Children's Home run by Inspire Children’s Services Limited in St Helens

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness . Since the last inspection, there has been a change of manager in the home. The new manager is the former deputy manager of the home. Consequently, he knows the young people well and is confident in the operation of the home. Similarly, staff indicate that they have confidence in the new manager and comment on the smooth transition between managers. He is in the process of applying for formal registration with Ofsted. The organisation has yet to appoint a new deputy manager for the home. The last full inspection of the home in June 2016 resulted in three requirements. Managers have taken the appropriate action to ensure their satisfactory completion. For instance, the former registered manager swiftly received a performance appraisal, aiding the identification of any development needs. The

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

current manager has similarly had an annual appraisal. Practice in the home now reflects young people’s placement plans and risk assessments. Similarly, an audit trail indicates that these have been agreed by placing social workers and that staff are familiar with them. Mobile telephone risk assessments have received an update, and staff monitor young people’s internet and social media usage. This helps to ensure consistent and safe care. The progress made by young people has been variable since the last inspection. While one young person continues to make steady progress, both at home and at school, the other young person is disengaging from staff and the home. At the time of the inspection, he was on family contact and refusing to return to the home. Staff remain in regular contact with the young person. They are also working with the local authority to agree a positive way forward. The social worker for the young

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

person recently commented, in feedback taken by the home, ‘[Name of the home] has been extremely supportive at a time which has been very difficult.’ Another professional also commented, ‘Staff are very supportive. There is excellent written and verbal communication between all agencies involved in the young person’s plan. This is an excellent placement.’ Young people’s wishes and feelings are central to the day-to-day running of the home. At the time of the inspection, the former staff sleep-in room was receiving redecoration. One young person had requested to change bedrooms so that he had more space in order to calm and regulate his emotions when he is upset. Staff have acted on his wishes and are in the process of personalising this room with wallpaper chosen by the young person. He was looking forward to moving in at the weekend. Young people are also active members of the company’s care council, so

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

they are influential in the continued development of the service as a whole. One young person said, ‘We did manage to get an increase in the amount of clothing allowance we receive.’ Consequently, young people feel that their views are important, because they can see that changes are made as a result. Staff continue to promote healthy eating and exercise. Young people have incentive plans to encourage them. They currently enjoy playing football or going for a walk. One young person is hoping to complete a local two-kilometre run for charity. Staff have recently introduced a rolling menu, consisting largely of home- cooked healthy meals. This was because of a request made by the young people themselves, who were tiring of constant discussions about meals for the week ahead. The environment is warm and homely. There are photographs of young people and staff around the home. Staff try hard to foster a normal family environment. For

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

example, one young person has been able to have a sleepover with his friend, who is resident in another of the organisation’s homes. Both young people appreciated this, because this is usual practice among their peer group. Young people are encouraged to be involved in daily routines and household tasks to help them to learn the independence skills that they will need in the future. They keep their rooms tidy, iron their own clothes and help staff to complete the shopping. They also help to cook their meals and enjoy baking with staff. The organisation recently held a ‘bake off’ competition. A young person from this home baked the winning entry, a cake model of the home, and won a prize for his great effort. This interim inspection of the home resulted in no specific requirements or recommendations.

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is one of a number of homes operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two children and 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

22/01/2016 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 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 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 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,

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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

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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