Children's home run by Inspire Children’s Services Limited in St. Helens

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 . There is a suitably qualified and experienced registered manager in charge of the home. He has managed the home since November 2015. He also has management responsibility for another home in the organisation. An experienced deputy manager works in the home, to support him. They have a comprehensive understanding of the background and needs of the young person resident here, who is currently placed as a solo placement, in agreement with his placing authority. There has been an improvement in the stability of the staff team since the last inspection. This has allowed the young person to establish positive relationships with some staff and for them to gain a better understanding of the young person’s individual needs. The staff team is relatively inexperienced, as four members of

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

staff have yet to complete their level 3 qualification. However, they remain enthusiastic and are keen to engage the young person and make a positive difference to his outcomes. The young person continues to present challenging behaviours, although staff are better able to manage these, having developed a fuller understanding of his complex needs. Staff skilfully de-escalate the majority of incidents of challenging behaviour. Only one physical intervention has been required since the last inspection. Staff utilise an incentive programme to promote positive behaviour. Positive engagement with this means that the young person can earn additional money for paid activities. This is proving successful, as the young person enjoys going to the golf driving range, go karting and to the cinema. Improvements are evident in the young person’s engagement with health services. He has attended some routine appointments, where previously he has refused. He

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

continues to administer his own medication and there has been a reduction in incidents of the young person requiring hospital treatment because of his refusal to do this. There has also been a reduction in the young person’s cigarette smoking. All of these factors will have a positive impact on his long-term health. Similarly, there have been some improvements in the young person’s engagement with education. While he is enrolled at the organisation’s school, he is not able to participate in a classroom setting. Consequently, arrangements have been made for the young person to attend two practical-based learning facilities. There has been some positive engagement with these provisions. However, the registered manager was unable to confirm the young person’s actual participation or attendance, as systems are not currently in place to monitor this. Staff continue to promote learning opportunities for the young person and have had some success in

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

engaging him in worksheets, even when his education tutors have failed. The last full inspection of the home in December 2016 resulted in four requirements and two recommendations being made. The registered manager has taken action to address these. For example, the regular review of risk assessments demonstrates an increase, or, in some instances, a decrease in behaviours of concern. Staff are aware of changes made, and the young person’s social worker has agreed these. Similarly, the reports by the independent person have contained accurate information and have been received by HMCI in a timely manner. Staff continue to promote contact for the young person effectively and work well with his birth family. They have also supported him to re-instate contact with one family member, where relationships had previously broken down. Close liaison with other professionals continues to ensure that all those working

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

with the young person are aware of recent issues and are working well together. One professional commented, in feedback taken by the home, ‘I believe the service that [Name of the young person] is receiving to be of an extremely high standard. Staff keep me updated by email and telephone regarding any issues, and they also identify the importance of sharing the positive progress he is making. Staff should be commended regarding the support and consistency they offer him on a daily basis.’

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is one of a number of homes operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to two children and young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

14/03/2016 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 recommendation:

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Recommendations

 Ensure that the registered manager makes best use of information from internal monitoring to ensure continuous improvement. In particular, that a system to monitor young people’s attendance at education is introduced. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 55, paragraph 10.24)

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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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