Children's home run by North East Specialist Therapeutic Services CIC in Northumberland

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 . Three previous recommendations are now met and two recommendations are made as a result of this inspection. Staff have reviewed how they compile risk assessments. These documents are now succinct and individualised. This means that staff are clear about their responsibilities and accountable for their actions. This also promotes consistent care practice and aids meaningful evaluation about the effectiveness of these measures. The home has now improved its links with the designated officer for the local authority. All concerns raised by children, no matter how minor, are shared. This approach demonstrates transparency and a willingness to improve. By seeking advice and guidance, the rights and welfare of children are also promoted. Recent reports compiled by the independent visitor make clear that children are

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

safeguarded and that their welfare is protected. Rigorous scrutiny, whether this is independent or internal, helps the manager to identify areas for improvement and good practice that he can further develop. Children make good progress socially, emotionally and with their education. This is because they receive care and support that reflects their individual needs and aspirations. This is reflected by their academic achievements and by the timetable of pastimes that they take part in. For example, children go to Brownies or Sea Scouts, sporting activities and musical events. A headteacher said, ‘[Name] is on target and at a level expected for her age.’ A member of staff also said, ‘[Name] is going to a concert tonight to see one of his favourite singers.’ Staff know how to respond and are empathic of children, helping them to adhere to boundaries. They recognise that some children experience difficulties outside of

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

their control and that these are often expressed through their behaviour. Children feel an increased sense of safety and security as a result of building trust that strengthens their sense of belonging. A headteacher said, ‘Since [Name] has lived in the home, there has been a definite decrease in length and severity of outbursts in school. He can manage his feelings better and is now able to settle himself down.’ Staff sometimes restrain children to keep them safe. Over time, children realise that with support from staff they can manage their overwhelming feelings. This leads to an increased sense of trust because they learn how to repair relationships, reducing feelings of shame. A team manager said, ‘He has thrived there. I know staff have had to hold [Name] but that is what he needs, before that the behaviours could go on for hours.’ Staff routinely provide children with opportunities to talk to each other, replicating

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

domestic family life. With support from staff, children learn that they can raise any issues and reach agreement about how to resolve these within regular house meetings. As there is also a focus on children chairing these discussions and sharing their achievements with one another, they learn that their individual needs are not overlooked. This builds children’s self-esteem and helps them to learn how to compromise. Children are only admitted to the home following careful assessment. Staff recognise when they can no longer meet a child’s needs and work with the placing authority to support the child’s transition to a more appropriate setting. Reflecting on this, a social worker wrote, ‘I want to thank the staff for their efforts and I look forward to working with them again. They provided a consistent, firm approach, were caring and nurturing.’ Professionals regard staff as working well with them in support of children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Education and social work staff speak highly of the home because they see the positive outcomes for children. A team manager said, ‘Staff communicate well with us and they attend all meetings. I know the social worker was really impressed with the home because it [is] so nurturing because that is what the child needs.’ Systems to monitor the quality of care that children receive are improved. Staff benefit from additional time at the end of their shift to reflect on what has worked well and what needs to be further developed. A template is available for them to record the outcome of their reflections. A senior member of staff said, ‘We have put that in place so we can be clear about how the senior staff support the newer staff in meeting children’s needs.’ Staff meetings take place that make additional support and guidance available. This is because these are also regularly attended by a management consultant and

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

psychotherapist. While children’s needs are considered within this forum, the outcome of these discussions is unclear. The lack of any written records means that there is nothing that can be referred to for clarification. This undermines consistent care practice and staff accountability. While it is clear that children’s views are sought on a regular basis, these are not used to inform the manager’s review about the quality of care. This omission undermines systems designed to ensure that children meaningfully influence the care that they receive.

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides accommodation for up to four children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is operated by a private company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 21/06/2016 Full Good 22/01/2016 Interim Declined in effectiveness 09/06/2015 Full Good 27/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further, the service should take account of the following recommendations:

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Recommendations

 The registered person should undertake a review that focuses on the quality of the care provided by the home, the experiences of children living there and the impact that the care is having on outcomes and improvements for the children. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 64, paragraph 15.2) In particular, ensure that review includes feedback, views and opinions of children about the quality of care that they receive and the facilities of the home.

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Recommendations

 The registered person is responsible for ensuring that all staff consistently follow the home’s policies and procedures for the benefit of children in the home’s care. Everyone working at the home must understand their roles and responsibilities and what they are authorised to decide on their own initiative. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 54, paragraph 10.20) In particular, ensure that the outcome of discussions about children within team meetings is demonstrated.

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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. 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, 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,

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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

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

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