Children's home in Hammersmith and Fulham

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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s progress has improved since the last inspection. Those spoken with during this inspection reported feeling exceptionally well supported and cared for by the staff team and manager. One young person stated that the care he receives is ‘exemplary’ and could not think of anything that the staff team could do better.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

It is clear that young people feel listened to and able to express their wishes, views and feelings. They report feeling confident that anything they say will be taken seriously and that action will be taken by staff to improve things for them. From their starting points, young people learn how to manage any concerning or potentially risky behaviours well. As one young person said: ‘I have changed so much in the time I have lived in this home. I am able to manage my anger now and can see that I have a positive future ahead of me.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff clearly place the complex needs of each young person at the centre of their working practices. An example of this relates to key-work sessions. Staff have researched information and used this to assist young people manage their behaviours more effectively. For one young person with anger issues and a potential to cause damage to his room, they have sourced materials he can use which are safe and enable him to vent his frustrations in an appropriate manner. Work has also been done to support another young person in relation to concerns about road safety. There is positive evidence of how key-work sessions are used to assist young people to overcome their presenting difficulties.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Another key strength relates to the very well planned manner in which new young people moving to the home is considered. The manager has considered only planned moves since the last inspection. One young person was supported to make a number of visits to the home prior to moving in. Staff also visited his previous home to meet with his carers to discuss his needs. This clearly has a positive impact on the success of placements, as young people feel well prepared for their move to this home and fully engaged in the admission and planning processes.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been one allegation made about a member of staff since the last inspection. Records provide a detailed and excellent account of all actions taken by the manager to address and resolve the issues. It is clear that the manager has an excellent awareness and understanding of safeguarding matters and is able to apply her knowledge and follow procedures exceptionally well.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been two complaints made by young people since the last inspection. The manager responds to any concerns or complaints in a very timely manner and resolves them to the satisfaction of the complainant. The manager fully considers the needs of young people when responding to their concerns. An example of this relates to an outcome letter sent to one young person about their complaint. Pictorial methods were used to assist the young person in fully understanding the actions taken. This reflects a manager and staff team who fully consider the individual needs of each young person and how best to communicate with them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Placement plans reflect the current and changing needs of each young person living in the home. Staff regularly review and update them. Clear targets are set for young people, and their engagement and involvement in their plans and assessments is evident. This enables staff and young people to see the progress made during their time living in this home and to celebrate their achievements. Young people read and comment on their records regularly. This assists them in understanding and accepting the care and support being provided to them by staff and managers.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The use of physical restraint is low in this home. Records reflect clearly the reason for such action being necessary. Young people take part in debrief meetings with staff to consider their behaviours and clearly understand and accept the reasons for such actions being taken. They have a clear and strong input into the care provided to them on a daily basis.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One requirement was made as a result of the last inspection. Staff who have supervisory responsibilities have now undertaken training on supervision skills. No shortfalls have been identified as a result of this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

This home is part of a residential special school operated by a large private care organisation. The service is registered to accommodate six children and young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home offers planned long-term placements. The school is registered with the Department for Education.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 06/10/2016 Full Good 15/12/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness 15/07/2015 Full Good 12/02/2015 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 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. Whenever 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.

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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 0300 123 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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