Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Herefordshire

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

The home accommodates 38-week placements for young people who attend the organisation’s school. The registered manager continues to lead a stable staff team that is child-focused, attentive and caring. Young people continue to thrive and make progress because of the excellent care they receive. For example, young people are now able to manage relationships, self-regulate their emotions and participate in therapy sessions. The young people participate in a range of activities. These activities not only help the young people to stay fit and healthy but also underpin future career opportunities, such as attending army cadets. Staff are intuitive, alert and responsive to the needs of young people. As a result, staff are able to recognise trigger signs quickly and take the necessary steps to de- escalate situations. This means that young people choose not to go missing from care and do not put themselves at risk from trying illegal substances or alcohol.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Physical interventions are rare and the frequency of risk-taking behaviours for the young people has reduced significantly. The manager continues to work in partnership with other professionals, including placing authorities, police and educational providers. Parents report that they have seen an improvement in their child’s behaviour and their life-skills. These newly acquired skills are helping young people to prepare for adulthood. The manager is always looking for new ways to improve the quality care for young people. This has included updating the young people’s guide with input from the young people. The manager has addressed the requirements raised at the last inspection. The practice of door locking is no longer common practice and all staff are benefiting from up-to-date training.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were no requirements or recommendations made during this inspection.

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home can provide care and accommodation for up to five young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is situated on the same site as an independent school run by the provider, and offers 38-week placements. The home is owned by a private company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 07/09/2016 Full Good 07/01/2016 Interim Not judged 01/07/2015 Interim Not judged 24/03/2015 Interim Not judged

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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, 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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