Wood View

Inspector Matt Hedges

Inspection date 20/01/2017 Previous inspection judgement Outstanding Enforcement action since last inspection None

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young person is due to leave the home soon, after living there for many years. She was reflective about this and talked positively about the support she has received stating, ‘Staff are still doing a great job.’ The young person has exceptionally strong relationships with staff. These relationships have significantly reduced her anxieties as she prepares to move into adulthood. She is particularly pleased that she has already planned to celebrate her next birthday with staff, and plans to see them next Christmas and New Year! Staff have also made sure that the young person is equipped with the practical skills she will need. She has made great progress in this area because of the sensitive support the staff team offers. For example, she is now able to manage her own money, travel independently, shop and complete other household tasks. A social worker commented, ‘She has had a perfect experience of being in care, because of the staff. Her move has been

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff support the young person to make sensible decisions and her maturity has grown. Incidents are extremely infrequent and staff manage them well. On rare occasions sanctions are used in response to negative behaviour. Records do not show that these are always restorative in nature, nor do they show how the sanctions help the young person to understand the impact of her behaviour on herself or others. This is primarily a recording issue. It does not detract from the excellent relationships staff have with the young person or the guidance they provide.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager is well supported by an experienced and committed assistant manager. Management oversight is strong. Managers take swift action if there are concerns about the young person and keep her needs at the centre of all that they do. As a result, she receives additional support as soon as she requires it. For example, understandable anxiety about leaving the home resulted in a brief dip in her engagement in education. This was quickly resolved. A teacher commented, ‘Everything is going really well, she is back on track… Staff have been great, supporting her well.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Managers have an excellent oversight of the day-to-day running of the home. This is particularly due to good communication, and a small, committed, consistent staff team. Management audit and review systems are generally strong with several minor exceptions. Specifically, the independent person’s report often does not contain the views of professionals. In addition, one report was delayed, and took several weeks to arrive at the home. Furthermore, the registered manager’s quality of care review does not contain a specific action plan. These shortfalls prevent managers from making best use of information from independent and internal monitoring. However, managers have already identified the majority of these shortfalls and are taking action to resolve them. Other processes, and the relationships that staff and managers have with other agencies, mean there is no evident impact on the young person.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One recommendation was made at the last inspection. This related to the vetting of one member of staff who had worked two shifts in the home. Managers have taken action to improve the systems in place and can evidence safer recruitment practices as a result. The member of staff has not worked in the home since the last inspection. However, managers have failed to record on the member of staff’s personnel file that they have spoken to her previous employers. This was required in order to verify her reasons for leaving these posts. This is an administrative error only. It has no effect on the safety or welfare of the young person or staff. However, as the recommendation has not been fully met, it has been reissued.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff and managers have developed effective relationships with other professionals including teachers, social workers and other social care staff. A social care manager confirmed this stating, ‘Communication is great… staff have been fantastic throughout the young person’s placement.’ Staff also actively challenge other agencies and advocate for the young person when they feel that this is necessary. For example, they made sure that the young person did not have to move until the time was right for her. This was extremely beneficial to the young person and helped her to enjoy Christmas.

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Information about this children's home

This children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for two young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Only one young person has been accommodated for a number of years. The home is operated by a private company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 12/07/16 Full Outstanding 19/02/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 01/12/2015 Full Outstanding 27/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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 any sanctions used to address poor behaviour are restorative in nature, to help children recognise the impact of their behaviour on themselves, other children, the staff caring for them and the wider community. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 46, paragraph 9.38)  Seek independent scrutiny of the home and make best use of information from independent and internal monitoring (including under regulations 44 and 45) to ensure continuous improvement. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 55, paragraph 10.24)  Ensure that the recruitment of staff safeguards children and minimises potential risks to them. (Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards', page 61, paragraph 13.1)

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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 whom 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 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, 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

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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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