Children's home run by Sahara Care Service for Children Ltd in Slough

Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 1 SC490025 Registered provider: Sahara Care Service for Children Ltd Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned and run by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement to be good at the last full inspection. At the interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has declined in effectiveness.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, a manager was registered with Ofsted and then cancelled her registration in September 2017. An acting manager, who is new to the home, had been in post for one week at the time of the inspection. She is still forming relationships with young people and familiarising herself with the home’s processes and procedures. The responsible individual, who had started her level 5 qualification, has had issues identifying an appropriate assessor. Her knowledge of the children’s homes regulations and associated guidance remains limited, as does her relevant managerial experience.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The two young people living in the home at the time of the most recent full inspection have both made planned moves to new placements. One is currently living independently and has an apprenticeship locally. She has visited the home to see staff and update them on her progress. The other young person has moved to a placement Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 2 better suited to his identified needs.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two young people have moved into the home since the last inspection. The staff in the home, including the responsible individual, were unable to provide any detailed history of the young people. It was noted that their in-house care plans lack detail. This made it difficult to determine what progress young people have made since being in placement. A social worker said that she had not been kept informed of incidents of concern, or of the young person’s progress through monthly reports, although this had been agreed at the time of placement.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Education is a continuing concern for young people living in the home. One young person has a full-time placement at a local school, and had been attending well until a recent change in the location of his education. Staff have been working with him to determine what the issue is, and what can be put in place to increase attendance. An observed interaction regarding the subject showed that staff were well intentioned in trying to encourage the young person to say why he was not attending, but the use of direct questioning rather than an exploratory and open discussion was ill-judged. Another young person is not in education currently, although records show that staff have been liaising with relevant professionals to secure a placement for him. In the meantime, there is little structure to his day.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Behaviour management is not effective enough in the home. Some staff are clearly skilled in managing unwanted behaviour, and are calm and confident in challenging situations. However, staff do not always work cohesively, and some lack the skills or confidence to tackle the challenging behaviour young people display. Staff have training in a behaviour management method, but many are yet to confidently make decisions for themselves during incidents. Incidents notified to Ofsted show that, on occasions, staff have been advised by the on-call manager to call the police to the home when it should not have been necessary if staff skills were used effectively. This overuse of the police to manage behaviour gives children no confidence in the parenting skills of staff. Young people’s care plans are not individualised enough, or specific in how to manage certain behaviours, leading to lack of consistency in the management of challenging situations.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

It is not clear that staff are aware of the expectations on them, or how to determine when behaviour is or is not acceptable. Risk assessments also lack sufficient detail, potentially leaving young people at risk of harm.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff currently do not have, or are not utilising, the required skills to support young people when they are anxious, upset or distressed. Staff cannot provide sufficient well- guided emotional support to young people. For example, on the day of the inspection some ill-judged counsel to a young person by senior staff unnecessarily heightened his anxiety before a meeting, when greater reassurance was needed.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are not receiving regular supervision, so they are not being given the space or time to discuss their feelings after an incident, and how they can manage their feelings as a result.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people do not routinely know what is expected of them. Messages are mixed, and Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 3 the available house rules do not follow the principle of treating one another with respect. Rather, it is a list of what is or is not allowed to happen in the home, and when certain items or activities will be available. The negative wording of such documents was highlighted as an issue at the full inspection.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Records of safeguarding incidents are not easily located in the home. A file for staff contains some information regarding local agreements. Staff spoken to say they know to report incidents of concern to a senior member of staff.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to go missing from the home. A recently appointed senior member of staff has devised a much improved recording system for instances of going missing. The system describes the actions taken, including looking for the young person and trying to contact them via mobile phone. A youth worker is now supporting one young person who has a history of being missing. An impact risk assessment identified that the young person has a history of gang involvement. Staff are aware of how to manage his episodes of missing, but have had no training in gangs or gang affiliation.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people raised no concerns regarding the home or specific staff. However, they were negative about the home and staff, without providing any specific details. Observations showed some very positive interactions, and one young person was seen to be cooking with a member of staff and taking pride in the curry he was making with her.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The environment is mostly maintained to an acceptable standard. There is some wear and tear, for example to the dining table and furniture, and one spare bedroom is not currently in a state to be used. The owners of the home remedy any breakages and damage swiftly. During the inspection, they replaced a window which had been broken the previous evening. At the last inspection, it was identified that the noticeboard in the hallway, which included information on sexual health, drug use and the risk of exploitation, is institutional. While a good source of information, it is not homely or typical of a family home. Also, the downstairs toilet has a sign saying ‘visitor’s toilet’, which again is institutional.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home uses CCTV, which can be viewed in the office. Cameras are located in the office and hallway, and to both external doors. Staff commented that the responsible individual and her husband view the CCTV from home. This had a mixed response, with some staff saying they felt they were being watched, and others saying they did not mind. There have been occasions when staff have been called from the owner’s home to ask them why a light has been on, as an example. The surveillance policy does not refer to the owners of the children’s home viewing CCTV from their home address, nor is any rationale given for doing this.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Until the end of September 2017, the home was run by a registered manager who, along with her business partner, also acted as consultants for the organisation. At the last inspection, it was noted that she had a significant impact on improving the home’s practices and procedures. However, there has been little progress in some areas since that inspection. There is no evidence that staff have benefited from training in the Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 4 intervening period. For example, there has been no training concerning the specific needs of young people accommodated; in particular, there has been no training in child sexual exploitation and gang involvement. A recommendation was made at the last inspection to ensure that staff have training in line with young people’s needs. Additionally, the statement of purpose says the home can care for young people who misuse drugs or alcohol, although staff have not had specific training in this area.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have not had regular supervisions since the last inspection. Of the nine staff employed, six have had one supervision session in this period. This includes a senior member of staff who is still within his six-month probation period. A probationary review has not been conducted within the time frame specified by the provider. Further, there is no evidence of a development plan to support the member of staff to improve his skills, nor is there a plan to provide extra supervision. This member of staff had only one recorded supervision session during the extended probation period.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management in the home has failed to oversee the home effectively, or address the requirements and recommendations set at the last inspection.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

15/05/2017 Full Requires improvement to be good 10/11/2016 Full Requires improvement 31/08/2016 Full Inadequate 18/05/2016 Full Inadequate

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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

In meeting the quality standards, the registered person must, and must ensure that staff—

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Requirement Due date

seek to involve each child’s placing authority effectively in the 03/01/2018 Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 5 child’s care, in accordance with the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 5(a))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, maintain contact with the placing authority representative (usually the social worker), informing them of the young person’s progress and any behaviours or incidents of concern.

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Requirement Due date

The positive relationships standard is that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships based on mutual respect and trust; an understanding about acceptable behaviour; and positive responses to other children and adults.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff—

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Requirement Due date

meet each child’s behavioural and emotional needs, as set out in the child’s relevant plans;

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Requirement Due date

communicate to each child expectations about the child’s behaviour and ensure that the child understands those expectations in accordance with the child’s age and understanding. (Regulation 11(2)(a)(i)(v))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, ensure plans are detailed and specific to the young person; that they identify how to support the young person when they are distressed, anxious or upset; and that staff know what the expectations are for each young person living in the home in order to communicate these to them. 03/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

The positive relationships standard is that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships based on mutual respect and trust; an understanding about acceptable behaviour; and positive responses to other children and adults.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff—

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Requirement Due date

help each child to develop socially aware behaviour;

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Requirement Due date

help each child to develop and practise skills to resolve conflicts positively and without harm to anyone;

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Requirement Due date

strive to gain each child’s respect and trust;

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Requirement Due date

de-escalate confrontations with or between children, or potentially violent behaviour by children; 03/01/2018 Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 6 that each child is encouraged to build and maintain positive relationships with others. (Regulation 11(2)(a)(ii)(iv)(viii)(xi) and (b))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, provide staff with the necessary skills and confidence to support young people when they are anxious, upset or distressed; create an environment where young people feel staff can contain them emotionally and physically; support young people to understand their behaviour and consider how they can manage situations differently; use the police only when absolutely necessary to manage behaviour which is beyond staff skills or control.

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Requirement Due date

The positive relationships standard is that children are helped to develop, and to benefit from, relationships based on mutual respect and trust; an understanding about acceptable behaviour; and positive responses to other children and adults.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure that staff—

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Requirement Due date

understand how children’s previous experiences and present emotions can be communicated through behaviour and have the competence and skills to interpret these and develop positive relationships with children;

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Requirement Due date

are provided with supervision and support to enable them to understand and manage their own feelings and responses to the behaviour and emotions of children, and to help children to do the same. (Regulation 11(2)(a)(ix)(x))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, staff are trained and developed to recognise why behaviour is being displayed and how to respond; staff have the time to discuss their feelings after an incident and how they can manage their feelings as a result. 03/01/2018

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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—

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Requirement Due date

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(2)(a)(i)) 03/01/2018 Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 7 In particular, produce detailed plans and risk assessments for each young person living in the home.

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that staff work as a team where appropriate;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

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Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child. (Regulation 13(2)(a)(b)(c)(e))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, update the statement of purpose to reflect the service provided and the current skills of the staff team; support the staff team to work cohesively and consistently; and provide training for staff in order to meet the needs of the young people living in the home. 03/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13(2)(f))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the responsible individual must understand what is happening in the home and how staff skills and training are impacting on young people’s experiences. 03/01/2018 Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 8 Subject to paragraph (6), the registered person must ensure that the home is at all times conducted in a manner which is consistent with its statement of purpose. (Regulation 16(5)) 03/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

The registered person may only use devices for the monitoring or surveillance of children if the monitoring or surveillance is for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child concerned, or other children; the monitoring or surveillance is no more intrusive than necessary, having regard to the child’s need for privacy. (Regulation 24(1)(a)(d))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, update the policy in relation to the use of surveillance to include that the owners of the children’s home may view CCTV from their home address, and the reasons for doing this. 03/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

If the registered provider is an individual, the individual must undertake such continuing professional development as is necessary to ensure that the individual has the skills needed for carrying on the children’s home. (Regulation 29(1))

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the responsible individual must improve their skills and knowledge regarding the effective running of a children’s home as well as understanding relevant regulations and guidance linked to the running of a registered home. 03/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that each permanent appointment of an employee is subject to the satisfactory completion of a period of probation. (Regulation 33(1)(b)) 03/01/2018 *

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees undertake appropriate continuing professional development; receive practice-related supervision by a person with appropriate experience. (Regulation 33(4)(a)(b)) 03/01/2018 *

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Requirement Due date

* These requirements are subject to a compliance notice.

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Recommendations

 For children’s homes to be nurturing and supportive environments that meet the needs of their children, they will, in most cases, be homely, domestic environments. Children’s homes must comply with relevant health and safety Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 9 legislations (alarms, food hygiene etc.); however in doing so, homes should seek as far as possible to maintain a domestic rather than ‘institutional’ impression. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9) In particular, placement of information on walls which would not be found in a typical domestic setting and the sign indicating a ‘visitor’s toilet’.  The behaviour management policy should address general principles for behaviour management in children’s homes which include: treating each child with understanding, dignity, kindness and respect; building, protecting and preserving positive relationships between each child and the adults caring for

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Recommendations

them; understanding each child’s behaviour to allow their needs, aspirations, experiences and strengths to be recognised and their quality of life to be enhanced; involving children and relevant others wherever practical in behaviour management; supporting each child to balance safety from injury (harm) with making appropriate choices; making sure the child’s rights are upheld. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph 9.35) In particular, should the home decide to display a list of rules for the home for young people, it should follow the principle of treating one another with respect and be worded as such, rather than a list of what is or is not allowed to happen in the home.

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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

This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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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: SC490025 10

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Sahara Care Service for Children Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 40 Halkingcroft, SLOUGH SL3 7AT

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Inspector(s)

Jennie Christopher, social care inspector John Pledger, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC490025 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)

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