Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Staffordshire

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has ensured that appropriate actions have been taken to meet all previous requirements. Young people’s views are now clearly recorded, and embedded, into their care plans, placement plans and risk assessments. This is further enhanced through improvements to young people’s meetings where the manager records outcomes to young people’s views and requests. This means that young people’s voices are heard and responded to. As a result, young people are now better influencing their care, and feel that their views are respected.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, the registered manager has ensured that the statement of purpose has been updated and is better understood.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been two new young people arrive at the home, and one young person has left. These placements were all planned and appropriately managed. The needs of existing young people were carefully considered before placement decisions were made. The home remains a settled, calm and relaxing place where young people continue to make good progress.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has also ensured that all staff appraisals are up to date. New staff have joined since the last inspection. Clear induction plans, alongside regular training for all staff, ensure that new members of staff are able to develop their skills, confidence and competence.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The two recommendations have similarly been actioned. Steps have been taken to improve the physical environment, and young people are fully encouraged to play an active part in updating their care and placement plans. The registered manager has made some improvements to their six-monthly monitoring reports. These now include a detailed review against regulations, the home’s performance, and strengths and weaknesses for the last six months. This clearly shows the registered manager’s tenacity in reviewing the service given to young people. Areas to improve are clearly noted, and realistic plans are in place to ensure that these are met. However, the manager’s reports do not make clear how the views of young people, parents, staff and placing services have been considered. It is clear from other records in the home that these views are actively sought. This shortfall has not, to date, led to any negative outcomes for young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no restraints since the last inspection. This is attributed to a settled home where young people live together harmoniously with a settled and familiar staff team. Some staff have worked at the home for several years. This gives young people consistency and familiarity. Relationships between staff and young people are positive, and young people are genuinely valued and respected.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to be safe at the home. Since the last inspection, there have been no occasions of young people going missing from home or any events requiring notification to Ofsted. Staff are clear about actions to take should this position change. Young people are able to talk to staff about any issues affecting them; regular key-work sessions ensure that young people are able to express their views. Staff have ready access to therapeutic professionals and benefit from being able to discuss their practice.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Educational attendance has improved since the last inspection. All young people now attend school, and do so with 100% attendance. For those young people approaching post-16, realistic plans are being made for their next academic or vocational step. The staff team has been proactive in sourcing appropriate provision for young people, including the provision of back-up plans, should they be required. This ensures that young people have clear destinations and the security of contingency plans, should they be required. The staff team clearly wants young people to succeed and is committed to achieving the very best.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is large, with ample space for young people and staff to spend time together, and, if they so choose, to spend time individually. Since the last inspection, further redecoration has enhanced the home. Communal areas are welcoming, homely and non-institutional. The registered manager is aware of some areas needing attention; for example, a doorway is in need of repair and a bathroom floor is marked. There are clear plans in place for improving these areas.

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This privately operated children’s home provides care for up to three children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Young people may remain beyond the age of 18.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 21/11/2016 Full Good 15/12/2015 Full Requires improvement 09/09/2015 Full Inadequate 27/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

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.

p.5

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that the review of the quality of care provided for children (‘the quality of care review’) ascertains and considers the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff. (Regulation 45(5)) 14/05/2017

p.5

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.6

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.

p.6

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 .

p.6

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 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.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

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.7

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

p.7