Children's Home run by Institute of Integrated Systemic Therapy 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 sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The mix of children remains largely unchanged. One child has recently moved in following a gradual transition that included some introductory visits. The manager described how the children have welcomed this child and are encouraging her to participate in activities with them to ensure that she feels at ease in her new surroundings.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Each of the children is attending education. This includes both offsite and onsite provision. One child is attending college and has an excellent level of attendance. Another child commenced college, but he did not like the course and is actively applying for apprenticeships. A child who reintegrated into a local high school was unable to manage in such a large setting and is now having home tuition on a full- time basis. The aim is to reintegrate her into a smaller school that can offer a more nurturing environment. She is engaging positively with the tutors, has not missed any sessions and remains on course to take her examinations. One child attends the organisation’s school. Another child is engaging with her home tuition and is due to have her number of allocated hours increased over the coming weeks. The newest child is also having home tuition, which started almost immediately after she moved in. The staff emphasise the importance of education and they support

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

the children to achieve high levels of attendance and participation in their lessons, in order to enable the children to reach their full learning potential.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children participate in a wide range of activities that include horse riding and gymnastics. One child has built external friendships and spends time participating in activities with her friends.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children and the staff actively participate in the community meetings. These meetings provide a space for the children to speak about their day and about any issues that they may wish to discuss with the other children. Some of the children access external therapists. A child said, ‘I asked for a therapist and it is taking too long. I need it. The staff think I am strong and can cope, but they don’t realise how I am feeling.’ The manager is actively pursuing this request and recognises that the delay caused by the staff team’s attempts to identify the most suitable therapist is causing the child to feel frustrated.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two of the older children are learning life skills, such as managing a budget and purchasing their weekly shopping. They also prepare their own meals a few times a week. This preparatory work is supporting the children to develop the independence skills that they will require when they leave the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Additional risk factors limit one child’s ability to experience and develop certain life skills, such as having unaccompanied time out in the community. An external professional was positive about the care that this child receives, but she questioned the way in which the staff are preparing him for life after the home, when the many constraints he currently experiences will dissolve. These discussions are continuing with the child and at professional meetings to identify a suitable strategy that provides a phased approach to increasing the child’s independence and management of the associated risks.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No children have gone missing from home. There had been a significant increase in the number of incidents and physical interventions that took place. These are now reducing. The majority of these relate to one child and include her attempts to place herself at risk. The manager uses the restraint review meetings to discuss and detail any strategies that can be utilised to reduce these incidents.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the home and he has ongoing discussions about the ways in which the service can improve. He is now keeping a log of progress made between each inspection to more easily evidence any positive developments.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager is increasing the staff team to three teams of six staff. The existing staff described the larger teams as being a positive move as it results in less need for the staff to fill gaps in shift cover. Each of the staff has a good knowledge of the children and is able to describe the progress that the children are making.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A number of new staff are currently in their probationary period. The manager has changed the supervision arrangements and he now supervises all new staff until they complete their probationary period. This is to enable the staff to have an increased connection with the management team. It also allows the manager to be confident in the induction that the staff receive, as he is aware that this can have an impact on staff retention. A new staff member said, ‘I love the ethos of the home. I enjoy the work and adore the children.’

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Information about this children’s home

A registered charity owns and runs this children’s home. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is a therapeutic community based on an integrated therapy model.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 12/09/2016 Full Outstanding

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Recent inspection history

01/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

04/03/2015 Interim Improved 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 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

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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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