Children's Home run by Bryn Melyn Care Limited in Telford and Wrekin

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 declined in effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was last inspected in July 2016 and was judged to be good. One requirement was made in relation to ensuring free movement around the home. The registered manager has ensured that this requirement has been met. There has been a change of practice in the home; internal doors are now left unlocked, and this practice is regularly reviewed by the manager.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, no young people have left or arrived at the home. This has provided some consistency and familiarity for young people. There has been a slight change to staffing levels; these have increased, and some staff have been reallocated to other homes in the organisation. This has affected some young people who had close attachments to these staff. However, the staff team has worked hard to minimise any disruption or negative effects. When new staff have joined, appropriate induction processes have been used. All staff, including the registered manager, continue to benefit from regular supervision that discusses their welfare and practice and sets clear targets for development.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home’s statement of purpose is up to date and contains all required information. The document makes clear that bedroom door alarms, to support the safety of young people during the night, are used in the home. It is clear that young people are aware of the measures and consent to their use. However, there is no written consent from placing authorities. This shortfall has, to date, led to no negative outcome for any young person.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, there has been a deterioration in relationships between staff and young people. Some efforts have been made to appropriately challenge negative behaviour, for example prejudicial views expressed by young people. However, staff have not effectively set consistent boundaries with regards to young people’s challenging behaviours. This has resulted in instances when young people have been able to control situations and, on occasions, to engage in risk-taking behaviour with insufficient challenge from staff. This shortfall is further compounded by a failure to ensure that risk assessments are thorough, up to date and, in one instance, available. During the inspection, a risk assessment for vehicle use could not be located. This is a significant concern, as there were a number of previous incidents with regards to cars. This demonstrates that staff are not aware of how to respond to risk and to provide safe care for young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All staff continue to be trained in the use of the home’s chosen method of restraint. However, restraint is not always used appropriately. For example, a young person was restrained despite there being no clear risk to people or likely serious damage to property. The manager’s review of this incident did not highlight concern with this practice. Comments made by young people during incidents are not always followed up or referred to appropriate agencies when concerns are raised. These failures have the potential to place young people at risk of harm. Sanctions are used for appropriate reasons, but young people’s views are not sought, and there is no consistent recording of speaking to the young person after the use of these measures. This affects the manager’s ability to review the quality of care provided in the home.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people have gone missing on some occasions. However, these episodes are infrequent and short in nature. Appropriate actions are taken by the staff team, and it is clear that staff actively look for young people and are concerned for their safety.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is well maintained and provides ample space for young people to spend time alone or together if they so wish. Staffing ratios ensure that young people are supported through their day-to-day routines. There has also been some positive progress since the last inspection. The registered manager has developed an innovative system for seeking staff and partner feedback. This information is used to inform the home’s development. Young people continue to make progress in education and continue to access therapy support when appropriate. Young people are developing their independence and community involvement. For example, young people are encouraged and supported to seek and maintain part-time weekend work. Comments from professionals are positive, and views include, ‘Staff are invested in the young people and have a genuine interest in their development’ and, ‘The staff are doing really well in supporting the young person.’

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

As a result of this inspection, six requirements have been made. The home is judged to have declined in effectiveness.

p.3

Information about this children’s home

The home is run by a private organisation. The home is registered to provide care for up to two young people, irrespective of gender, aged between 10 and 17 years.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

08/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

Recent inspection history

09/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

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.

p.5

Requirement Due date

The positive relationships standard is that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships based on—

p.5

Requirement Due date

(b) an understanding about acceptable behaviour

p.5

Requirement Due date

(c) positive responses to other children and adults. 30/05/2017

p.5

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard, the registered person must ensure that staff—

p.5

Requirement Due date

(2)(a)(i) assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child

p.5

Requirement Due date

(vi) take effective action whenever there is a serious concern about a child’s welfare. 30/05/2017

p.5

Requirement Due date

13. The leadership and management standard

p.5

Requirement Due date

In order to meet the leadership and management standard, the registered person must—

p.5

Requirement Due date

(2)(h) use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. 30/05/2017

p.5

Requirement Due date

Restraint in relation to a child is only permitted for the purpose of preventing injury to any person (including the child), and serious damage to the property of any person (including the child). (Regulation 20(1)(a)(b)) 30/05/2017 The registered person may only use devices for the monitoring or surveillance of children if the child’s placing authority consents in writing to the monitoring or surveillance. (Regulation 24(1)(b)) 30/05/2017

p.5

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that within five days of the use of a measure of control, discipline or restraint, the registered person or the authorised person adds to the record confirmation that they have spoken to the child about the measure. (Regulation 35(3)(c)) 30/05/2017

p.6

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.7

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 whom 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.7

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 .

p.7

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.8

Information about this inspection

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

p.8

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.8

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.8