Children's home run by St Christopher’s Fellowship in Wandsworth

Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 1 SC396777 Registered provider: St Christopher’s Fellowship

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five children who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is owned and operated by a charitable organisation.

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: 1 February 2017

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: sustained effectiveness

p.1

Enforcement action since last inspection:

None Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 2

p.1

Key findings from this inspection

 The registered manager provides strong and effective leadership.  The manager and staff work closely with external agencies to ensure that the management of care and risk is planned and agreed.  The children experience planned and welcoming transitions into this home.  The children make good progress in all areas of their development as a result of living at the home.  The children receive care from a dedicated, experienced and stable staff team whose members are knowledgeable of the children’s needs and can identify the progress they make.  The staff continue to support the children who have been reunified with families, or the children in new care placements, following transition from the home.  The manager has effective relationships with external agencies that support the children, to ensure that the children’s individual needs are met.

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

The children’s home’s areas for development:

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

 The children do not all participate in activities that support their interests.  The measures of control do not relate to the actual behavioural incidents.  There are areas of the home’s environment that require improvement.  There are incidents that have not been notified to Ofsted.

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

01/02/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness 24/10/2016 Full Good 18/01/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 29/06/2015 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 3

p.2

Recommendations

 Ensure the home meets children’s physical necessities. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.7). In particular, to ensure that the flooring in the bathroom is to a similar standard as the rest of the home.  Ensure each child’s talents and interests should be understood and nurtured, with children selecting activities based on their personal preferences and abilities, so far as is reasonable. Staff should also support children to try activities that are ‘new’ for them, where appropriate. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 31, paragraph 6.4)  Ensure any sanction used to address poor behaviour should be restorative in nature, to help children recognise the impact of their behaviour on themselves, other children, the staff caring for them and the wider community. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph

p.3

Recommendations

9.38)  The registered person is required to notify Ofsted and other relevant persons if one of the situations in regulation 40(4)(a)–(d) occurs, or if there is an incident relating to the protection, safeguarding or welfare of a child living in the home which the registered person considers to be serious. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 63, paragraph 14.10)

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The preparation for the children’s admissions to the home is highly effective. The children already placed at the home are included in this process, and through consultation some of their ideas have been implemented. For example, on the day of a child’s admission a takeaway meal is provided to welcome the new child. The manager’s meticulous evaluation of information, visits to the child and the child visiting the home ensure that only those children whose needs can be met are admitted. The staff ensure that the children receive a warm welcome, to help the children manage this transition. Similarly, wherever possible, the staff and the manager work hard to ensure that the children’s transition from the home is planned and positive. The staff continue to visit the child in their new placement if it is identified as a positive support for them. This support helps the children adjust emotionally and physically to their new environment.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The manager and staff have high aspirations for the children, which are reflected in the staff’s practice. The staff provide the children with high-quality care in a warm, caring and nurturing environment, with firm and consistent boundaries. The children receive personalised care that helps them to make progress in all aspects of their lives. The staff Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 4 celebrate children’s achievements, through verbal recognition, and in their individual reports, key-work sessions, the home’s monthly newsletter and memory books. These include individual positive messages to the children. One message written by a staff member said, ‘You have an amazing work ethic. I really hope you put it to use. You can achieve anything you put your mind to.’ The children develop positive self-esteem and confidence, and begin to make positive attachments with the adults who care for them.

p.3

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff routinely seek the children’s views. They discuss activities and any additional resources they need through key-work sessions, residents’ meetings and general day-to- day conversations. The children know how to make a complaint, and these are resolved quickly and effectively. In addition, the manager uses any feedback from the children to make changes in the home. For example, the children asked to be greeted on their return from school. Following this feedback, the staff prepare a snack and are ready and waiting for the children’s return, to hear about their day and make plans for the evening. The children’s views are listened to, and they are routinely consulted about their care and the running of the home.

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children make good progress in regard to their emotional and physical health. They engage in group or individual sessions with the staff and external agencies to gain more awareness regarding sexual health, and the risks of smoking and substance misuse. They gain knowledge around keeping safe and making informed lifestyle choices. Some of the children engage with the child and adolescent mental health services. For those children who are not ready to engage directly, the therapist works with the staff to support those children, and where required provide staff training. This engagement, combined with the staff training and implementation of the therapeutic ethos of the home, improves the children’s emotional resilience. The staff promote healthier lifestyles through balanced diets and engagement in physical activities. This support helps the children to stay in good health.

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

A significant strength of the home is the promotion of the children’s education, and the support offered to them in terms of this. All children attend their educational placements, and positively engage. A professional spoken to said, ‘In terms of our working relationship, they are very positive and supportive. They are flexible to help the children to get here. They attend all meetings. We are 100% working in the same direction.’ The effective working relationships with professionals and parents, and the support and encouragement from the staff, enable the children to make significant progress with their academic achievements. These achievements considerably enhance their adult life options and improve their self-esteem.

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff support all of the children to take part in a range of activities. These include trips to London, holidays aboard, trips to the cinema, visits to theme parks, and taking part in cooking competitions. For some children these were first experiences. Although these activities broaden the children’s horizons, and enhance their social and personal development, the children do not fully engage in seeking new opportunities based on their interests. As a result, the activities do not fully enhance the children’s personal and social development. Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 5 The children’s families, and significant others, are encouraged to visit the home and are made welcome when they come. The staff help the children to have contact with their families, by talking to them about how they feel, providing transport, and arranging activities for the children and their families to engage in together. This support and

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

family time has enabled some children to return home to their families. For other children, it has helped them to maintain their identity and to feel valued while sustaining lifetime relationships. A parent said, ‘I can’t fault them. I couldn’t ask for more. We wouldn’t be where we are now without them [the staff].’

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children make progress in developing their independence skills in accordance with their ages and abilities. Some children enjoy cooking with the staff, and develop domestic skills and self-care skills. They practise budgeting, independence in the community and shopping. These skills will continue to develop and carry them into adulthood.

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The children’s home is a warm and welcoming environment. Children’s bedrooms are thoughtfully personalised, and decorated in line with the children’s tastes to provide a relaxing and individual private space for each child. Communal areas are inviting and comfortable. However, the bathroom flooring in one of the children’s bathrooms is discoloured in places. This area does not ensure that the children are provided with a good living environment throughout the home.

p.5

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

Safeguarding arrangements in this home work well in practice. The staff are clear about their responsibilities to whistle-blow, and how to report concerns. On one occasion, when a concern was raised regarding staff practice, the manager was proactive, worked with the designated officer, and completed a thorough investigation. This demonstrates that the procedures in the home work effectively to protect the children.

p.5

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

The staff spend quality time with the children, and promote a positive and respectful culture of care. They have a good awareness of children’s backgrounds, and how their previous experiences may impact on, and influence, current behaviours. The manager provides the staff with clear strategies and detailed plans to support the children. When children’s behaviours escalate and present a risk, the staff are swift to identify the risk and implement de-escalation techniques to ensure that the children are safe. The staff provide a successful combination of care and protection without negatively impacting on the children’s experience of living in the home. The staff are trained in physical intervention, however this is not used, as the staff are skilled in managing potentially harmful situations. This ability to manage situations without resorting to physical intervention helps the children to manage their frustrations, learn to self-regulate and

p.5

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

The staff implement the home’s behaviour management policy, based on positive behaviour reinforcement and recognition. The staff instinctively praise the children’s achievements. They identify incentives that are meaningful, such as going to a festival Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 6 with the staff. However, when the staff have implemented a measure of control following inappropriate behaviour, they fail to consistently gain the child’s views. Additionally, the measures used do not relate to the incident. On one occasion a child had the spending of their pocket money supervised for not complying in a fire drill. This practice does not help the children to learn from their actions and not repeat their mistakes.

p.5

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

There are instances when children go missing from the home. On these occasions, the staff are proactive in following the children and, when possible, keeping them in sight. They speak to the family members and drive to potential locations where the children might be. The staff are proactive in their approach, which ensures that the children are quickly located and return safely. When there are additional concerns, such as frequent missing incidents and the risk of child sexual exploitation, the manager works closely with police and external professionals. She ensures that all information gained is communicated to the staff, and that there are agreed strategies in place to safeguard the children and prevent future occurrences. Strategies include increased staffing, or no free time for a child in a known area of concern. A professional said, ‘They [the staff] go above and beyond and ensure we receive clear intelligence. I am pleased with the

p.6

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

response and disruption techniques.’ For most children, the strategies in place have significantly reduced their missing incidents. The children have an increased awareness of potential risks to themselves and how to keep themselves safer. This approach to missing incidents reduces risks and actively promotes the children’s welfare and safety.

p.6

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

The recruitment procedures for staff safeguard the children effectively. The procedures ensure that employees are appropriately checked prior to working with the children. The managers actively seek children’s views regarding appointments. Potential employees are invited to spend supervised time with the children and staff, which provides an opportunity for children’s impressions of new staff to be considered. The children’s active participation in recruiting new staff confirms that staff value the children’s views.

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager has been in post for three years. She has over fifteen years’ experience of working with children, and has a level 5 diploma in leadership and management. Her commitment, high aspirations, and effective management skills ensure that the children receive good quality care. The children make significant progress in their lives. The manager has good knowledge of the children, and she affords each child quality time. One child said, ‘As a manager she isn’t just sat at her desk. She spends time with us, has fun with us and takes us out.’

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

A diverse staff team provides the children with a safe and stimulating environment, with good levels of care and support. The staff have a range of life experiences and qualifications, and demonstrate skill in working with the children. Regular staff meetings and supervision ensure that their practice is reflective and drives improvement. The staff maintain a clear focus on the children’s individual needs and development. All of the staff have a relevant level 3 qualification, or are working towards this. The staff speak Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 7 positively about the manager, and the extensive support they receive. One staff member said, ‘She is really good. You get a sense that you are listened to, that you matter and are important. She provides consistent encouragement.’ The manager and staff spoke with high regard about the organisation and support from the senior managers, who visit

p.6

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

the house regularly. The staff team is recognised by the organisation as a team that goes above and beyond to ensure that the needs of the children are fully met. The children are cared for by a stable and established team whose members are supported well in their roles.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The statement of purpose outlines the aims and objectives of the service. The practice reflects these principles, which are shared with commissioners, social workers and the children. The staff fully embrace the ethos of the home, and this informs a child-centred approach.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has met the two recommendations raised at the last inspection. The children’s education plans are up to date, ensuring that the staff are aware of all current information regarding the children’s education. The fire risk assessment is up to date. This assessment informs the staff of potential fire hazards, and the action taken to reduce any risks to the children.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The management conducts effective monitoring, and an independent person undertakes external monthly visits. These highlight shortfalls, and act as a mechanism to identify action to improve the service in the interests of the children. The manager has a clear understanding of the strengths and areas for improvement. As a result, the manager is able to demonstrate the positive impact that living in the home has on the children. There is a continued drive toward improvement.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager generally ensures that Ofsted is informed of significant events. However, during a period of time when the manager was absent from the home, an incident occurred that Ofsted was not informed about. The impact on children was minimal as the organisation took appropriate action. Despite this, failure to notify prevents Ofsted from having true oversight of events in the home.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager supports effective partnership working, and engages successfully with external agencies. For example, the manager attends regular meetings with the head of the virtual school, to ensure that all available support and encouragement for the children is provided. This engagement ensures that the children receive a multi-agency approach to meet their identified educational needs. A professional said, ‘The team are really good. Information sharing is superb. When there is a concern, they work well with the social worker to come up with a plan.’ Another professional stated in relation to a child, ‘The staff know her strengths, what motivates her. They nurture her, which gives her confidence. I liked the fact they used different approaches until they found one that was successful. They adapt to the individual needs of the children. They change the policy to fit the child, not the child to fit the policy.’

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 8

p.8

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.

p.8

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: SC396777 9

p.8

Children’s home details

Registered provider: St Christopher’s Fellowship

p.9

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 1 Putney High Street, London SW15 1SZ

p.9

Inspector

Natalie Burton, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC396777 10 achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.9

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.10

Inspector

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

p.10

Inspector

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

p.10