Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Warrington

Good

The children's home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people have made significant progress in all areas of their lives. A professional said, „The progress she has made is remarkable.‟ Another said, „The work they have done with her has enabled her to return to her foster carers. This is a fantastic outcome as we were planning for her to remain in residential care, long term.‟  Excellent records show how young people‟s individual needs are assessed before coming to the home. Detailed transition plans show how well they are introduced to the home or supported when moving on.  Two young people have returned to foster care. This is because the staff team have been able to stabilise young people‟s behaviour and help them to reflect on and manage their emotions more constructively.  Young people say that their views are central to the care that they receive. As a result, they have been supported to raise concerns about external professionals and have then been able to rebuild the relationship.

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The children's home provision is good because:

 Young people‟s health, education and social interaction have improved. However, their plans do not always reflect the work undertaken by the home; for example, how the home was looking for a school placement within the local area. In addition to this, some staff have not signed the plans or updated documents. This does not show that all staff are aware of recent changes.  Any remarks, concerns or complaints are robustly acted upon. The manager takes quick and appropriate action on any safeguarding concern. For example, one comment from a young person has led to a full investigation being carried out. However, a young person discussed staff members‟ professionalism with the inspector. This is being addressed by the manager. Professionals say that the home takes their responsibility seriously and this is reflected in the action that they take to safeguard young people. In conjunction with this, young people have significantly reduced their risks,

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The children's home provision is good because:

especially around being reported missing from the home and being at risk of child sexual exploitation. Their behaviours have also significantly improved.  There is a well-qualified manager in place. It is evident that she seeks to improve the service and has the young people‟s well-being at the heart of the care that they receive.

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Statutory requirement

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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the education standard, the registered person must ensure:

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Requirement Due date

8 (2) (a) (ix) that staff help a child who is excluded from school, or who is of compulsory school age but not attending school, to access educational and training support throughout the period of exclusion or non-attendance and return to school as soon as possible.

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Requirement Due date

This is specifically in relation to recording in the young person‟s education plan what steps have been taken to secure an educational placement in the local area. 31/01/2017

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendations:  Ensure that each child's day-to-day health and well-being needs are met. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 33, paragraph, 7.3) This is specifically in relation to gaining information on the young people's immunisation history and childhood illness and recording these within their health plan.  Ensure that positive, stable relationships help the child to feel secure and cared about and for. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 21, paragraph, 4.3)  Staff should be familiar with the home's policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recordings. This includes ensuring that records are up to date, signed and dated by the author of each entry. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality

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Information about this children's home

This privately run children‟s home can accommodate two young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 08/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 05/08/2015 Full Good 26/02/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness 19/11/2014 Full Good

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Good

This home is excellent at ensuring that young people are suitably placed. At the point of referral, the manager completes a robust impact risk assessment to ensure that the young person‟s needs can be met by the home. This includes looking at the compatibility of the group and using the home‟s location risk assessment to ensure that the environment is safe for them. This means that young people have stable placements. In addition to this, the manager completes a transition plan, for the young person, into the home. This includes introductory visits, staying for tea, and in some cases staying overnight. Due to these well thought-out arrangements young people said that they felt they were welcomed into the home and had all the information that they needed.

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Good

Young people make very good progress across all areas of their lives. This has resulted in one young person moving back to his local area and into a foster care placement. Another young person is being prepared to return to her foster placement. She said, „This could not have been possible without the support from the staff and especially the manager. She had my back and has helped me so much, especially with getting my views heard.‟ She continued to say, „I would recommend this home to any young person.‟ Professionals also reflected these comments. One professional said, „The progress she has made in the short time she has been here is excellent.‟ Another said, „This home is fantastic. I am really impressed with them. The staff have supported her extremely well. This has led to her regulating her behaviours and being able to return to her foster carers.‟

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Good

Young people said that overall relationships with staff are good. They said that staff were supportive, encouraging, and that they had fun with staff. However, one young person said that the staff team could be better. She said, „Sometimes the staff discuss things in front of us or question each other‟s decisions. I do not think that they should do this.‟ The manager is aware of this and has taken immediate action by raising it within a team meeting. Normally team meetings take place every six weeks but she has brought these forward to every three weeks. She has invited the young people to join the staff meetings so that they can discuss their concerns directly with staff. She has also put in place a staff communication book to help improve communication between staff.

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Good

Young people attend alternative education placements that support their learning and behavioural needs. Members of staff recently attended parents evening for one young person. All of her reports were glowing and show the fantastic progress that she has made. Her attendance has recently dipped but this is largely down to lateness rather than not attending at all. The home and the school are working together to improve this. As part of her school placement, she is completing work experience in a retail store. She is really enjoying this and they have spoken highly of her. She ultimately wants to complete her exams and attend college to follow a childcare-related career. This shows that young people are achieving in line with their peers and have ambitions for their future. The other young person is currently being home tutored. Initially, the home was asked to look for a school placement in the local area but the plan has now changed, as she will be returning home. She

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Good

will take up her allocated place at her hometown school. The manager said that they did look at suitable school placements and had sourced some prospectuses for the young person to look at. However, they were not available in the home and staff had not recorded all of the action they had taken in the young person‟s education plan to minimise the length of time that they are out of education.

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Good

Young people are in good health because the staff have encouraged them to understand why it is necessary to have check-ups and to maintain good health. Staff have incentivised areas that have been difficult for young people. Consequently, young people now attend appointments. For example, one young person who previously had a fear of needles has recently attended an appointment to receive necessary injections. Another young person‟s diet has improved. She said, ‟I like junk food but the staff are encouraging me to eat more healthy.‟ One young person‟s immunisation and childhood illness history had not been completed in their health plan. The manager said that they were awaiting information from the young person‟s parent although the young person was able to tell the inspector most of the information required. Therefore, the manager could seek information directly from the young person as a starting point to add to their overall health

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Good

Young people enjoy a variety of activities. They like to spend time with their friends, have beauty sessions and regularly go to the cinema. One young person attends many concerts as part of a reward and incentive scheme. She said, „I like Indie, punk, heavy metal and pop groups and I am looking forward to “A day to remember” in January which celebrates all of these.‟ Another young person said, „I prefer to have beauty treatments and this helps me take pride in my appearance.‟ This means that young people are treated as individuals, have opportunities to engage in the community and that they have fun.

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Good

Good contact plans show the agreed arrangements for young people to see people who are important to them. Young people are able to choose when to see their parents and any restrictions are clearly recorded. Therefore, members of staff understand who young people can see unsupervised. Young people have made good friendships in the local and surrounding areas. Friends are invited out on activities, stay for tea and one young person has had friends stay overnight when she has been the only individual in placement. This is a significant improvement for this young person, as she had difficulty in maintaining friendships when she first came to live at the home. Young people leave this home in a planned way. Excellent transition plans show in a planned schedule the arrangements for this, including the dates and times of visits. One young person‟s plan was to move after Christmas. She was not happy with this. The foster carers wanted it to happen more quickly so the company

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Good

worked with the local authority and waived fee payment so that the move went ahead before Christmas. The responsible individual said, „Money is not an issue compared to a young person‟s happiness. We would rather see her going home and enjoying Christmas.‟ The manager put a reasonable plan together with the young person and this was discussed and accepted by the local authority. The young person said, „See they listen, make things happen and I am so grateful. This is the best Christmas present ever.‟

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Good

Young people are encouraged to learn a range of practical skills, which will assist in their transition to adult life. They are supported to keep their rooms tidy, plan, shop and cook their own meals, depending on their ages and abilities. As a result, young people said they were confident in being able to care for themselves.

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Outstanding

Young people said that they felt safe at this home. They put this down to members of staff being worried about them, showing that they care and discussing safety issues with them. One young person said, „I have learned a lot. I did not put myself at much risk but I am wiser now because of the discussions we have had.‟ Several professionals spoke highly of this home in keeping young people safe. One professional said, „I have every confidence in them. They have ensured that she understands why adults were concerned for her and this means that she has not put herself at risk for a significant period of time.‟ This shows that young people continue to be safe here.

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Outstanding

Young people‟s views are central to their care. When they have raised concerns about staff‟s conduct, the manager has taken decisive action. The home‟s safeguarding protocol is followed and the manager works closely with the allocated safeguarding professional from the local authority. A professional said, „The young person said in her review that she just makes comments when she is angry. The manager explained that every comment has to be investigated. This shows how much they take things seriously.‟ Another professional said, „This home goes beyond their duties and ensure young people are heard. It is a lot of hard work completing paperwork, etc. for every comment but this means that young people are fully safeguarded.‟ Staff receive a high level of training in keeping young people safe. This includes safeguarding training at different levels, child sexual exploitation and e-safety. Therefore, staff are aware of the signs, symptoms and behavioural

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Outstanding

changes that may occur when young people put themselves at risk, and are able to take necessary action.

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Outstanding

When one young person was placed, she had a history of being reported missing from home that led to concerns of child sexual exploitation. Significant pieces of work were completed with her around e-safety, being safe in the community and improving her self-esteem. She was originally supervised in the community and had a basic mobile phone. She now enjoys spending her free time with her friends and has a media mobile phone. In conjunction with this, she had a counsellor at school with whom she could talk. When she left this school, the company paid the counsellor to continue to work with the young person in her new educational placement. This has given the young person an independent person to talk to, with whom she has a firm relationship. As a result, the young person has not been reported missing from the home for over two years and she has not placed herself at risk. Members of staff fully understand their role and responsibilities in this area,

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Outstanding

Young people‟s behaviour has significantly improved. This is because there are good routines, structure and boundaries at the home. This is reflected in the minimal use of sanctions and in the abundance of rewards. Young people have the opportunity to reflect on their behaviour and can earn a sanction back by helping out or making things right. The home celebrates all achievements and young people have been to pop concerts or received beauty treatments in recognition of this. Further to this, there has been no need for restraint to be used. This shows that young people are maturing and expressing themselves appropriately when managing their emotions and feelings.

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Outstanding

There has been a significant reduction in risk-taking behaviour. One professional said that this was „remarkable‟. Another said, „We do not have the concerns that we originally had. She is making excellent progress in all areas of her life.‟ Where risks have been identified, excellent risk assessments show the agreed strategies and actions that members of staff should take. This ensures that everyone knows what to do if an incident were to occur.

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Outstanding

Robust recruitment practices are well established. This ensures that new staff are suitably vetted to make sure that young people are protected. They receive a high level of support throughout their induction and probationary period. Due to these excellent arrangements, the manager has been able to identify when staff have not performed well and have not met the required standard.

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Outstanding

Young people live in a nicely decorated and well-maintained home. They have personalised their bedrooms to reflect their interests. The home ensures that all safety certificates are renewed, and health and safety checks are undertaken on the property when required. When young people first arrive at the home, they are taken through the emergency evacuation procedure. This ensures that they know what to do if a fire were to occur. Members of staff also periodically review this procedure. This means that young people live in a safe and comfortable environment.

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Good

The manager was registered with Ofsted in April 2015. She has several relevant qualifications in different areas of childcare, has completed a management qualification, and has worked in several childcare environments. The registered manager has the experience and the knowledge to lead a staff group and to manage the home. She also manages another two children‟s homes. She ensures that she spends equal periods within each home. Three experienced and qualified deputy managers support her across the homes. As part of her ongoing development, she is completing a doctorate in child sexual exploitation. She has been able to use some of the research in staff meetings to inform staff of current issues, and to develop their understanding of the complexities associated with child sexual exploitation. This shows that she is committed to her own ongoing learning and that her knowledge is shared in the best interests of young people.

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Good

The manager is an innovative, inspirational and dynamic leader. She continues to develop and improve the home. For example, she has made good relationships with the local police officers. Staff development has improved, with all staff now having a development plan. Individual objectives are woven into their daily tasks to ensure that they develop in areas needed or in things that they are interested in. The major improvement is with regard to how young people are assessed for the home. Considerable thought goes into the matching process, and each young person‟s individual needs are considered. This means that young people are suitably placed and this shows in the stability and longevity of their placements.

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Good

The home meets the aims and objectives set out in its statement of purpose. The three recommendations made at the previous inspection have been addressed and met. The home‟s statement of purpose now contains the information required from a local authority in an emergency referral. There is specific guidance on young people using e-cigarettes and not smoking them indoors.

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Good

Most of the staff team are qualified in caring for young people. Three members of staff have qualifications in other areas, such as health and social care, education and youth justice. Therefore, they are registered to complete additional components to the caring for young people award. There has been one new member of staff since the home‟s last inspection. The recruitment process and associated checks are robust. The longevity of the staff team means that young people receive consistency of care, from a staff team that knows them well. The company supports members of staff to undertake further childcare qualifications, such as the level 5 in leadership and management. This means that some members of staff have progressed into senior positions within this home or moved to senior positions within the company. This shows that there is strong appraisal of their practice and further developmental opportunities for members of staff.

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Good

Members of staff said that the supervision, training and development opportunities that they receive support them to give excellent, supportive and consistent care to the young person. Staff meetings are held regularly and the young person‟s needs and progress are fully discussed. Any additional information from professionals is also shared. This allows staff to discuss openly, debate and make changes to the young person‟s care, routine and risk assessments. In addition to this, staff are able to reflect on their practice and to discuss changes in law or training.

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Good

Members of staff receive good induction training and additional training packages. When young people have identified needs that the staff team require more knowledge on, these are sourced quickly. As a result, members of staff have benefited from additional training in bereavement, e-safety, safeguarding and gang-related subjects. This means that young people receive support that has been informed by professionals, legislation, theory and practice. Part of the staff team‟s mandatory and refresher training is completed online. The manager has devised a supporting questionnaire to assess their retention of knowledge, how this is put in practice, and whether they understand the home‟s policies and procedures. This is used effectively within supervision to identify whether more training or a different form of learning is needed.

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Good

Reviews, educational meetings and strategy meetings take place regularly. Any additional information or change in the young people‟s care is updated within their plans. However, not all staff have signed these plans or updates. This does not ensure that everyone is aware of the changes. This is not currently affecting young people but has the potential to do so.

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Good

The manager challenges external professionals effectively to ensure that young people receive the highest levels of support and services available to them. She has recently assisted a young person to raise a concern about a professional‟s conduct. The young person said, „It has really helped. I was not happy. I originally wanted her out of my life but we have been able to talk about it together. I agree that she should stay involved because she knows me well.‟ This shows that young people are supported well, are able to raise a concern and that mediation has brought about a successful conclusion.

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Good

The last four external quality-assurance monitoring visits to the home have been conducted by four different visitors. As a result, the quality of information provided has varied. On the last visit, the visitor was unable to go into the office as it was being redecorated. Therefore, the manager has asked for an additional audit to be completed. This shows that there is a keenness for external scrutiny to be able to strive forward and continue to improve.

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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 that 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 who 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 0300 123 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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