Children's Home run by SWAAY Child & Adolescent Services Ltd in Bracknell Forest

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement 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 management arrangements for the home have been finalised, with an experienced manager now registered after a planned handover. The manager, from her observations of staff practice, identified engagement with young people as an area of weakness. A plan of action was implemented, resulting in staff improving their approach and developing positive relationships with the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Only one requirement is made at this inspection. This arises after several members of staff took it upon themselves to be proactive and notify Ofsted of incidents involving the young people that were considered serious. The notifications lacked clarity and were submitted without management overview, raising more questions than answers.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The group dynamics of the home have recently changed, with two newly admitted residents joining a young person who has lived in the home for a considerable amount of time. The impact risk assessment contributed to the decision process, as it correctly identified and assessed all risk associated with the young people when they were placed together. The forward-thinking pre-placement planning and action undertaken by staff, consisting of advanced visits and overnights stays, has allowed all young people to settle and adapt to the routine of the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The recent transition of a young person back to the care of his parents provided a good example of the progress young people make with the assistance of staff. The young person was able to complete the therapeutic programme of the home, obtain the skills to live independently and rebuild his family relations. The parent of the young person wrote a complimentary email to the staff thanking them for the care and support provided to his child. The father wrote, ‘Thanks for making it possible to have X back home where he belongs. The staff have always made us feel welcomed. I would not hesitate to recommend the organisation to anyone planning to admit their child.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The response from staff to all safeguarding concerns is effective, with considerable improvements made in how each incident is documented. A detailed folder is maintained by the manager that clearly outlines the incident and follow-up actions in chronological order. This process ensures that the young people are monitored and remain safe.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Being missing from care was a chronic problem for one young person who no longer resides in the home. There was a detailed response from the staff whenever the young person absconded back to his home area. The staff had good liaisons with police and other professionals as they attempted to monitor the young person through regular meetings. In addition, the manager successfully challenged the placing authority when they were slow to respond and act accordingly on behalf of the young person. This assisted in the identification of a more suitable placement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff have the necessary skills to keep young people safe and protected. The safeguarding policies are up to date, clear and comprehensive, offering consistent advice and guidance to staff when they are dealing with potential child protection matters regarding the young people. The young people learn to keep themselves safe because they are taught by staff to develop insight into behaviours that place them at risk and, as a result, concerning incidents have decreased in number.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A small number of sanctions have been imposed for the young people. Each one reviewed was fair and proportionate, and provided the young person with an opportunity for learning and reflection. For example, a young person showed remorse and assisted in the repairing of a wall that was damaged during an outburst.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Detailed monthly reports completed by the independent visitor were informative and offered insight into how the home has functioned since the change in management. The visitor was seen attending the home during inspection to specifically meet with the young people and obtain their views.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

An updated statement of purpose has been submitted and provides a clear introduction and insight into the home’s aims and objectives for young people. Therefore, all previous requirements and recommendations have been met.

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Information about this children’s home

The service is a four-bedded children’s home registered for male adolescents who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is one of the group of homes owned and operated by a private specialist organisation working with adolescent males who have experienced significant adversity in their lives and have gone on to display harmful sexual behaviour towards others. The organisation also provides education and therapeutic intervention.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 11/08/2016 Full Requires improvement 21/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 20/08/2015 Full Requires improvement

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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, 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.

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Requirement Due date

A notification made under this regulation must include details of the matter and actions taken by the registered person as a result of the matter. (Regulation 40(5)(a)(i)(iii)) 12/05/2017

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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, 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,

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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

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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

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