Children's home run by North Tyneside Council in North Tyneside

Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 1 SC412705 Registered provider: North Tyneside Council Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The children‟s home provides care and accommodation for short breaks for up to two children or young people who have a learning disability. A local authority operates the home.

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Information about this children’s home

Inspection dates: 11/07/2017 to 12/07/2017

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

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good

The children‟s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: Requires improvement

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: None

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Key findings from this inspection

 The children and young people enjoy their short breaks. They are provided with a range of activities and opportunities so that they can play and learn new skills.  The staff team prepares for the children and young people‟s short breaks with meticulous care, ensuring that communication with parents and schools helps to Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 2 support each visit.  Good staffing levels help to protect the children and young people from harm. The staff team is well trained and knowledgeable about the children and young people‟s individual needs and characteristics. This supports the management of behaviours that are associated with the children and young people‟s specific learning needs.  The residential short-break plans are individual, and clearly set out the daily routines and how they will be met.  The staff receive regular supervision that enables them to reflect on practice

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Key findings from this inspection

and to identify continuous development and training needs.  The morale of the staff team is good. Staff are motivated to provide a comfortable, homely environment for the children and young people.

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Key findings from this inspection

The children‟s home‟s areas for development:

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Key findings from this inspection

 The home‟s monitoring systems need to inform the quality of care review report. Specifically, the development plan and the views of all parties need to be added. This will enable the service to have a clear focus on development to improve all of the outcomes for the children and young people who access short breaks.  The expectations in relation to annual performance reviews for staff need to be fulfilled. This will enable staff to feel valued and supported in their development as professionals in social care.  The review and implementation of specific documentation in terms of the children‟s guide and locality risk assessment need to be expedited. The involvement of the children and young people in the understanding of their care and the participation of key agencies will enhance the overall experience of living at the home.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/01/2017 Full Requires improvement 13/06/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 16/03/2016 Interim Declined in effectiveness 27/01/2016 Full Good Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 3

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet 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

The children‟s wishes and feelings standard is that children receive care from staff who– develop positive relationships with them; engage with them; and take their views, wishes and feelings into account in relation to matters affecting the children‟s care and welfare and their lives. In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to– ensure that each child– has access to the home‟s children‟s guide and the home‟s complaints procedure, when the child‟s placement in the home is agreed and throughout the child‟s stay in the home; keep the children‟s guide and the home‟s complaints procedure under review and seek children‟s comments before revising either document; ensure that an explanation is given to each child as soon as reasonably practicable after the child‟s arrival about– the children‟s guide. (Regulation 7(1), (2)(b)(ii), (c) and (d)(i)) 24/08/2017

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees– have their performance and fitness to perform their roles appraised at least once every year. (Regulation 33(4)(c)) 24/08/2017

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must complete a review of the quality of care provided for children („a quality of care review‟) at least once every six months. In order to complete a quality of care review the registered person must establish and maintain a system for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating– any actions that the registered person considers necessary in order to improve or maintain the quality of care provided for children. After completing a quality of care review, the registered person must 24/08/2017 Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 4 produce a written report about the quality of care review and the actions which the registered person intends to take as a result of the quality of care review („the quality of care review report‟). The registered person must– supply to HMCI a copy of the quality of care review report within 28 days of the date on which the quality of care review is completed; and

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Requirement Due date

The system referred to in paragraph (2) must provide for ascertaining and considering the opinions of children, their parents, placing authorities and staff. (Regulation 45(1), (2)(c), (3), (4)(a) and (5))

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Recommendations

 The statement of purpose is of particular importance to this standard (regulation 6(2), (a) and (b)(i)). Homes are required to develop and keep under review a “Statement of Purpose” (regulation 16 and schedule 1). This is with particular reference to ensuring the children‟s commissioner is correctly recorded. („Guide to the children‟s homes regulations including the quality standards‟, page 14, paragraph 3.5)  When establishing the home, the registered person must ensure that it is suitably located so that children are effectively safeguarded and can access service to meet needs identified in their relevant plan (see regulation 12(2)(c)). Under regulation 46, the registered person should review the appropriateness and suitability of the location and premises of the home at least once a year. The review should include the identification of any risks and opportunities presented by the home‟s location and strategies for managing these. („Guide to the

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Recommendations

children‟s homes regulations including the quality standards‟, page 64, paragraph 15.1)

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children and young people enjoy their short breaks, the relaxed atmosphere and the attention that they receive throughout their stay. The staff team responds to the children and young people with compassion and genuine warmth. A social worker said: „I think the staff are all very friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. They are particularly good at the preparation work they complete with parents prior to a child arriving for their stay. They visit schools and parents‟ houses, and they are very good at getting information that they require to ensure their stay is the best it can be.‟ The children and young people gain confidence and their well-being is enhanced through the consistency of care provided.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

A parent said: „They are absolutely fantastic, I did not remember what I did before (Name) accessed the home, it‟s all good. They tailor outings to what he likes and needs. They provide lots of reassurance to me and communication is good. (Name) gets what Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 5 he wants here easier than at home. They provide him with lots of things to do, more than I can, and sometimes these are autism specific.‟

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff team is skilled in building supportive, nurturing relationships with the children and young people. The bonds are apparent and are built upon trust. The children and young people feel safe and relaxed with familiar adults who recognise and respond warmly to them. The clear messages and familiar routines reduce their anxieties.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

As a result of improvements made in the residential care plans, it can be clearly identified that the children and young people are making progress. One young person is doing very well in his independence work and, although he finds some areas challenging, he is still open to engaging in the process. He said: „I am going to be buying food as part of my independence work, and planning meals.‟ One agreed aim is to use an electronic device that will plot his whereabouts. This will be done in small steps to enable him to build up his confidence in the community. Staff will monitor from a short distance away to ensure that he is safe at all times. The young person told the inspector all about it and said: „I have not tried it yet, but I will.‟ This will develop confidence and create a sense of well-being.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children and young people are referred for their short-break care by their social worker. The placements are regularly reviewed. The key workers ensure that care plans are up to date and they are individualised. Auditing of the files by the management team supports the accuracy and updating of records. The staff team feels supported by management to develop and maintain good recording. The positive attention to detail supports the work with the children and young people. Aims are set and targets are achieved. Sometimes these are simplistic, for example to enable a child or young person to feel settled during their stays. A member of staff said: „They have a very good time here; we get lots of compliments from parents. All the children and young people have enjoyable experiences when they come. At first they are anxious, but they soon really enjoy coming and want to come back, which says a lot to me.‟

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children and young people take part in a number of activities and there is always something planned for their short-break care. A parent said: „They are really relaxed with him and provide him with lots of attention. When watching DVDs, they provide him with cuddles, which he enjoys. They get him out in the community a lot, sometimes to places that we are unable to go due to our other commitments; they are brilliant.‟ Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 6

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Safeguarding practice in the home is good. Supervision of the children and young people is robust and in accordance with individual care plans. The staff are skilled in accessing relevant information from parents and professionals prior to the children and young people accessing the home for a short stay. This enables the staff to respond in a consistent manner, which reduces any anxieties that may be displayed. There have been no missing or bullying incidents in the home, and the children and young people are protected from exploitation.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

A parent said: „I am really pleased how (Name) gets looked after. Staff are very friendly and you are comfortable in leaving your child with them.‟

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Each child and young person has a behavioural support plan that provides for clear, individual risk assessments. The level of support and supervision is good in the community while accessing activities. The staff are knowledgeable and vigilant, ensuring that interventions are quick and appropriate. The home has appropriate safeguarding procedures in place to protect the children and young people, and the staff ensure that all relevant professionals and parents are informed if there are any incidents of concern. A social worker said: „They are particularly good at settling parents‟ anxieties. They always come to meetings and have thorough reports. Any incidents that do occur come with appropriate body charts, and we receive daily records of their stays.‟ This level of communication and support provides parents with reassurance that their child or young person is safeguarded at all times.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

All staff members receive training to carry out restraints safely. The management of behaviour ensures that restraints are rarely used and the staff only use restraint as a last resort. The documentation that is completed when a restraint occurs is recorded with detail and accuracy. All restraints are scrutinised by management and team leaders to ensure the correct use of restraint and that recording is in line with good practice. Parents are informed when their child has been subject to a restraint. This precise recording and follow-up action enable any identification of concern to be quickly addressed and appropriate actions taken. The children and young people with complex needs are effectively safeguarded in terms of behavioural management in the home and out in the community. Any intervention is delivered with sensitivity and ensures that the children and young people‟s dignity is maintained.

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

The home environment is calm, which assists any child or young person accessing the home to relax. Triggers are well known by staff, and the communication with schools at the point of collecting or dropping off helps to ensure that information is live. A young person said: „I like coming here to stay, as I find it very relaxing and gives me a chance to have time away from family, and provides them with a break.‟

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How well children and young people are helped and protected: good

Safeguarding is routinely discussed in team meetings and associated with each individual child and young person. Supervision of staff is consistently provided. The interim manager and team leaders complete consistent audits and oversee health and safety arrangements. Fire drills and checks are robust. The children and young people can Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 7 personalise their room when they stay, which helps them to feel at home. The bedrooms are equipped with supportive bedding, and are comfortable and decorated to a high standard.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

The management team is currently going through a period of change that is supported by the responsible individual. Roles within the management structure are shared, ensuring that there is no impact on the emotional needs of the children and young people who access short stays. The interim manager is experienced and is a familiar face to the children and young people, reducing any anxieties.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Since the last inspection, there has been robust external monitoring of the home resulting in the identification of a number of shortfalls, particularly around recording errors and poor record keeping in the children and young people‟s case files. Recent changes have resulted in an improvement in recording, and there is clearly more attention to detail. Requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection have been met in full. The registered manager‟s six-monthly report has not been submitted within the timeframes specified and has detail missing. The views of the children and young people are not recorded and it is difficult to ascertain the involvement of others, which is crucial to the development of the service. Monthly monitoring reporting systems have been introduced, which has demonstrated an improvement in quality.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

There is a shortfall in the specific documentation that is required to be in place. The home‟s locality risk assessment does not fully involve the relevant professionals, that is, police, parents, children and young people. This reduces its overall impact, which should also identify positive aspects of living in the local area. The document does not sufficiently support the management of risk to the children and young people when living in the community. The home has no children and young people‟s guide that is specific to the service that it provides, and therefore does not involve them or their families in understanding the home‟s expectations or the complaints procedure. Although the inspector was reassured that families understand how to make a complaint, the necessary documents are not in place.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

Relationships with other professionals are strong and continue to improve the services offered to the children and young people. The home‟s newsletter supports and delivers information to parents and families. Communication with parents is good, ensuring that the delivery of service is bespoke to each child and young person.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: requires improvement to be good

In relation to the interim management arrangements, a member of staff said: „Everyone has a huge amount of respect for (Name). Everyone is supportive of each other and recognises this in the manager. Respect and morale have improved, records have improved, auditing and monitoring systems are fully operational, and it just happens, now.‟ A social worker said: „Key workers really know the children well; they attend meetings regularly and attempt to raise the skill level of the children. When I arrive, they are always engaging the children well and providing lots of stimulation. I have no concerns.‟ Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 8

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference made to the lives of children and young people. They watched how professional staff work with children and young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care provided. Wherever possible, they talked to children and 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.

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Information about this inspection

Using the „Social care common inspection framework‟, this inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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‟. Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 9

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 16 The Silverlink North, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE27 0BY

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Inspector

Michael Dack, social care inspector Inspection report children‟s home: SC412705 10 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children‟s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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