Children's home run by Worcestershire County Council in Worcester

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, there has been a major change to the remit of this home. The previous service has moved out and three young people from a six-bed home have moved in. Young people have been supported by their well-known staff team and have been involved in the redecoration of the home. As a result, there has been a smooth change-over, which has meant that young people have settled in well. One requirement and one recommendation were made at the last inspection. At the time of this inspection, both of these are met.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person has recently left the home and has made the transition back home to his family with the reassurance and careful planning of staff. Two young people have just moved into the home. Staff have a good understanding of their needs and have assessed the impact that each young person’s behaviour may have upon the other. This means that young people have formed good relationships with staff, appear relaxed and are adjusting well to their new home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make good progress. Staff members encourage young people to socialise with friends inside and outside of the home. This develops their social skills and confidence while also making sure that they are safe. Risks are positively promoted through in-depth risk assessments that enable young people to have overnight stays with family members. As a consequence, young people are able to do the activities they choose with the guidance and support of staff, reducing challenging behaviour and episodes of missing-from-home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no physical incidents or episodes of missing-from-home since the last inspection. Members of staff talk with young people sensitively to de-escalate situations. Robust behaviour management and risk-reduction plans help to minimise challenging behaviours. Subsequently, young people do not become angry or frustrated, which promotes their well-being and keeps them from harm.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One young person was at risk of potentially being exploited online. The young person confided in staff, and they ensured that he was safeguarded. However, ongoing work around internet safety and appropriate relationships was not evident in key-work sessions. This shortfall means that the young person could be at risk of harm in the future.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and staff team work in partnership with child and adolescent mental health services, teachers and social workers to ensure that they advocate and meet the needs of young people. A social worker told the inspector: ‘I feel listened to and am able to address issues with staff as and when needed. The young person is much more able to talk about things rather than shout; this is a real positive due to staff input. Staff are good at building relationships and know the young person really well.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are really happy with the care they receive. They enjoy the food and experience a wide range of resourceful social opportunities that are available. Young people have trusting relationships with staff and are able to discuss any concerns or needs openly. During the inspection, some young people had Xbox and PlayStation games certified for 18-year-olds. This shortfall in leadership and management means that young people are accessing games that are not age- appropriate, potentially impacting their behaviour and overall development.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are aware of how to complain and talk with staff about anything they are not satisfied with. Young people feel that they are listened to and are supported by the staff team. There is little evidence of young people’s wishes and feelings being routinely gathered by the registered manager. This could hinder the ability of young people to express their wishes and feelings and as a result could impact their experiences and quality of care.

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a local authority. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 12/10/2016 Full Good 07/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 15/12/2015 Full Good 20/02/2015 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person 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 must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

13. (2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

(f) understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child, and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home. This is with specific reference to the playing of video games with an 18 certification. 31/03/17

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Requirement Due date

The children’s views, wishes and feelings standard

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Requirement Due date

7. (2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

(iv) regularly consult children, and seek their feedback, about the quality of the home’s care. 31/05/17

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Requirement Due date

11 (2) In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

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Requirement Due date

(vi) help each child to understand, in a way that is appropriate according to the child’s age and understanding, personal, sexual and social relationships, and how those relationships can be supportive or harmful. This is with specific reference to work around young people’s awareness of internet safety and online grooming. 31/05/17

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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 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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