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

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good 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, one young person has moved on to another placement. The staff team supported this transition. This included the young person having the opportunity beforehand to build a relationship with the new staff team. This early relationship enabled a smooth transition for the young person.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two young people remain in placement and continue to make good progress. Both young people are attending school and have nearly 100% attendance. The staff ensure that there is good communication with the school. This helps to strengthen young people’s achievements and increases their chances of good career opportunities in the future.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has addressed requirements raised at the last inspection. This has included removing locks from the games room and the lounge. This has contributed towards creating a homely feel, which young people are proud of.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are given opportunities to express their views by attending house meetings. This opportunity to participate in decisions has enabled young people to discuss a variety of topics, from meal choices to possible new admissions. Young people went on a holiday of their choice and everyone had a fantastic time. These opportunities help to build positive childhood memories and make young people feel valued.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles. As a result, young people are up to date with their medical appointments and none of the young people smoke, or misuse drugs or alcohol. They also participate in a number of physical activities to help keep them fit and healthy, such as swimming, playing football for a local team, walking, trampolining and using the outdoor gym.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team has worked endlessly to build up trusting and nurturing relationships with the young people. As a result, young people’s risk-taking behaviour reduces. Although young people display complex and challenging behaviours, none of the young people have gone missing from care, self-harmed or have been required to be restrained. A social worker commented: ‘[The young person] is thriving in this placement and although he is making small steps forward, these are significant steps. [He] is showing less negative behaviour. [Young person] is cared for by a committed staff team who provide him with excellent care and understanding around his needs.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager and staff are not afraid to challenge other professionals’ views if it is in the best interest of the young person. For example, the manager has been able to challenge a placing authority about the level of risk that a young person’s family presented during contact, and has contributed fresh ideas about the way in which contacts can be safely managed.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager continues to work in partnership with other professionals. These include placing authorities, police, and football coaches.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has benefited from new windows and carpets since the last inspection. The kitchen has also been painted. There are further plans to have the external parts of the house refurbished.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

When appropriate to do so, young people are encouraged to develop their independence skills. This is done at a pace suited to the young person’s individualised needs. Staff help young people to develop their cooking skills, open bank accounts and to master public transport. These newly acquired skills help to prepare the young people for adulthood.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is always looking at new ways to improve the care for young people. She is currently using research-based practice to help her underpin the staff team’s practice to make it more child-centred.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were no requirements or recommendations made during this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

The home accommodates up to five young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is run by a large private organisation. The home looks after young people between the ages of nine and 18 years.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 12/07/2016 Full Good 24/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 29/09/2015 Full Good 16/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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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 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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