Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Worcestershire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection in October 2016, the manager and staff have worked hard to address all the previous requirements and recommendations.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Each young person’s risk assessment has been reviewed and updated by the staff and manager. Risk assessments are now live documents that are fully understood and implemented by the staff team. Staff now have regular opportunities to discuss the young people’s risk assessments and care plans during team meetings. This has aided consistent practice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff training that covers safeguarding practice has been completed since the last inspection. This has helped to increase staffs awareness around the risks of child sexual exploitation, internet safety and attachment theory. Staff now feel they have the skills and knowledge to be able to support young people with their complex and differing needs. At the last inspection, it was identified that two staff members had not qualified in residential childcare within the required timescale. These staff have worked hard and are awaiting confirmation of their qualifications.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Key-working sessions have also been improved.. Staff now have the skills and knowledge to be able to discuss complex issues and help young people to recognise potential risks.

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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. Staff have facilitated this move and have worked with other professionals to minimise the young person’s anxieties during the transition. Another young person will be moving into semi-independent living shortly. Staff have supported the young person to develop his independence skills. He is able to budget, shop, cook and manage public transport by himself. He has already entered into employment and is attending college. Consequently, the young person is well prepared and ready for his transition to adulthood.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Both young people are having their educational and health needs met. Young people have continued to develop their passion for bouldering, swimming and trampolining. There have not been any incidents of self-harm, substance misuse, or young people being missing from care since the last inspection. However, there have been times when young people have displayed complex, challenging and risk-taking behaviours. Such incidents are well managed. Staff work in partnership with other agencies and make referrals in a timely manner.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have worked hard to build up trust and positive relationships with young people. This has meant that young people have been able to speak to staff during times of potential crisis. As a result, staff have been able to act swiftly to ensure that young people’s safety and well-being is prioritised.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to benefit from living in a home that is well maintained. There are plans in place for new carpets, curtains and pictures to be purchased. The kitchen door is no longer being locked. This change in practice is helping to create a homely environment for young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager monitors and reviews the quality of care that is received by young people and has a clear understanding of the strengths and development needs of the home. He is not afraid to challenge professionals and consults with them at every opportunity to gain the best outcomes for the young people in his care.

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Information about this children’s home

The home accommodates up to three young people, irrespective of gender, who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is run by a private company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 11/10/2016 Full Requires improvement 03/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 16/09/2015 Full Good 12/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person(s) meet(s) 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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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 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 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 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

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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