Children's home run by Hartlepool Borough Council in Hartlepool

Inspection report children’s home: SC472417 1 SC472417 Registered provider: Hartlepool Borough Council

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to four children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. A local authority owns and operates it.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

p.1

good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

p.1

good

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

p.1

good

Date of last inspection: 22 February 2017

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: Sustained effectiveness Inspection report children’s home: SC472417 2

p.1

Key findings from this inspection

 Young people who have settled in the home have secure attachments to staff, enabling them to make emotional progress.  A stable and experienced manager and staff team provide consistent care for young people.  Young people make progress in education, empowering them to sit for nationally recognised qualifications and obtain college placements.  Young people have employment ambitions.

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

The children’s home’s areas for development:

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

 Recording on some logs is not of a high enough standard, demonstrating a need for further staff training.  It is not clear how the views of young people, their parents, staff and professionals influence the care in the home.

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness 17/08/2016 Full Outstanding 04/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 21/10/2015 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: SC472417 3

p.2

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person 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 must comply within the given timescales.

p.3

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(5)) 31/10/2017

p.3

Recommendations

 Staff should be familiar with the home’s policies on record keeping and understand the importance of careful, objective, and clear recording. Staff should record information on individual children in a non-stigmatising way that distinguishes between fact, opinion and third-party information. Information about the child must always be recorded in a way that will be helpful to the child. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.4)

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people’s influence in the design and decoration of their spacious home, including the garden, is evident. This enhances their sense of belonging, which allows them to thrive. Young people who have settled and been resident for some time have close, nurturing relationships with staff. The sense of security this engenders enhances young people’s feelings of belonging and provides them with the confidence to embrace education and explore the world of work.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people are encouraged to actively participate in developing their care plans. This practice approach ensures that they are aware of the goals for their future and take ownership of them, significantly enhancing their emotional well-being. A young person said, ‘Everything is brilliant here and the staff are mint. This is definitely my home and I am happy here.’

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

For the most part, young people are complying with their plans and have made positive progress in all aspects of their lives. The long-term plan for all the young people is for them to remain in the home until they are ready to move on to independence. This has Inspection report children’s home: SC472417 4 been successfully achieved with past residents and is the aim for this current group. However, concerns have arisen over an inappropriate relationship developing between two young people. One of them will be transferred to another setting once suitable arrangements have been made. Extensive discussions have taken place with partner agencies to progress this move in the most positive and sensitive way. However, this move is not what the young person is expecting and will be contrary to their wishes, which could have a negative impact on their final care outcomes.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The majority of young people enjoy excellent, trusting relationships with staff and each other. Learning to form these positive attachments improves young people’s self- confidence and self-esteem, empowering them to rebuild family links. Young people’s parents report how supportive the staff team is which enables them to better parent their children and allows contact to be a pleasant occasion. A parent said, ‘They are extremely good at keeping in touch. [Staff name] is brilliant, she couldn’t do more. They ring me when they need my help. I think we can work together.’

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The majority of young people have made significant progress in a number of areas of their lives. This has been particularly evident in school attendance and educational achievements. One young person, with the home’s active support to maintain his alternative education provision, has just completed a full range of nationally recognised examinations and is predicted A to C grades. Another has secured an apprenticeship in a local restaurant and commences a college course in September. These achievements improve self-esteem and enhance young people’s life and employment opportunities. A social worker said, ‘I must stress that education wise support was really good and that was really important. They put things in place to make sure he took his GCSEs.’

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people’s physical and emotional heath improve as they engage with their well- planned care. Their participation in regular exercise and eating the vegetables they have grown in their garden and allotment provide them with the opportunity not only to learn new skills, but also to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. As a result, their well-being is enhanced.

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The warm and nurturing staff are excellent role models for young people. Their consistent and calm communication methods encourage young people to share their wishes and feelings in a positive manner. Young people grow in self-confidence, as they feel listened to and valued as individuals. A social worker said, ‘The relationships he’s made with staff are the key to his success in future. He is very happy there and wants to stay there until he’s 35.’

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff team works very hard to provide young people with a range of new and positive experiences. They are encouraged to participate in inclusive activities within the community, which includes them joining organisations such as the police cadets and playing in a local football team. Consequently, young people grow in self-esteem. This new-found confidence empowers young people to learn new skills, for example snowboarding and learning to drive. Young people’s horizons are broadened as a result. A social worker said, ‘I feel it is absolutely the right environment for [name]. She has developed confidence, she is happy and she participates. She is even part of the Inspection report children’s home: SC472417 5 participation group, which is brilliant, never thought she would do that.’

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people’s individual independent living skills programmes identify their areas for development and how these can be best addressed by staff and young people. These can include basic life and hygiene skills as well as budgeting and entering the world of work. As a result, young people are prepared well for their transition to adulthood.

p.5

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

An extensive range of comprehensive risk assessments ensure that young people’s individual vulnerabilities can be planned for. This provides effective safeguarding for young people while they learn self-protection skills. Notwithstanding this good practice, there are occasions when young people’s impulsive behaviour can place them at risk, for example, of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour in the community. A young person said, ‘I feel completely safe in here, but I know when I go out to meet my mates I could get in to trouble.’

p.5

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

There has been an increase in missing episodes since the last inspection. The majority have involved two young people going missing together. The proactive staff actively search for young people and bring them back to the home. They then use recording methods and discussion with young people well to find out why they are absenting themselves and where they are going. Young people are protected as a result. A social worker said, ‘In terms of keeping safe, the staff do everything they need to do and I have confidence in that.’

p.5

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

The consistent and caring manager and staff team are good role models for young people. They use positive and negative consequences effectively to empower young people to learn more acceptable ways of behaving. Positive rewards include participating in shared activities, which are enriching experiences for young people. Restorative sanctions are now imposed appropriately and the manager’s evaluation details the impact for the young person. This allows for reflection and identifying what went well, increasing positive behaviours.

p.5

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

As a result of the lessons they have learned and the close and caring relationships young people enjoy with staff, there is very little need for physical intervention. There have only been two restraints since May 2017, which were the first since March 2016. Although the restraints were carried out in accordance with training, they were not recorded as well as they could have been, in line with the home’s policies. This inhibits opportunities for all concerned to learn from the experiences.

p.5

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

Detailed and comprehensive safeguarding arrangements ensure that risks young people may be exposed to are known and planned for. The staff have all had relevant and current training in areas such as child sexual exploitation and radicalisation. As a result, young people’s welfare is promoted and they are protected from becoming involved in extremist activities. A parent said, ‘They couldn’t have picked a better place for her. I know she’s safe there.’ Inspection report children’s home: SC472417 6

p.5

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager has been in post since this home opened in October 2013. He holds the necessary qualifications to fulfil his role and leads a well-motivated and aspirational staff team. He was not present during the time of the inspection; nevertheless, the systems he has in place allowed the inspection to go smoothly in his absence. The warm and child-focused deputy manager has extensive experience in both residential care and field social work. His child protection knowledge is invaluable in educating staff and protecting young people. The deputy manager said, ‘We create a trusting environment which allows young people to show their emotions, to trust and to laugh, and discuss some of the problems they’ve had in the past so they can move forward.’

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The one requirement and four recommendations raised at the last inspection have been fully met. The statement of purpose now includes information about how the door alarm system is used appropriately to safeguard young people when necessary. This not only demonstrates a capacity to improve, but also enhances young people’s care experience.

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager’s knowledge of young people’s needs and how to meet them are included in the home’s comprehensive development plan. For example, plans were made to appointm two new staff members and purchase an allotment. Both of these have been achieved, providing further benefits for young people. The external monitoring reports are detailed, comprehensive and evaluative. They contribute to the achievement positive outcomes and the protection of young people. However, although the manager’s internal monitoring processes are detailed, it is not clear how the opinions of young people, their parents, placing authorities and staff are captured or used. Therefore, opportunities for them to influence care may not be being fully taken.

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The dedicated manager has high expectations for the young people in his care. It is evident from evidence obtained on this inspection that the manager’s ambition for young people drives forward their individual care. He has a clear understanding of each young person’s progress and the steps needed to enhance that. This includes using professional challenge where necessary. These constructive professional relationships and the manager’s clear vision ensure that young people receive consistent care and messages, allowing them to thrive. A social worker said, ‘They’re really, really good in keeping in contact with me. They can keep him safe and support his choices.’

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Good local authority recruitment procedures are effectively applied, ensuring that people who do not pose a risk to the young people are employed to care for them. The inclusion of young people in the recruitment process not only builds their social skills and feelings of self-esteem, but also actively demonstrates the impact their participation has on their life within the home.

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

A skilled, experienced and nurturing staff team provides young people with a high level of care. Their commitment is evident, providing young people with a safe and secure home in which to grow to adulthood. Morale has been affected by the local authority’s Inspection report children’s home: SC472417 7 decision to prepare a young person to move on to semi-independent living earlier than all staff feel he is ready for. They have not allowed this to affect their interactions with young people, who are unaware of the meetings that have been taking place, allowing them to maintain close, trusting relationships. A staff member said, ‘We offer them lots of support, love and encouragement. We want what’s best for them as you would with your own children.’

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Young people benefit from the excellent working relationships the staff have with their family members. This allows young people to maintain and in some cases rebuild their familial bonds. This provides them with support now, and will support them in their future adult lives. Good collaborative working between the home’s staff and partner agencies ensures a consistent approach to young people’s care. These good levels of communication allow for achievements to be celebrated by all and areas of concern to be addressed swiftly.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home’s ethos, as detailed in its statement of purpose, is that, ‘[Name of home] has a clear focus on experiential learning, where young people learn and grow by undertaking new challenges.’ The fact that young people have learned new skills, enjoyed foreign holidays and participated in a range of new experiences that have introduced them to new cultures and people, demonstrates that the home is achieving its aims.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The majority of young people in the home have had little experience of engaging with others outside their immediate community. On occasions, this has led to the use of inappropriate language and behaviour. The effective use of education and awareness raising promotes an understanding of equality and diversity which will improve young people’s future life chances. A young person said, ‘I’ve learnt since I’ve been here that nobody should be picked on because they are a different colour or religion.’

p.7

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 who it is trying to help, protect and look after.

p.7

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: SC472417 8

p.7

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Hartlepool Borough Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, Cleveland TS24 8AY

p.8

Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Danielle Swainston

p.8

Inspector

Ann-Marie Born: social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC472417 9 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.

p.8

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, 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 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.9

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.9

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: http://www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.9