Children's Home, Residential special school run by Kedleston (High Peak School) Limited in Cheshire East

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home required improvement at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has declined in effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Seven out of the eight requirements raised at the last inspection have not been addressed in full. This is exacerbated by the fact that the registered manager resigned from his position and then took leave owed, so he did not work his notice period. A suitably qualified and highly experienced deputy was also promoted to manager at another of the company’s children’s homes. This left a significant gap in the day-to-day monitoring of the service in respect to care practices and quality of record-keeping. This means that any patterns or trends in practice, for example, restraints are not being picked up by the leadership team. A compliance notice will be issued in relation to the home’s monitoring systems.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The previous manager’s last internal review report was forwarded to Ofsted within the agreed timescales, but it was still not informed and enriched by the opinions of stakeholders, despite being a regulatory shortfall at the last full inspection. There is a vague and generalised reference to consulting with children, but no mention at all of relatives’ views. This means that children, their relatives and stakeholder views regarding the quality of care are not routinely collected or sufficiently used by managers to improve the service.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Action has been taken over the three week period before the inspection to provide suitable interim management arrangements. The two individuals that are sharing the manager’s role both have a proven history of positive leadership. To this end they immediately introduced some tried and tested monitoring systems and processes, but realistically these are not yet fully embedded. Examples of the actions they have taken include, ensuring more timely, relevant and regular key worker sessions. Also they have also sent out consultation forms to a range of stakeholders to inform the next internal review, but have had no feedback as yet. Furthermore, they have already identified a marked lack of sanctions compared to the number of physical interventions and incidents that have occurred. Consequently, they have just introduced a new system to demonstrate that staff are reflecting with young people on the social and legal consequences of their

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

actions and exploring alternative coping strategies. The statement of purpose has been reviewed and revised to ensure it now includes all the current care, education and clinical staff who work with the children and young people. However, it is still not sufficiently detailed in regard to staff members’ past experience. Entries include; ‘Worked in a number of settings’ and, ‘Has a number of years of experience.’

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A more robust and effective escalation process for missing episodes, was initiated following the last inspection. This process now ensures timely independent interviews are completed when a young person returns from going missing. However, minimal feedback from these discussions is available to staff, reducing the home’s ability to consider any new risks and strategies to try to prevent a re- occurrence. Most records read, ‘Gave no further information’, ‘Refused to speak’ or, ‘No engagement.’ This includes a young person at high risk of child sexual exploitation who was missing for four weeks. The home could not keep her safe and she was placed within a secure setting. There is no evidence of any challenge by the home to the provider who undertakes independent return interviews to encourage them to share more meaningful information and/or requesting this information via the child’s social worker.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Missing from home records have improved since the last inspection. The records indicate that consistent attempts are taking place to locate and communicate with young people who are missing. However, the log book used for monitoring purposes does not always include significant details. For example on one occasion, an empty bottle of vodka was found in one young person’s room. This is vital information as it showed her increased vulnerability and potentially increased her risk of further exploitation. Although managers have identified that some missing from home records are incomplete, these shortfalls have not been suitably corrected to improve practice in this area.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home’s restraint records are not maintained to a consistently good standard. Examples seen by inspectors include, inaccurately dated entries and incomplete sections. Also, the entries do not always detail the duration of the hold and/or the exact behaviour leading up to the restraint to show safe and proportionate practice at all times. Rather, there is a frequent use of the ambiguous phrase, ‘In a heightened state’ without sufficient detail.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some restraint records do not show whether there were any injuries sustained or if the young person or staff were spoken to after the incident. This means that vital information is missing, which compromises the reliability of any review of children’s safety and does not promote improvements in practice.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Of particular concern, during this inspection, some young people complained of being injured during restraints. Some staff have restrained young people without the required training. This is unsafe practice. An analysis of restraint patterns and trends by inspectors, shows that one particular hold results in more injuries. Moreover, staff report particular confusion around the use and recording of this ‘ground hold’. Other restraint records suggest that some staff are using a ‘chill out area’ as a behaviour management technique. This is not part of any young person’s agreed behaviour management plan nor in line with company policy. This suggests that staff practice is not in line with agreed policy and senior staff have not identified or addressed this practice with the staff group. Given the significant shortfalls relating to behaviour management and restraint records a compliance notice will be served

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The system used for recording staff training is unhelpful for informing the home’s monitoring systems, because entries are only made once a certificate is received. This means that the leadership team cannot quickly ascertain which staff are fully trained in restraint techniques or first aid.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Due to the continued turnover of staff, the overall level of qualified care staff has reduced since the last inspection. The house managers and deputies only have the minimum level three qualifications required of a care worker. The seniors are not qualified nor are any of the current night staff. This is within the context of caring for 15 young people with highly complex and diverse needs and significant challenging behaviours. To correct this significant shortfall, they now have three qualified internal assessors and are training three more. This is to reduce the time it takes to complete the required qualification for each respective role. Given the in- balance of unqualified staff, the necessity for clear management direction and regular supervision increases. Staff say they are now benefitting from improved day-to-day support and scrutiny of their work under the current interim management arrangements and feel involved in the required improvement agenda.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

However, records show that they are still not all receiving supervision at the frequencies prescribed by the company’s own policy. This is despite being a requirement at the last inspection and a key recommendation made following the conclusion of a recent independent investigation. As a result some new, inexperienced and unqualified staff are not benefitting from reflection time and the opportunity to receive constructive challenge to develop and improve their practice. In response, the interim managers have just introduced a new supervision tracking system in acknowledgement that the previous system was unwieldy and maintained at a poor standard.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

It is acknowledged that this company have recently changed the external monitoring provider with a view to improving the quality of independent monthly monitoring visits to the home. A recent internal governance meeting reported a more lengthy and robust process with improved engagement with young people and staff. However, there remains a regulatory shortfall in respect to the marked lack of consultations with parents and relatives. This is particularly relevant in this setting because some of the children are not looked after, so their families are their main advocates.

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, this home are now providing more regular updates to Ofsted in respect of significant events until a final outcome is reached. However, they are still not always notifying Ofsted about the initial concern in a timely manner. Moreover, the lack of detail in some notifications means that an informed assessment by Ofsted cannot be made as to whether appropriate action is always taken by the home to safeguard and promote children’s welfare. As an example, one young person was assaulted by her peers and sustained ‘swelling and bruising around her nose and eyes.’ This important fact was not detailed in the notification. Rather it states that, ‘She was examined by a doctor and no concerns were raised.’ This young person was immediately moved from this placement by her social worker for her own safety. The social worker expressed her concerns to Ofsted that the out of hours duty team had not been informed despite the severity of the

p.4

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

incident and that the environment had still not been made safe the following day. It was the police who attended the incident who called an ambulance when they saw the extent of her injuries and only then was she taken to hospital. A compliance notice has been served to improve safeguarding arrangements in the home. It is acknowledged that since this serious incident more effective measures have been put in place to prevent young people accessing the roof and compromising their safety. Necessary health and safety repairs have been addressed. However, the interim managers have recognised that due to sustained criminal damage, re- decoration and some refurbishment is now required.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Overall, there is limited critical analysis of any significant events to explore any patterns and trends, lessons learned and thereby seek to continually improve practice and safeguard children.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is an improvement in the experiences and progress of some young people since the last inspection. For some, this is a placement where they feel safe, happy and settled and are making progress from their starting points. This includes one young person with a history of frequently going missing and associated safeguarding concerns. She is now in college, enjoys free-time with her friends and has recently moved into an independence flat on the same site as the children’s home. This enables her to develop the practical skills needed for future successful independent living with the assurance of continued support from the staff.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Another young person, admitted due to poor school attendance, is now undertaking a national qualification in equine studies which will increase his chosen career options.

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Comments from some young people include, ‘ Staff go out of their way to make me feel safe and I always have a familiar staff member on duty’, ‘I only feel safe when certain staff are working so they always have a member of staff on at night who I know and like’ and, ‘I like living here and I feel safe. There’s lots to do and I am well looked after. The staff are nice and I can talk to them if there is anything on my mind. It’s a good place and I have done very well here.’ A continued key strength of this home is the opportunity for the children and young people to engage frequently in a wide range of age-appropriate, stimulating and constructive activities, both on-site and in the local community. Some young people are actively involved in clubs in the local community which strengthens their sense of belonging. One young person continues to play in a football team and his coach describes him as. ‘An excellent role model.’ Another young person has joined a

p.5

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

drama club which is significant progress given his specific and complex diagnoses.

p.6

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Individual interests and talents are actively encouraged and supported which boosts self-esteem and increases competences for some young people. Current examples of activities undertaken include, cycling, kick boxing, fishing, horse riding, mountain biking, walking, roller blading and climbing. Spending time at a local farm caring for the animals proves to be particularly popular activity with a number of the young people. One young person said, ‘I can now show jump and regularly take part in competition. I had never been involved with horses before coming here.’

p.6

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In sharp contrast other young people say they feel, ‘scared and intimidated’ by the behaviours of their peers. One young person described living at this home as, ‘Horrible’ and, ‘Everyone keeps picking on me’. There are also young people who have been discharged since the last inspection because the home could no longer keep them safe.

p.6

Information about this children's home

This is a private children’s home registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 28 children and young people at any given time who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The provision comprises of five smaller units on the same site, four of which were being used at the time of this inspection. This children’s home is situated in the same grounds as the company’s registered school, where the majority of the children and young people from the children’s home attend. At the time of this inspection there were 15 children and young people living at the home.

p.7

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 02/11/2016 Full Requires improvement 31/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 14/10/2015 CH - Full (aligned) Good

p.7

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 with the given timescales.

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person must establish and maintain an effective system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating: the quality of care provided for children; the feedback and opinions of children about the children’s home, its facilities and the quality of care they receive in it; and, any quality of care review must provide for ascertaining and considering the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff. (Regulation 45 (2)(a)(b)and(c) and (5)) 30/04/2017

p.8

Requirement Due date

35: Behaviour management policies and records *

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that within 24 hours of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint in relation to a child in the home, a record is made which includes: the details of the child’s behaviour leading to the use of the measure; a description of the measure and its duration; the name of the person who used the measure and of any other person present when the measure was used; the effectiveness and any consequences of the use of the measure; and a description of any injury to the child or any other person, and any medical treatment administered, as a result of the measure.

p.8

Requirement Due date

Ensure that within 48 hours of the use of the measure, the registered person, or a person who is authorised by the registered person to do so has spoken to the user about the measure; has signed the record to confirm it is accurate; and within 5 days of the use of the measure, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure. (Regulation 35(3)(a)(ii)(iv)(vi)(vii) and,(viii) and 3(b)(i)(ii) and(c)) 13/04/2017 33: Employment of staff

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety and in particular; ensure that all staff have the appropriate experience, qualifications and skills for the work they perform. (Regulation 32 (1)(3)(b)) 30/04/2017

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must compile in relation to the children’s home a statement of purpose which covers the matters listed in Schedule 1 and in particular; full details of the relevant experience of all the staff. (Regulation 16 (1), Schedule 1 (19)) 13/04/2017

p.9

Requirement Due date

12: The protection of children standard *

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all the staff: have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm; manage relationships between children to prevent them from harming each other; and that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm. (Regulation 12 (2)(iii) and (iv) and (b)) 13/04/2017

p.9

Requirement Due date

5: Engaging with the wider system to ensure children's needs are met

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must challenge the placing authority or the relevant person if they consider their response to a child’s needs is inadequate with particular regard to, ensuring meaningful independent return interviews. (Regulation 5(c)) 13/04/2017

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees receive practice -related supervision by a person with appropriate experience at the frequency prescribed in their own policy. (Regulation 33(4)(b)) 30/04/2017

p.9

Requirement Due date

44: Independent person: visits and reports

p.9

Requirement Due date

Reports following independent monitoring visits to the home should demonstrate consultations with parents and relatives, which informs their opinion as to whether children are effectively safeguarded and the conduct of the home promotes children’s well-being. (Regulation 44 (2)(a) and (4)(a)and(b)) 30/04/2017 40: Notification of a serious event

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must, without delay, notify Ofsted and the relevant placing authority, of any serious event and the actions taken. (Regulation 40 1 (a) and (b) and (5)) 13/04/2017

p.10

Requirement Due date

* These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

p.10

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.11

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.

p.11

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 .

p.11

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,

p.12

Information about this inspection

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

p.12

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.12

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.12