being met. Staff are taking action from training provided by feeding it into their care of the children.’ As a result, children’s and young people’s quality of care improves. When staff face challenges, they are superbly supported though access to a therapist. This provides them with valuable advice, strategies and

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Outstanding

feedback that gets them back on track. The manager said, ‘We have re-parenting therapy and consultations on a six-weekly basis. The additional support received allows us to look at the challenges we have faced and what we have achieved.’ The manager has taken action to address the requirement made at the last inspection. All the information required to be held in the children’s admission and discharge log is now up to date. No requirements or recommendations were made as a result of this inspection.

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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 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

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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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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