Tessa Baring House

Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship St Michael’s Fellowship St. Michael’s Fellowship 46 Herne Hill, London SE24 9QP Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this residential family centre

St Michael’s Fellowship is an independent charity dedicated to improving families’ lives. It provides four residential family centres located within South London. The team in this residential family centre specialises in offering a service to parents who have a learning difficulty. The centre is able to offer a residential parenting assessment for up to four families.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and parents, taking into account

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good

How well children and parents are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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good

The residential family centre provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Date of previous inspection: 20 March 2014

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Key findings from this inspection

This residential family centre is good because: Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship  Children and parents benefit from a highly effective assessment process which skilfully explores issues. Assessments are comprehensive, include relevant theories and demonstrate a good level of professional curiosity.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Staff are extremely child focused. Daily observation sheets are written from a child’s point of view.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The centre specialises in working with parents who have a learning difficulty. They have developed a variety of teaching tools. This creatively includes pictorial aids and information technology.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Parents feel comfortable to challenge elements of the assessment process where needed. They actively make complaints, voice their concerns and influence decision-making.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Staff work competently with young parents and families from various cultural and religious backgrounds.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Parents receive a broad range of good support in relation to their education, life skills and emotional well-being. Staff also provide fun social activities. In the summer, parents can also access the organisation’s outreach programme.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The 12-week research-informed ‘five-a-day’ programme concentrates on improving children’s emotional and brain development. It positively reinforces families’ learning through reading, talking, play, praise and nutrition.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Parents engage in safety sessions. They also participate in specific key-work sessions and the organisation’s domestic violence programme. Assessments focus on safeguarding, identifying and managing risks, and the impact of domestic violence.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Children and parents benefit from the organisation’s dynamic partnership with Middlesex University. The organisation excels in its commitment to innovative practice and research.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The centre has influential links within the House of Commons and the Department of Education.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Children and parents receive care from a highly skilled, well-qualified, diverse staff team. They are able to intellectualise their practice, which is further informed by research.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Feedback from professionals is exceptionally positive. The highly effective working relationships with other agencies and professionals ensure families receive the necessary specialist support. Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship The residential family centre’s areas for development:

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Key findings from this inspection

 Actions are required to strengthen specific areas. There have not been any accidents or incidents resulting from these minor shortfalls. A more proactive approach will eliminate potential problems.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Leaders and managers do not always follow the disciplinary procedure, preferring a softer approach.

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Key findings from this inspection

 There are occasions when a qualified first-aider is not working on each shift. Fortunately there have not been any emergencies requiring first aid. This issue is a potential risk.

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Key findings from this inspection

 During the inspection, potential hazards were identified. The tumble dryer had an excessive amount of fluff and lint, which is a possible fire hazard. The garden also had overgrown woody shrubs, which could cut or scratch a child. Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship

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Statutory requirement

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Residential Family Centre Regulations 2002 and the national minimum standards. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Statutory requirement

Requirement Due date The registered person shall take adequate precautions against risk of accidents, including the training of persons working at the residential family centre in first aid. (Regulation 14 (2) (g)) 01/09/2017

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Recommendations

 Ensure avoidable hazards are removed. This relates to removing tumble dryer lint and fluff and sharp, overhanging shrubs from the garden. (NMS 11.2)

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Recommendations

 The registered person must have in place an effective disciplinary procedure. (NMS 15.3) Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

Families benefit from a highly effective assessment process which skilfully explores their issues. Assessments focus on children’s needs and demonstrate a good level of professional curiosity. Staff purposefully evaluate each parent’s strengths, areas for further development and their capacity to change. Final reports clearly follow the court instruction and local authority requirements. They are comprehensive and appropriately incorporate relevant theories. A social worker states it was an, ‘excellent report which considered issues around parenting capacity and welfare of the child thoroughly and with sensitivity.’ Parents actively engage in the assessment process and receive daily feedback. A social worker praises the ‘clear and transparent communication with parents’. Staff respond flexibly to presenting needs, reviewing the impact of their intervention on a weekly basis. This enables each family to receive responsive and personalised

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

support. Daily observation sheets are written from a child’s point of view. A social worker states, staff ‘were incredibly child focussed throughout and this in my view is their greatest strength’. The centre specialises in working with parents who have a learning difficulty. They have developed a variety of teaching tools and approaches to help parents. Staff use a wide range of forward-thinking assessment methods. Pictorial aids and technology assists with the sharing of information. For example, parents use a computer tablet which has numerous applications dedicated to increasing their knowledge and skills. In addition, this has a read-aloud feature, to help parents understand their documentation. Also, where writing is difficult for the parent, the computer tablet can translate speech to text for feedback forms. Staff use a translation application for parents who struggle to understand English. Parents benefit from an extensive level of support to enhance their learning and

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

retention. A parent describes their experience as being, ‘absolutely positive,’ confirming it was ‘helpful to be here’. To address memory problems, parents are encouraged to create lists and use a diary. Staff provide clear modelling and practical demonstrations. Pictorial key rings with symbols work well with sequencing and routines, an example being for childcare tasks, such as bathing. The three-phase approach to assessments enables parents to demonstrate their capabilities initially, independent of intervention. Key-work meetings effectively focus on important issues. This, along with teaching sessions, enable parents to develop positively in their parenting role and as individuals. Parents describe feeling, ‘a lot stronger’ and state that they have improved ‘confidence and self-esteem’. Children and parents benefit from positive relationships with staff. They are treated with compassion, dignity and respect. Parents generally appreciate the high level of

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

support. A parent states, ‘They wanted the best for us, they helped us so much.’ Another parent states, ‘without 46, I think we would of lost our baby.’ Parents feel comfortable to challenge elements of the assessment process, where Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship needed. They actively voice their concerns and influence decision-making. Examples are the highlighting of maintenance issues and making suggestions for activities. Parents do not hesitate to use the complaints procedure. Leaders and managers positively address all concerns. They see this as an opportunity for the service to develop. Staff work competently with young parents and families from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Staff assist with identifying places of worship. Staff positively work with interpreters. They help parents understand how their cultural traditions can be in conflict with safely caring for their baby, an example being throwing their

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

baby up in the air. Staff also challenge swearing and racist or offensive language. Family assessment plans appropriately address identity. Individual background sessions assist with exploring and understanding each parent’s culture and personal experiences. Fathers benefit from a monthly Dads’ group at a children’s centre. A male agency worker is also available for sessional work. The individuality of each parent and child is valued though celebrating birthdays or secular events, an example being Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. Staff have well-established links with a local children’s centre. This enables children and parents to access specific targeted groups and courses. Parents gain the confidence to attend other community resources, which includes a wide range of children’s centres, libraries, soft play centres and toy libraries. Children benefit from the social interaction and enriching experiences, which contributes towards their

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

development. Parents receive a broad range of support in relation to their education, life skills and emotional well-being. Parents are able to attend literacy groups and specific classes if English is an additional language. Staff help parents with benefits advice, budgeting and accessing the local food bank. Parents can receive counselling from another residential family centre within the organisation. Parents also benefit from support to help them address potentially negative issues. This includes good links with the drug and alcohol project and the sexual health service. Families can promptly register at the local surgery. The attached health visitor also visits regularly. Staff securely store medication and supervise the administration of medicines effectively. Parents learn the importance of good nutrition from a healthy lifestyle programme. Techniques include cooking meals and purchasing a variety of fruit and

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

vegetables. Parents also increase their knowledge of health issues and dental care. A significant development has been the introduction of the 12-week ‘five-a-day’ programme. This research-informed initiative focuses on improving children’s emotional and brain development. It positively reinforces children’s learning through reading, talking, play, praise and nutrition. Weekly group activities further promote these areas through cooking, crafts, stimulating play and learning sessions. Children and parents receive their own bag of resources which includes praise stickers, books, toys and games. Parents recognise the importance of these factors in their children’s development. A parent confirmed, ‘I know how to help my child to meet all her milestones.’ Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship The centre has good admission and discharge arrangements. A local authority highlights staff, ‘insist on meeting the family first to assess their suitability for the

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Overall experiences and progress of children and parents: good

provision, which is reassuring’. If parents are unable to visit, staff are innovative in taking a photo of the proposed key worker and showing a mini film to the parent. This assists with alleviating fears and preparing the parent for the unknown. On admission, parents receive a welcome bag. Their bag includes a therapeutic colouring book, groceries for their first meal, toiletries and cleaning materials. Parents choose how they would like to mark their leaving. Staff kindly assist with child care, an example being to help a parent rest as requested by their midwife. Staff also provide fun social activities. In the summer, parents can also access the organisation’s outreach programme. They receive free cinema tickets for parent and child screenings. Staff can also supervise family contact and family group conferences to facilitate and support the process.

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

The safeguarding arrangements within the centre are generally strong. Families benefit from significant initiatives focused on protecting children. A parent confirmed that staff ‘opened my eyes into other ways to safely parent’. However, actions are required to strengthen specific areas. These relate to the disciplinary procedure, first aid training and environmental hazards. There have not been any accidents or incidents resulting from these minor shortfalls. A more proactive approach would, however, eliminate potential problems. The organisation has a good recruitment system. Staff do not start work until all the necessary checks have been completed. There is a staff disciplinary procedure to address poor practice. However, leaders and managers do not always use their powers, preferring a softer approach. An example was seen of a staff member repeatedly failing in their role, although the first stages of disciplinary action were

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

not taken. The decision was later made not to use this sessional member of staff. There is a sound risk management system, which includes identifying pre-placement concerns. Staff regularly update family risk assessments. Staff risk assess unsupervised time in the community. There is also a compulsory night-time assessment for the initial 14 nights. This ensures that children receive a high level of monitoring to protect them from harm. A lone risk assessment is available when staff work on their own. There are occasions when a qualified first aider is not working on each shift. Scheduled first aid training was recently cancelled. Fortunately there have not been any emergencies requiring first aid. This issue is a potential risk. The environment is well maintained and has appropriate security. Engineers confirm the safety of the fire, gas and electrical supplies and equipment. Staff undertake regular health and safety checks. During the inspection, potential hazards were

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

identified. The tumble dryer had an excessive amount of fluff and lint, which is a possible fire hazard. The garden also had overgrown woody shrubs, which could cut Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship or scratch a child. Assessments purposefully focus on safeguarding. Staff robustly identify and manage risks and the impact of domestic violence on the emotional and behavioural development of children. Child and adult protection procedures comply with regulations. Staff benefit from a wide range of training related to protecting children and vulnerable adults. There is a good notification system, which ensures that all parties are aware of significant incidents. There have not been any major concerns since the last inspection. Staff manage challenging behaviour effectively. A social worker highlighted that staff, ‘are able to defuse any conflictual situation with ease and understanding’. A good

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

example is the approach taken to manage a very distressed and potentially suicidal child. Staff relentlessly worked to safeguard this child from environmental hazards. They had to physically intervene sensitively to stop this child from harming others. This child was taught how to release their stress positively with deep breathing. Records detailed all the necessary regulatory information. Exceptional care was also taken to safeguard this child from verbal and emotional abuse. Parents engage in safety sessions over the course of 12 weeks. This comprehensive training programme increases their knowledge of road, fire, kitchen, bathroom, food, toy, general and online safety. Parents learn to safeguard against s udden infant death syndrome. They also learn how to manage childhood illnesses. Parent learn to recognise the need to keep their environment safely free of hazards, such as chemicals and poisons. The training parents receive ensures that they understand

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

potential risks. Parents also receive assistance with anger management. They learn how anger and abusive language can negatively impact on their child. Parents are able to participate in specific key-work sessions and the organisation’s domestic violence programme, the aim being to share their abusive experiences as a means to heal, move on and to prepare for future healthy relationships. Parents gain insight into the impact of domestic abuse on their children. A parent stated that they, ‘wanted the cycle to stop’. Parents felt listened to and not judged. This enabled them to disclose the full extent of their experienced abuse to staff. Parents are enabled to move forward positively and question the gender roles they are passing on to their children. They benefit from devising robust safety plans. These detail how they will keep their child safe while living in the community should the perpetrator re-appear. Parents can continue to access the organisation’s

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How well children and parents are helped and protected: good

domestic violence group, when they return to the community.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The organisation excels in its commitment to innovative practice and research and its contribution towards improving families’ lives and the overall social care sector. Children and parents benefit from living in a well-established centre which is forward thinking and continually evolving to meet their needs. Leaders and managers are Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship inspirational and have a dedicated ambition for all parents to succeed. There is an exceptional desire to influence the sector purposefully, the aim being to understand the difficulties of parents in recurrent child proceedings and to help facilitate a positive outcome. The organisation is currently in the final stages of fund-raising for its ‘Securing Change’ programme. This will offer tailored help to mothers who have had several children removed, through care proceedings. The organisation aims to address the

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

lack of any support for mothers when they leave residential family centres. This pilot programme is in partnership with the Centre for Abuse and Trauma Studies at Middlesex University. A senior leader explains, ‘we believe everyone is capable of change.’ Children and parents benefit from the organisation’s dynamic partnership with Middlesex University. Staff receive an enhanced level of training, which includes the use of specific evidence-based assessment tools. These currently include the parenting role interview and the attachment style interview. This continuous professional development will aid best practice, as the university is evaluating the assessments completed at the centre. Interviews with parents have also contributed to highly valued research. The centre has influential links within the House of Commons and the Department of Education. Representatives from the latter visited the centre to gain further insight

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

into the work undertaken by residential family centres. The centre was also showcased at a House of Commons event. There are strong partnerships with a broad range of local authorities, an example being the strategic director of the local council who recently visited the centre. The registered manager has 22 years of experience within health and social care. She has substantial experience of working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. The registered manager has worked at the centre since 2008, working her way up from a senior practitioner role. She has a relevant management qualification. A staff member praises the way the registered manager ‘goes above and beyond’. A social worker describes management as, ‘very strong with a lot of oversight’. Another social worker commends the ‘excellent communication’. Children and parents receive care from a highly skilled, well-qualified, diverse staff

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

team. Staff are able to intellectualise their practice and development is informed by research. A social worker confirmed, ‘staff are friendly, pleasant and will not hesitate to go the extra mile.’ Another social worker stated ‘I was highly impressed with the professionalism of staff at 46. I will certainly be requesting their service in future.’ Another local authority described 46 Herne Hill as their preferred assessment centre . Sessional workers support the staff team. They benefit from a structured induction, ongoing training and supervision. Staff benefit from regular formal supervision, appraisals, team practice days and extensive training. The organisation commissions an external learning coach. This helps with sustaining the culture of high aspirations and expectations of staff members. Staff feel valued and they appreciate the good work–life balance. There Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

are excellent opportunities for leaders and managers. Managers benefit from action learning sets and regularly attend strategic meetings. Deputy managers also meet regularly and lead on developing specific programmes or tools to enhance the service. Staff at the centre lead by example. The centre’s expertise in promoting the ‘five a day programme’ demonstrates how its creativity sustains high-quality care. Staff have assisted in delivering this internationally researched training in the organisation’s other residential family centres and for its outreach team. Leaders and managers have clear strategic priorities to inform further improvement. Meticulous monitoring identifies the centre’s strengths and areas for development. This includes monthly visits by the director and an excellent annual evaluation. The latter includes consultation with parents, staff and placing authorities and summarises the future objectives. Managers regularly assess the service and staff

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

practice through weekly team meetings and case discussions. The requirement and the recommendation from the last inspection have been addressed effectively. These related to the maintenance of the premises and ensuring that the registered manager had the necessary management qualification. Children and parents benefit from living in a homely, well-decorated property. The organisation has invested in a refurbishment programme. The centre benefits from strong leadership. The registered manager has successfully obtained the necessary leadership and management qualification. Children and their parents live in a pleasant, comfortable, newly refurbished property. Extra safety efforts have been made through using fire retardant paint. A social worker highlighted that the centre ‘looks like a home’. Each family has their own room with a wash basin. There is a range of communal spaces, which include a television lounge and dining area. Parents share the self-contained laundry room.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

They have their own kitchen area. There are three bathrooms, which means that, most of the time, families do not have to share these facilities. The key-work room is a quiet and calm space, suitable for counselling or individual meetings. The playroom has extensive toys, books and games, providing a stimulating area for children. The spacious garden has outdoor play equipment for children. Parents can relax on the outdoor seating. The garden offers a sensory experience. Parents have also undertaken a gardening project, creating a bed of herbs and vegetables.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and parents. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference made to the lives of children and parents. They watched how professional staff work with children and parents and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care provided. Whenever possible, they talked to children and parents. In addition, the Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship inspectors have tried to understand what the residential family centre knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and parents 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 and how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the Residential Family Centre Regulations 2002 and the national minimum standards. Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship

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Residential family centre details

Registered provider: St Michael’s Fellowship

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Residential family centre details

Registered provider address: 136 Streatham High Road, LONDON SW16 1BW

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Residential family centre details

Email address: Jo@Stmichaelsfellowship.org.uk

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Inspector

Mrs Sharon Payne, social care inspector Inspection report for residential family centre: St Michael’s Fellowship to 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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