Children's Home run by Norfolk County Council in Norfolk

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judges that it has improved in effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were no requirements or recommendations raised at the last inspection.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children have made excellent progress because they live in this home. They have continued to make improvements in their education, with some children completing coursework to prepare them for GCSE qualifications. Some children are looking to move on to sixth form college to continue their schooling. This will help them to prepare for the world of work or higher education. It also provides them with a friendship group outside this home. The school staff speak highly of the commitment and care that the home’s staff provide to the children. There are positive, open lines of communication, which help to share important information. A teacher commented, ‘The children have done extraordinarily well because the staff [in the home] have provided support and helped them to cope with any anxiety the children may have. The staff at the home have fostered good relationships with the children. There is clear, open communication between the school and the home, and this

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

means we can work together to support the children.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have completed training to help them to meet the complex needs of the children who live in this home. Care plans and risk assessments help the staff to understand the children, and to get to know their individual needs. As a result, children have very positive relationships with staff. Observations of staff interactions with the children show a warmth and level of care that the children respond to well. A child commented, ‘I get on particularly well with my key worker; she is the best. She takes me to watch football and we share an interest in music. I am learning some new skills, like cooking, in preparation for when I leave.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no restraints or complaints since the previous inspection, and no significant incidents requiring notification to Ofsted.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are aware of the importance of the children’s extended families. Staff work collaboratively with placing social workers to ensure that family contact is safe and promotes the children’s welfare needs. Careful assessment has led to some contact being extended to overnight, as children are developing better relationships with important people in their lives. The children’s understanding of their background grows and develops within a safe, caring environment. There is highly skilled and detailed life story work being completed, which is helping the children to gain a better understanding of themselves and the issues within their family. This work is completed in a mindful and caring way, and at a pace that is right for the child.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children do not go missing from this home. Discussions with staff during this inspection show that staff understand the processes to follow should a child go missing. Staff are alert to risks in the community, such as exploitation, and have protocols in place detailing the action to take should an incident occur or a concern arise. The staff communicate clearly with one another to raise any issues or concerns, which promotes the children’s safety in this home.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children participate in activities, such as boxing and using the gym located in the house, arts, crafts and trips to the cinema and bowling. Some children have attended army cadets, and this has seen their self-esteem and confidence grow. Staff have been particularly supportive of activities, and they have celebrated the achievements of each child. Discussions take place in regular one-to-one direct work sessions to enable the children to make choices about their activities. These meetings also provide the opportunity for the children to talk to the staff about any concerns or worries they have. Consequently, they have a positive relationship with a trusted adult.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager reviews the care plans and any incidents in the home proactively. This helps her to see the progress that the children are making. This monitoring means that she is clear that children’s needs are being met.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager provides staff with clear direction through regular, good-quality supervision, which considers the safe-care practice in the home. She observes the day-to-day practice in the home, to scrutinise the effectiveness of staff. There are no regulatory requirements or recommendations made at this interim inspection.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is keen to develop the all-round skills and knowledge of the staff, and in particular to access specialist training for specific behaviour-management techniques. This training is currently being planned.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This home offers flexible-term care and assessment for up to four young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. A local authority owns and runs this home.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 20/09/2016 Full Outstanding 27/01/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 09/09/2015 Full Good 16/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.4

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’.

p.5

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.

p.5

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 .

p.5

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,

p.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

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

p.6