Children's home run by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in North Northamptonshire

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

This home provides short breaks for children with learning disabilities. The inspection found that progress made at the last inspection has been embedded and good practice has been further developed. The impact for children is that they continue to make good progress during their short breaks. The manager was proud to share that the staff group was recently awarded the Team of the Year award in the health trust’s annual Quality Awards. She commented: ‘This is a recognition of the commitment and skills of the staff.’ A recommendation was made at the last inspection to develop practice in respect of supporting children when they transition into adult services. This has been addressed. A senior member of staff has lead responsibility for developing this area of practice. She has attended training about transitions, has written to all parents of relevant children to seek their views, and all social workers have been contacted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two children have left since the last inspection. The manager and staff proactively planned and supported these children during their transitions, sharing essential information, ascertaining their views and wishes, and ensuring that they moved on in a positive way. Staff are skilled in caring for and safeguarding children with learning disabilities. Their practice continues to develop, particularly in relation to capturing the voice of the child and consulting with children about their views, wishes and feelings. Identified leads in the staff group meet monthly to review the effectiveness and impact of consultation with children. Staff capture, on a daily basis, children’s expressed and assessed likes and dislikes, in a consultation book. Children have monthly, individual, consultation sessions. Using their preferred communication methods, they share their views about activities, menus, their peers and the staff.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff keep a record of the impact of consultation. For example, one child requested a ‘Frozen’ theme for her birthday party. A member of staff dressed as a character from the film, and a snow machine and bubble machine were arranged. All of the children enjoyed this experience. Staff ensure that they have essential information about children’s identities and individual needs. Staff deliver a programme that is designed to raise awareness and celebrate all cultures and races. There is very little bullying behaviour, but staff are aware of the need to identify and address any such behaviour and keep children safe. Children’s records are child-focused, capture each child’s likes and dislikes and are updated regularly. Placement plans and risk assessments are informed by planning meetings where parents and professionals share key information. Staff contribute well to these meetings, liaise effectively with specialist resources, and have

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

supported parents and children to attend appointments. Children’s health needs are carefully monitored during their stays. All children attend full-time education. Staff contribute to education planning meetings and their education targets inform their short-breaks plans. Admissions are well planned. Parents and children visit the home, and staff visit children at the family home and at their school. When children arrive for their stays, their rooms are prepared with their favourite things, such as their own bedding and soft toys. The inspector observed children responding positively and enthusiastically to the structure and routines of the service. Daily handovers of information are efficient and thorough. Staff share any new information, particularly about changes to medication or behaviours. The inspector observed a handover of information from one shift to the next. Staff demonstrated detailed knowledge and understanding of each child’s needs, likes and dislikes.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

They also demonstrated an attachment for each child, a good sense of humour and an enthusiasm about their role. Staff liaise very closely with families. There have been no formal complaints since the last inspection. One minor concern, about the proposed date of a short stay, has been fully resolved. There is a feedback mechanism for parents and carers, sent out by the health trust, and feedback is very positive. One parent reported that she has confidence in the home caring for her child, and that her child has enjoyed and responded well to activities in the community. This has meant that the family has grown in confidence in accessing activities in the community and she reported a particularly special birthday outing. She attributes this progress to her son’s experiences and opportunities at this home. Staff receive regular supervision that includes a balance of constructive feedback and challenge to improve practice. The registered manager addresses minor

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

performance and capability issues. There is a very good training record. For example, staff have recently received in-house training about dispensing medication as well as bespoke behaviour management training. Both courses received positive feedback from staff. A recommendation was made at the last inspection to enhance the quality of the visits by the independent visitor, by ensuring that these visits take place when children are present. Independent monitoring has improved, because it now includes a review of interaction between children and staff, children’s views, and their presentation.

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Information about this children’s home

This home is a six-bedded residential short breaks service, provided by a health foundation trust, for children who have learning disabilities

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 31/08/2016 Full Good 09/02/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 26/01/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness 07/05/2014 Full Good

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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, work- based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for children looked after 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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