Children's Home run by Progressive Futures Care Limited in Sefton

Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 1 SC061924 Registered provider: Progressive Futures Care Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This privately run children’s home can accommodate up to three children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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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 good

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good

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

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good

Date of last inspection: 11 January 2017

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: Sustained effectiveness

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people were very complimentary about the care that they receive at this home. They were able to reflect on the support that they had been given and how this has helped them to progress. Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 2  The young people are making very good progress in education. They have passed exams, received awards, and they have ambitions for their future.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people’s health is prioritised. The home has worked closely with the appointed nurse to ensure that young people’s fears have been responded to. As a result, they are receiving specialist support.  Young people have become increasingly safe while being at this home. One young person has not been reported missing for a significant period of time. Both young people are making good choices when out in the community. This is because members of staff have completed numerous projects and topics with young people around keeping themselves safe.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people are supported by a stable staff team. Members of staff are well qualified, supported and trained. As a result, young people receive consistency of care from members of staff who know them well. This means that young people have open, close and warm relationships with members of staff. In addition to this, when new members of staff do not meet the home’s ethos or follow procedure, the manager ensures that swift action is taken.

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Key findings from this inspection

 There is a well-qualified and long-standing manager at the home. It is evident that he seeks to improve the service and has the young people’s well-being at the heart of the care that they receive.

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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

 One young person does not have a current local authority placement plan. This does not ensure that everyone knows and is working to an agreed plan.  The young people’s risk assessments are not clear because different formats are being used. For example, one young person’s risk assessments do not discuss the agreed strategies to reduce the risk. This does not ensure that all members of staff know and take the same action.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The manager has not kept Ofsted up to date with ongoing investigations or informed it of a recent concern.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The manager has not used the home’s location risk assessment to assess whether it is suitable for young people to be placed at this home.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/01/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness 08/11/2016 Full Good 01/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 24/11/2015 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 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 registered person must notify HMCI and each other relevant person without delay if there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 40 (4)(e))

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Requirement Due date

In addition to this, the registered person should update HMCI of any further information when investigations are continuing to be processed. 31/10/2017

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Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff 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. (Regulation 12 (1)(2)(a)(i)) 31/10/2017

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain records ("case records") for each child which include the information and documents listed in Schedule 3 in relation to each child. This is specifically in relation to having a copy of any plan for the care of the child prepared by the child’s placing authority. (Regulation 36 (1)(a)) 31/10/2017

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Recommendations

 The registered person should review the appropriateness and suitability of the location and premises of the home at least once a year. In particular, the registered person must ensure that they consider the location review when completing impact risk assessments on new admissions to the home. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations and quality st andards’, page 64, and paragraph 15.1) Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 4

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people said that they are happy and enjoy living at this home. They were extremely complimentary about their care and how staff have supported them to make positive choices. One young person said, ‘I think this home is outstanding. Staff have listened to me and take care of us well.’ A professional said, ‘She is doing fantastic and she can take responsibility for her actions. This shows how much she has matured.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One young person has been at this home for a long time. She has made measurable progress in all areas of her life. There has been one new admission to the home. A good impact risk assessment shows that the home considered her history, behaviour and the needs of the existing young person at the home. Therefore, the manager was able to make an informed decision on whether the home could care for her well. However, the manager did not take into account the home’s location risk assessment as part of this process. As a result, he did not consider whether the immediate risks, such as the main road or public house on the corner, would have any bearing on the suitability of the placement. Further to this, the home does not have an up-to-date local authority placement plan for one young person. This does not ensure that everyone knows and is working to an agreed plan. Although these areas have not impacted on the young

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

person, they have the potential to do so.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people said that their views, wishes and feelings are taken seriously. The home’s records show that young people are encouraged to comment on all aspects of their care. However, the young people said that they did not like signing for everything as this is not normal in a family home. The manager is looking at a system to lessen the number of signatures required. Young people said that they were confident to raise a concern and that members of staff would listen and take action on their behalf. Both young people were able to identify several independent people whom they could contact if they needed to.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One young person attends an alternative education provision. She has gained certificates in several subjects. She received an ‘outstanding performance’ in information technology and a level 3 award in skills for further learning and employment. She received 100% in e-safety. She will be attending college in September 2017, and she wants to follow a career in childcare. The other young person was attending a mainstream school. However, this was for a trial period, and the school decided that it could not meet her needs. The social worker felt that the young person could wait for a school placement that started at the beginning of a new term. The manager challenged the school about its decision. He also raised concerns with the social worker that the young person would be out of education for a significant period of time. Further to this, he identified that a personal education plan meeting had not been completed. The manager worked closely

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

with the virtual head for education. As a result, the young person attended an alternative provision while a new school was identified and a personal education plan meeting was held. A new mainstream school has been allocated, and the young person is looking forward to starting in September 2017. All the young people have excellent Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 5 attendance at school, and members of staff support them with homework and by attending meetings. As a result of these good practices, members of staff know what support young people need, young people are achieving in line with their peers and they have ambitions for their futures.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people are in good health because members of staff have worked closely with other health professionals to ensure that young people receive the treatment that they need. For example, one young person has a fear of dentists and needles. A specialist nurse visited the young person and discussed different options with her. The young person is now receiving treatment from a local hospital under anaesthetic. This means that a lot of work can be completed in one session. The young person is looking forward to having braces to straighten her teeth. In addition to this, one young person refused to attend the optician and felt that glasses were not appealing. The home did a lot of work around body image, looking at celebrities who wore glasses, and designer frames. She now wears her glasses all the time. Further to this, one young person said that she is now settled, happy and contented and that she is ready to discuss her past with a health

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

professional. Her social worker said, ‘This is a massive step for her. She feels safe and is now asking for the help that she needs.’ The staff team members understand that this will be a difficult time for her and are discussing strategies to support her. This shows that the home values good physical and emotional health and young people benefit from the support that they receive.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people enjoy a range of activities. They attend the cinema, swimming and theme parks. The home ensures that young people can continue their hobbies when they come to live here. One young person attends the roller rink several times a week. She said, ‘I love it. I meet my friends there, and they have discos and events there.’ Both young people like spending time with their friends, watching films and having beauty treatments. This means that young people have opportunities to engage in the community and have fun.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The young people have different arrangements for seeing people who are important to them. These arrangements are highlighted within their placement plan. Members of staff are able to support the young people well because they have received training in supervising contact. Any restrictions to contact are identified within these plans. This means that young people do not have contact with unsuitable adults who have been identified by the local authority.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people are encouraged to learn a range of practical skills, which will assist them when they are older. They are supported to keep their rooms tidy, plan, shop and help to cook their own meals. The home has ensured that the young people have a birth certificate, passport and bank account. This will help them with proof of identity and in being ready for independence in the future.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people live in a homely environment that is well maintained and comfortable. Young people display photographs and pictures around the home. The young people are making plans to redecorate their bedrooms and have just chosen a new mirror for the lounge. This gives them a sense of belonging. Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 6

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

The young people said that they are safe at this home. They said that members of staff are very clear with them about keeping themselves safe and always give good advice on how risks may affect them. For example, in the young people’s meeting they look at current trends, social media issues and social topics that they may come across. The young people talked with the inspector about the recent bombings, new drugs, such as Spice and laughing gas. They also discussed aspects of child sexual exploitation, such as good secrets and bad secrets. One young person said, ‘It not only makes young people’s meetings more interesting but we learn a lot.’ Another young person said, ‘It is really good to know these things because I have not come across some of them.’ This good practice prepares young people for possible negative influences while out in the community.

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

Members of staff are able to support young people to keep themselves safe because they have regular training in this area. This includes safeguarding training, child sexual exploitation, radicalisation and e-safety. Therefore, staff are aware of the signs and symptoms and behavioural changes that may occur or indicate when young people put themselves at risk, and are able to take prompt action. A safeguarding professional said that the home was really good in seeking advice or sharing information with her. A member of staff’s conduct was discussed with her recently. Although this did not meet the threshold for a safeguarding investigation, she said that appropriate action was taken by the home. The manager got an external provider to investigate the concerns. The member of staff was dismissed. There is also an ongoing investigation about an inappropriate adult in the community. The home is updated regularly by the police.

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

However, the manager did not inform Ofsted of the concern or update Ofsted with new information about the investigation. This does not ensure that all parties are aware of the action taken by the home to safeguard young people.

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

The young people said that the best thing about this home is the relationship that they have with members of staff. One young person said, ‘[Staff member’s name] is like a mother to me. Another said, ‘You can talk to anyone, but we all have different relationships so I would discuss different things with each of them.’ A professional said of one young person, ‘I think staff work hard at making open and trusting relationships and that’s why she is ready to move forward with her life.’

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

When one young person was placed, she had a history of being reported missing from care that led to concerns of child sexual exploitation. Significant pieces of work were completed with her around being safe in the community and improving her self-esteem. An incentive of a new internet mobile phone was agreed, if she was not reported missing for a year. The young person proudly showed the inspector an application on her current mobile phone that said that she had 49 days to go to receive it. Her social worker said, ‘This is a massive achievement and is not just about the reward. The home have worked extremely hard to ensure she understands the concerns that adults had for her.’ The other young person has been reported to the police on two occasions. However, one Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 7 was because she was late coming home, and the other was in the daytime. A member of staff observed her getting into an unknown car. It transpired that it was a taxi, but this

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

shows that members of staff are vigilant to any concerns and take decisive action. Some members of staff do not drive. The home has an agreed policy with the local taxi firm to transport young people from the local train station to the home in the evening. The manager said that, although it is a short walk, he does not like the young people walking home in the dark. The young people said that they really appreciated this and that this made them feel safe. An independent reviewing officer said, ‘The young people do not abuse this privilege, and it shows how the home strives to keep young people safe.’

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

Young people’s behaviour has significantly improved. This is because there are good routines, structure and boundaries at the home. This is reflected in the minimal use of sanctions and the good rewards received. The home celebrates all achievements, and young people have received extra money for clothes, trips to theme parks and meals out at a restaurant in recognition of this. Further to this, there has been no need for restraint to be used. This shows that young people are maturing and that they are expressing themselves appropriately when managing their emotions.

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

When young people come to the home, the manager uses the information provided to assess any known risk or risky behaviour. The company devised a new form that showed the agreed strategies to use, or not to use, when dealing with unacceptable behaviour. As a result, one young person’s risk assessments are very detailed and clear. However, the company is in the process of introducing new paperwork and deleting old information. A member of staff has put the new young person’s information on an old format and within the impact risk assessment. Therefore, the information is not readily to hand and, additionally it does not include strategies to reduce the risk. The manager said that this was an oversight and that each young person’s behaviour, progress and any concerns are discussed in the staff meetings. The inspector spoke with two members of staff who confidently discussed the young people, their roles and

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

responsibilities and the actions that they would take if they had a concern. In conclusion, this shortfall is not currently impacting on young people or their care but has the potential to do so.

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

The company has recently improved its recruitment procedures. This is because several new staff have not passed their probationary periods. The responsible individual said that although some applicants have a relevant qualification and pass the interview, this does not mean that they work well with young people. Therefore, the company now has a four-stage recruitment procedure. After applicants have been suitably vetted, they spend time with the young people. The young people feed back to the company their feelings and comments. New staff then receive a high level of support throughout their induction and probationary period. Due to these excellent arrangements, the manager has been able to identify when staff have not performed well and have not met the required standard.

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

Young people live in a safe and well-maintained home. This is because the manager and members of staff take their responsibilities seriously and ensure that all health and safety requirements are fully met. Renewals of insurance, gas and electrical appliances Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 8 are completed. All young people, members of staff and visitors are taken through the emergency evacuation procedure. This means that everyone can leave the home safely if an emergency was to occur.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager was registered with Ofsted in December 2010. He has a relevant management qualification and a long career in caring for young people. He also manages another two-bed children’s home, which is next door to this home. He splits his time between the two homes equally and effectively. Over the last 18 months, he has been supported by two deputy managers. However, neither deputy manager has passed their probationary period successfully. The responsible individual said that although the home is fully staffed, they continue to try to recruit high-calibre staff.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home meets the aims and objectives set out in its statement of purpose. The ethos of the home is evident in the warm, trusting relationships and homely, nurturing environment. The requirement set at the last inspection has been met. Staff meetings are now partly used to ensure that members of staff are aware of recent research that impacts on their practice. For example, the staff team has recently looked at issues in the press, or social issues, that may affect young people, such as new illegal drugs, self- harming trends and laughing gas. These subjects have then been taken to the young people’s meetings for discussion. This means that staff can give informed information to young people so that they can keep themselves safe.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home has a workforce plan that details members of staff’s qualifications and experience. It shows how staff members’ performance will be evaluated and the support that they will receive on induction, in their probationary period and thereafter. Young people benefit from being cared for by a stable staff team that is managed and supported effectively. Most staff have a recognised qualification in childcare, and two members of staff are completing an equivalent qualification. Their knowledge is enhanced through regular training and staff meetings. Members of staff said that the supervision, training and developmental opportunities that they receive support them to give consistency of care to young people.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home prides itself on ensuring that all reviews, education meetings, and discussions with health professionals take place regularly. As part of the referral for the newest young person, the manager noticed that they had not had a medical, personal education plan meeting or a review for some time. He raised these concerns with the local authority. As a result, these meetings have been completed. Any actions or additional information from these have been taken over to the young person’s home’s placement plan. This means that the young person and members of staff are clear on the action or next steps to take to progress in each area. This also shows that the manager challenges external professionals effectively, to ensure that young people receive the highest levels of support and services available to them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The company and the home are striving to improve and develop their service. Items Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 9 identified within their development plan have been taken forward. They have recently developed their recruitment procedure by adding a meet-and-greet section. This will ensure that they can assess the suitability of an applicant through a practical session and that applicants understand the role by working alongside staff. The manager is looking at developing supervisions. He is currently working on a new staff file structure and evidencing how training, reading policies and procedure and practice discussions help staff to develop in their role. This shows that the development plan for the home is a live working document.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has identified that regulation 44 reports do not always help him to improve the service. The company previously recognised this as a developmental area. It has employed another independent person, and he is completing a sister home’s visits. He will be completing visits here, after the original visitor, as an additional audit. This will help the manager to see if any areas have been missed. Young people said that they also read the regulation 44 reports. One young person said, ‘It says that no young people are on medication, and I am. So that’s not right.’ This shows that young people are involved in the developments of the home and that the manager is keen that external scrutiny of the home is robust.

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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 differences 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: SC061924 10

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Progressive Futures Care Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: C/o 18a London Street, Southport, Merseyside PR9 0UE

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Inspector(s)

Pam Nuckley, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC061924 11 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector(s)

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Inspector(s)

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Inspector(s)

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

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