Children's Home run by Building Bridges Care Homes Ltd in St Helens

experiences of 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 . Two young people have been admitted to the home since the last inspection and, in both cases, the registered manager carried out a thorough admission process to help ensure that the home was able to meet the young people’s needs before agreeing to admit them. In addition, the registered manager considered whether the new young people would match well with those already living at the home. The careful admission process has helped to create a well-settled group of young people who are making good progress. Young people were observed to share very positive relationships with staff and spoke highly of them. One young person said, ‘All the staff are brilliant, every one of them.’ Young people were seen to get along very well with staff and each other. These positive relationships between staff and young people are reflected in the

p.2

experiences of children and young people since the most recent full

high number of residents who have kept in touch with the staff at the home after leaving. One staff member described how one former resident, who now has children of her own, still makes regular contact. The positive relationships shared between young people and staff are reflected in the fact that two young people who were admitted for short-term placements have been very clear with their placing authorities that they wish to remain at the home. One young person worked with an external advocate to help him express this view and, as a result, has had his placement extended. He was described as being very happy about this. One young person commented, ‘They do care what you think. They ask you about things and if you are happy.’ Records were seen of one young person raising some low-level issues in writing, for example that she wanted a particular food item to be on the menu more often. The deputy manager explained that this young person

p.2

experiences of children and young people since the most recent full

did not like to make verbal requests, so staff encouraged her to write such issues down. In each case the deputy manager had taken time to respond to the young person in writing, letting her know the action that they would take to address the points she had raised. This demonstrates that young people are supported to express their views and are listened to. Staff support young people to maintain good health and lead healthy lifestyles. One young person has a health condition and requires daily support in relation to this. The young person has a very detailed healthcare plan in place, which provides clear guidance for staff about how to support him. Risks relating to the young person’s condition are clearly recorded and there are clear instructions for staff about how to respond if the young person’s condition becomes problematic. The staff have been provided with specific training to help them meet the young

p.2

experiences of children and young people since the most recent full

person’s needs in a safe way. Supporting young people’s health helps to keep them safe and promotes their well-being. Most young people are in full-time education placements and have good attendance. One young person is currently receiving their education at home and staff are working with external professionals in an attempt to increase the provision currently in place. The deputy manager explained that he was in the process of arranging additional tuition for the young person, to support them in their impending GCSE exams. In addition, staff are supporting the young person to visit further education settings to help them decide where they would like to attend. Supporting young people’s educational attainment helps them to achieve and increases their future life chances. Staff provide positive support to help young people manage their behaviours and reduce their engagement in high-risk activities such as being missing from home.

p.3

experiences of children and young people since the most recent full

This is reflected in the reduction of incidents involving young people, which can be seen from each of their starting points. One young person, in particular, has started to engage very positively with external professionals who are supporting him to avoid risky relationships and activities. At the time of the inspection, the registered manager was unavailable. A deputy manager and an acting deputy manager supported the inspection in a competent and confident manner. All the requested information was provided in a prompt and efficient manner and the managers demonstrated good knowledge about the young people’s needs and the running of the home. There is a small, stable staff team at this home that knows the young people well. This helps to ensure that young people receive consistent care and support. Staff who were spoken with were very positive about their roles and expressed satisfaction with the support provided by the management team.

p.3

experiences of children and young people since the most recent full

Two requirements were made at the last inspection relating to the home’s statement of purpose. These requirements were confirmed as being fully addressed during this inspection. Recommendations in relation to staff supervision and appraisal have also been addressed. An incident recently occurred at the home involving a young person together with a young person who lives at another children’s home. Ofsted was made aware of the matter by the registered manager from the other home but did not receive a notification from this one. Although the incident did not lead to any safeguarding concerns, it was notifiable. As such, a requirement is raised in relation to this matter. The registered manager has made further improvements to the service as part of the home’s development plan. The staffing structure has been reviewed and improved to ensure that there are more senior staff on duty on a daily basis. It would be helpful to have clearer information on the rota about the designated

p.3

experiences of children and young people since the most recent full

leaders on each shift. The registered manager has made good improvements to the processes used when considering the needs of young people for admission to the home. This has resulted in a more settled group of young people. Further developments include improvements to the staff training and group supervision programmes, to further enhance the skills of the staff team. This commitment towards development means that young people benefit from a constantly improving service.

p.4

Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private company. The home provides care and accommodation for up to five children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.5

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

Recent inspection history

17/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.5

Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.5

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person(s) meet(s) the Care Standards Act 2000, the 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 within the given timescales.

p.6

Requirement Due date

40: Notification of a serious event 40(4) The registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if – (a) a child is involved in or subject to, or is suspected of being involved in or subject to, sexual exploitation; (b) an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child which the registered person considers to be serious; (c) there is an allegation of abuse against the home or a person working there; (d) a child protection enquiry involving a child – (i) is instigated; or (ii) concludes (in which case, the notification must include the outcome of the child protection enquiry); or (e) there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. 21/04/2017

p.6

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.7

Information about this inspection

Inspectors 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 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. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the

p.7

Information about this inspection

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 .

p.7

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,

p.8

Information about this inspection

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

p.8

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.8

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.8