Children's Home, Residential special school run by Kisimul Group Limited in Lincolnshire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The three requirements and three recommendations made at the last inspection are met. There has been particular progress with the help and protection that young people receive when they become anxious and when they display challenging behaviour. Young people’s unsafe behaviours are now better monitored. Patterns and trends are highlighted so that young people can receive the help that they need. There is more of a focus on reducing the need for restraints. Managers have responded positively to the shortfalls identified at the last inspection. For example, the use of a soft room associated with the management of young people’s challenging behaviour has drastically reduced. This room is now only used as part of a positive strategy and young people always have the choice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Restraint records have improved, always incorporating information about why the restraint was necessary. Leaders and managers are therefore able to better evaluate restraint practice and can monitor young people’s safety more robustly. The manager has been vigilant in ensuring that appropriate action is taken whenever any bruising or marks are noticed on young people. Communication with placing authorities is prompt. This ensures that the correct professionals have the information that they need to make decisions about young people’s safety and welfare. The very positive multi-disciplinary approach further enhances young people’s progress with their behaviour and safety.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The new responsible individual has been influential. She is very experienced and has brought in new ideas. She has worked well with the manager to develop the home. Changes to practice include a new ‘red flag system’ for staff and managers to better highlight and escalate concerns. In addition, the manager undertakes a daily ‘site sweep’. This has ensured that he is more engaged with young people’s day-to-day care. He monitors young people’s experiences and staff’s performance, regularly setting actions for further improvement. Staff report that the manager is more visible and supportive and say that this change has been positive for them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Other developments include improving working relationships with the community nursing team to establish better access to appointments with health professionals. This enhances the support young people receive in relation to their mental health. Many young people have experienced a reduction in their anxiety levels. Risk assessments are particularly good. They assist young people to develop their own strategies for calming and to become more settled, showing a very proactive approach to minimising risk.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s reduced anxiety allows them to improve in a number of other areas, opening up opportunities for more progress. For example, young people have better contact visits and improved access to the community. Progress is very significant for many young people. For example, one young person is ready to start the Gold Award for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. Another young person who had a very debilitating fear of dogs, can access the community with significantly less anxiety than before.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have access to a wide range of resources in the home. They regularly use the swimming pool and gym. They also attend clubs such as photography and art. Activities out of the home are good. The manager ensures that these are well organised and randomly attends activities himself. He ensures that vulnerable young people are kept safe from harm, while having an enjoyable time and experiencing new activities.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people spoken with confirmed that their experiences are good. Observations confirmed that young people are happy and feel settled and relaxed. In addition, other professionals’ comments are extremely positive, reflecting some significant progress for young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are well supported when they move in and out of the home. It is acknowledged that this can be a difficult time for young people, especially in relation to their autistic spectrum disorder, as many young people struggle with change. Good care planning is instrumental and ever-changing. This ensures that anxiety and stress is reduced and that progress is maximised from the point of admission.

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Information about this children’s home

The setting is a residential special school, which is registered as a children’s home because it provides care to children over 295 days per year. The setting provides care and a learning environment for 49 young people who have learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 21/11/2016 Full Good 23/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 16/09/2015 Full Outstanding 17/02/2015 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, 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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