Children's home run by Jamores Limited in Bexley

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 . Young people live in a service that continues to evolve to meet their complex needs. A professional comments on the ‘amazing transformation’ of a young person. This young person confirmed it ‘has helped being here’ and they have ‘changed a lot’. The introduction of purposeful, reflective practice strategically focuses on young people’s progress. A range of health and social care professionals note the positive intervention and outcomes for young people. Shortfalls identified relate to the promotion of education, consistent recording of restraints and staff inductions. Managers have addressed the requirements and recommendations from the last inspection. The updated statement of purpose now includes current legislation and the staff changes. Young people benefit from the revised children’s guide. This

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

document is more vibrant, easier to read and contains a range of independent advocacy options, including the contact details for the children’s commissioner. The staff appraisal form has been re-drafted to include professionals’ comments. Young people receive better protection, as an updated policy highlights how to counter risks of self-harm and suicide. Sanctions are fair; staff no longer use disciplinary measures which punish a group of young people for the behaviour of an individual. Not all young people consistently attend an educational establishment. Staff provide access to an on-line educational programme. This provides an element of academic structure for young people. In one case, a placing authority is aware of this issue; however, a suitable alternative arrangement has not been sourced. This inappropriate arrangement had not been proactively challenged by staff. The continuation of this short-term agreement is not in the young person’s best

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

interests. Staff enforce appropriate boundaries and adequately manage socially unacceptable behaviour. These boundaries help young people to understand the consequences of their actions. Expectations of young people are clear and staff routinely challenge and discuss poor behaviour. Young people are learning to manage their anger and there is a gradual reduction of incidents of damage to the property. Young people learn more agreeable forms of behaviour during their times of frustration; for example, they take part in baking. Young people are learning to manage their anger and missing episodes have significantly deceased. Young people say they feel safe inside the home. Young people at risk of sexual exploitation are also able to access a specialist programme run by the psychotherapist. A young person highlighted the usefulness of attending this group and their increased knowledge regarding relationship abuse.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff reward positive behaviour through incentives. A young person stated that sanctions are ‘fair’. Staff occasionally have to physically restrain young people to prevent them from self-harming or causing serious damage to the property. However, staff do not consistently maintain the restraint record, in accordance with regulations. For instance, the type of physical intervention used is not always detailed. The record also fails to consistently evidence that discussions with young people and the staff occur within the required timescales. However, supplementary documentation is available, which details post-restraint briefings. Young people are building trusting, amicable relationships with staff. They appreciate their key worker and identify specific members of staff who they get on well with. Staff succeed in providing a stable, nurturing base for young people, which is responsive to their individual needs. Young people receive encouragement

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

to take control of their lives through liaising directly with their social workers. Staff assist them with setting up an email address for this; a young person has also used this opportunity to inform Ofsted of their complaints. A social worker states that it is ‘really helpful’ that their young person ‘has a voice as well’ and is ‘included in the process, which is brilliant’. Young people appreciate the positive aspects of living at the home, especially their personal development. They are more aspirational, mature, resilient, self-aware and self-sufficient. A young person commented it is ‘good being here as have had time to think’. They receive inspiration from learning about famous people, who have also overcome obstacles in life. Care planning improvements focus on the learning and support journey for each young person. This care plan document covers the main quality standards and includes targets, planning and an individual calendar, to demonstrate how needs

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

are met. There is clear plotting and monitoring of progress from each starting point. This includes regular analysis, which provides efficient insight into each young person and the effectiveness of staff intervention. Young people continue to enjoy a range of activities, which meaningfully corresponds to their hobbies and interests. Individually tailored activities include horse riding and grooming, gardening, boxing, trampolining and playing the keyboard. They also enjoy regular trips to the cinema and going shopping with staff. Young people are not reliant on statutory mental health services. They engage in on-site therapy, which includes art therapy. The latter enables them to understatedly and creatively express their thoughts and feelings. These sessions also enable young people to gain insight into their personal and family history and the effect on their current situation. There is good continuity of care as the

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

therapist is also able to visit them in hospital or another location. There is a strong commitment to ensuring that each young person has a positive end to the therapeutic relationship. Young people generally move into and out of the home in a planned manner. Young people benefit from pre-placement meetings and an induction when they arrive. This helps to familiarise them with the home, rules and expectations. There is an acknowledgment that the home may not be the best option for some young people, due to increased needs or the location. Some young people are eventually able to return to their parental home. This involves a series of overnight stays and short breaks to ensure a successful outcome. Where appropriate, young people also move into semi-independent accommodation. Staff offer ongoing outreach support, which helps young people make a smooth transition into adult living. Young people live in a homely, family-style environment. Leaders and managers

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

endeavour to maintain the home to a good standard. The purchasing of new dining chairs, table cloths, radiator covers, window blinds and household appliances contributes to the comfortable, domestic atmosphere. The log cabin in the garden provides a relaxing space away from the main building. Young people use the cabin as a retreat to calm, box, engage in therapy or to use the computer. Staff recruitment is on-going to ensure that young people receive care from a sufficient, competent, suitably experienced team. Safe recruitment guidelines are followed, ensuring that unsuitable staff do not work with young people. Documentary evidence detailing each new staff member’s induction, however, is not consistently available. A staff member highlights they would have benefited from more shadowing opportunities. Staff explore their feelings through reflective supervision with a psychotherapist. There is a strong commitment to

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

psychodynamic working and understanding transference. This enables staff to positively address young people’s unconscious historical redirection of feelings and emotions. Young people benefit from an effective quality assurance system. The scrutiny and challenge of the monthly independent visits focus on continual improvement. These regulatory reports concisely highlight the strengths and areas of development. Leaders and managers complement this process with their own regulatory report on evaluating and improving the quality of care. The introduction of senior leaders’ unannounced visits, as well as the auditing of young people’s files and actions to key workers, also contributes to the efficient monitoring arrangements. External professionals acknowledge the good partnership working. An example of this is the staff support during a young person’s hospital admission. A nurse stated they were ‘impressed by the level of care’ and ‘support during this difficult time’.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

They highlighted the ‘familiar faces and support given to hospital staff has been a crucial factor’ in keeping a young person safe. A placing authority praised staff members’ ‘commitment and child-focused approach’. This ‘minimised potential difficulties’ and ‘alleviated anxieties and ultimately achieved a good outcome in terms of a smooth placement move’.

p.4

Information about this children’s home

This is a privately owned home for three children who have emotional and/or behavioural needs, or a learning disability.  

p.5

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

Recent inspection history

28/01/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.5

Recent inspection history

16/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.5

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person(s) meets the Care Standards Act 2000, 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.

p.6

Requirement Due date

16: Statement of purpose The registered person must revise the statement of purpose to include educational responsibilities and the available educational support. (Regulation 16 (3)(a)) 01/05/2017

p.6

Requirement Due date

5: Engaging with the wider system to ensure that children’s needs are met In meeting the quality standards the registered person must challenge the placing authority to ensure that each child’s needs are met. This relates particularly to educational needs. (Regulation 5 (c)) 01/05/2017

p.6

Requirement Due date

35: Behaviour management policies and records The registered person must ensure that the restraint record consistently includes the measure used and that they have spoken within 48 hours to the staff member and within 5 days to the child. (Regulation 35 (3)(a)(iv), (b) & (c)) 01/05/2017

p.6

Requirement Due date

33: Employment of staff The registered person must ensure that each employee completes an appropriate induction. (Regulation 33 (1)(a)) 01/05/2017

p.6

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’.

p.7

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.

p.7

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 .

p.7

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,

p.8

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates at: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

Information about this inspection

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.8