Foundations Wigan

Inspector Ceri Evans

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted at this residential family centre on 14 February 2017 following concerns raised with Ofsted in connection with the safeguarding and protection of children and their families.

p.2

Inspector Ceri Evans

This monitoring visit focused on monitoring procedures, staff training, staffing levels and safeguarding practice.

p.2

Inspector Ceri Evans

Staff spoken with during the inspection demonstrated an understanding of their role in the protection of children. Furthermore, parents say that they feel safe and are able to talk to staff about any concerns they may have. That said, on at least one occasion when staff witnessed an incident of domestic abuse, they failed to report the incident to the police. This concern could have left young children and vulnerable adults at significant risk. During this visit the inspector identified that the centre does not have an effective policy that sets out the parameters for managing incidents of domestic abuse. Consequently, there is no clear procedural guidance to enable staff to identify and respond to the complex and interrelated realities of this form of abuse. This does not provide effective protection to children and their families.

p.2

Inspector Ceri Evans

Staff do access a range of training and development opportunities, and the majority have completed mandatory courses. However, this inspection identified that some specific training needs have not been met. For example, domestic abuse training is not robust. This training was undertaken online. This limits the exploration of discussion and debate to broaden the staff team’s learning. Furthermore, it does not fully equip staff with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to such incidents.

p.2

Inspector Ceri Evans

Leaders and managers have taken steps to improve internal monitoring systems. Frequent observations, intervention, support and monitoring of families takes place. This ensures that parental interactions, with particular reference to feeding their child, are closely monitored. Monitoring includes the use of closed-circuit television and physical checks by staff. Parents confirm that the restrictions have been fully explained to them and appropriate consent documentation is on file to evidence that parents understand the reasons for the use.

p.2

Inspector Ceri Evans

The centre is sufficiently staffed and resourced to meet the individual needs of the families that it provides care for, and as set out within the home’s statement of purpose. Currently the centre operates with a minimum of two staff on duty at any one time. When there are five or more families at the centre, the manager ensures that a there is a minimum of three staff on duty during the working day. At night there is a minimum of one waking night staff and one sleep-in member of staff. However, the sufficiency of staffing levels is yet to be tested over time, given the increased monitoring activities. That said, leaders and managers stated during the monitoring visit that staffing levels will remain under regular review to ensure that practice remains effective and safe. Two requirements have been raised as a result of this monitoring visit to address the identified shortfalls.

p.2

Information about this residential family centre

Foundations is a residential family centre, registered to provide assessment, care and accommodation for up to six families. Families are referred for assessment to the centre by the courts or local authority.

p.4

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that must be taken so that the registered person(s) meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Residential Family Centres Regulations 2002 and the national minimum standards. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

p.4

Requirement Due date

The registered person shall prepare and implement a written child protection policy which is intended to safeguard children accommodated in the residential family centre from abuse or neglect. (Regulation 12 (1)(a)) This is with specific reference to implementing robust domestic abuse policy and procedures. 15/03/2017

p.4

Requirement Due date

The registered person shall ensure that all persons employed by him receive appropriate training, supervision and appraisal. (Regulation 17 (5)(a)) This is with specific reference to domestic abuse training for all staff. 15/03/2017

p.4

Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the residential family centre since its last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. out in 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 this guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

Information about this inspection

to 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,

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