Children's home run by Middlesbrough Borough Council

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness . Children and young people continue to benefit from this high-quality short breaks provision. Those who have complex health needs are able to experience time away from home in the same way that their peers do. A high staff ratio provides the opportunity for new experiences and activities either on a one-to-one basis or as a group. There are many photographs of children and young people enjoying themselves. Friendships are made, which helps children and young people to develop their social skills. The longstanding staff team has extensive experience of caring for children and young people who have complex physical, emotional and behavioural needs. This has enabled emergency placements for those felt to be at immediate risk of harm. Staff liaise closely with placing authorities in respect of safeguarding concerns.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Their care and intervention provide safety and protection. They also educate young people about dangers, identifying those at risk of internet abuse. A social worker said, ‘A young person disclosed they were being bullied at school. Children feel comfortable telling staff things that they sometimes don’t tell their parents.’ Although carers are responsible for meeting their children’s educational needs, staff liaise closely with schools and attend meetings. Staff receive school reports so they can work on educational objectives. When addressing a particular topic or issue, staff ensure that there is a consistent approach at both the school and the home. Staff complete individualised work, such as money recognition and personal hygiene. This repeats and reinforces work already undertaken by parents and at school, and provides additional learning experiences. Children and young people continue to make progress. They learn independence

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

skills using the specially adapted facilities, leading to improvements in all areas of their development. One young person has become more tolerant of noise and people around him. Young people spoke excitedly about their annual celebration night when they are presented with medals and certificates. This instils in them a sense of pride and raises self-esteem and confidence. Carers also attend to celebrate their children’s progress. There have been no physical interventions during this period. Staff closely monitor behaviours and monthly reviews that give a clear picture of any concerning or negative behaviour. Staff benefit from a full debrief, which takes place individually and as part of a team meeting. Staff feel confident to reflect on their practice with a plan of action drawn up. This provides support to staff and ensures a consistent team approach. This results in improved behaviour by children and young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff develop good working relationships with families. They are proactive and recognise when families need additional support. This leads to an increase in the short breaks provision for some children and young people. Staff work closely and effectively with other professionals to develop a multi-agency support package. This helps children and young people to remain at home with their families. The manager said, ‘A big part of the work is the work we do with parents.’ Staff continue to use a range of techniques to ensure that all children and young people are able to communicate their views, opinions and feelings. Their participation is evident throughout the home. Weekly meetings for children and young people enable them to share ideas and suggestions. Following a request, the feelings board now includes symbols for hungry and tired. Children and young people feel listened to and involved in the running of the home. Extensive feedback

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

obtained from carers and professionals provides the manager with information and oversight about the existing service and enables her to plan future developments. Staff sensitively prepare children and young people who need to move to alternative placements or adult provision. The development of a ‘moving on’ transition form provides young people with the opportunity of voicing what advice they need. Suggestions include advice about voting or learning to drive. Staff provide detailed information about the children’s and young people’s care to their new placements. Their hands-on approach during introductory visits and close liaison with new carers and professionals ensure that there is a smooth transition. As a result, children and young people are less anxious and settle more quickly. The stable manager and staff members have worked at the home for many years. They work closely with professionals from social care, education and health to fully

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

understand children’s and young people’s needs. The completion of a detailed monthly report for statutory reviews provides essential information about the children’s and young people’s care to assist with planning. Staff receive training in areas such as epilepsy, diabetes and infection control. Their passion, commitment and child-focused practice ensure that young people equally experience stability during their short breaks. Carers are confident that staff have the skills and ability to care for their children. This allows them to benefit from their child’s respite arrangements. One parent said, ‘It gives me the break I need. It helps both me and my son as he enjoys it and it gives him the opportunity to mix with others.’

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This local authority short-break service is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to nine children and young people who have learning and/or physical disabilities.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

09/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.4

Recent inspection history

19/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.4

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.5

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.

p.5

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’. 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 the guidance, please telephone 0300123 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, 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,

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

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

p.6