Children's home run by Bristol City Council

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . Leaders and managers have addressed all but one of the seven requirements from the last inspection. Funding for the refurbishment of the bathrooms has been approved by the local authority, though the work has yet to be scheduled. As a result, this requirement is repeated. Other areas of the house and grounds have been improved in appearance. There are new carpets on the stairs and landing, the hallway has been redecorated and the unsightly metal railings at the front of the property have been removed. Internal doors now close effectively, ensuring that they meet the requirements of fire safety standards. The house provides a warm welcome to young people and visitors. Young people are consulted about colour choices and soft furnishings, though one young person reported that she doesn’t like the striped pattern of the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

new carpet on the stairs. There is an improved system to monitor records and care practices, ensuring that information is relevant and up to date. The appointment of an independent visitor to report under regulation 44 has strengthened the systems for checking compliance. Comprehensive reporting from the independent visitor supports the manager and the team to improve their practice and to support young people in achieving positive outcomes. Each month, the recommendations from the independent visitor have reduced in number, as the manager and staff respond well and raise their standards of care. Since the last inspection, a young person has moved to live here, and, consequently, this home is now at capacity; caring for five young people. Staff arranged a visit for the young person, prior to moving here, and consulted with the current residential group. Staff are skilled at developing effective relationships with

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

young people, and the successful addition of a new young person is testament to the strength of these relationships. Young people identify staff members that they can talk to if they are worried or concerned about anything. Young people feel safe. Risk management involves significant adults involved with young people. The staff team has established sound working relationships with family members and with professionals in health services, education, the police and the youth offending team. Child protection concerns are addressed robustly in a multi-agency forum where risk management strategies are formed. Incidents of challenging behaviour are effectively managed through staff intervention and de-escalation. Physical intervention has not been required for over a year. Young people respond well to the structure and boundaries provided to support their personal development. Young people who were at this home during the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

previous inspection have all made progress. This includes achievements such as finding part-time employment, maintaining regular attendance in education, regular involvement with activities such as drama and horse riding, and improvement in their self-esteem and personal appearance. There has been an overall reduction in the number of incidents of young people going missing from home, and young people are no longer returning home under the influence of alcohol. Risk-taking behaviour involves cannabis use and some incidents of staying out late and being reported as missing to the police. Frank discussions about the dangers and effects of drug use occur, as does additional input from other agencies. When young people are missing, staff are concerned for their safety and welfare. Staff take responsibility for searching for and locating the young people, to arrange their safe return. Young people know that staff care about them, and incidents of going

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

missing have reduced. Significant events are notified to Ofsted promptly, using the electronic system. Improved arrangements now ensure that young people who do go missing receive an independent visit upon their return. This ensures that young people have an opportunity to express their views about their care arrangements and to raise any concerns. The statement of purpose is up to date and reflects the recent change in the management arrangements. After a period of two months’ absence, the registered manager resigned shortly before this inspection. The two assistant managers have provided stability for the young people and the staff team, in the registered manager’s absence. The local authority has since introduced an interim manager to strengthen the senior team further. The interim manager is a qualified social worker, who, in a short period of time, has identified the clear strengths of the team and some areas for development, such as record-keeping and getting

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

administrative systems to work more efficiently.

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is operated by a local authority and is registered to provide care and accommodation for five young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

04/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

06/01/2015 Interim Declined in 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, the 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 within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

6: The quality and purpose of care standard In order to meet the quality and purpose of care standard, the registered person must – (2)(c)(i) ensure that the premises used for the purposes of the home are designed and furnished so as to meet the needs of each child. In particular, arrange the refurbishment of the bathrooms. 30/04/2017

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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 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. Whenever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition, the inspectors 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, 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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