Children's home run by The Together Trust in Stockport

Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 1 SC025714 Registered provider: The Together Trust

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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 children’s home is run by a private organisation. It is registered to care for up to five young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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outstanding

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

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: Not judged

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Enforcement action since last inspection:

None Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 2

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people develop in confidence and self-esteem while living in the home.  Young people engage very well with staff and have formed trusting relationships.  Young people benefit from weekly sessions which are planned and undertaken by key workers in the home.  Care planning is exceptional. All aspects of a young person’s life are considered and help to form an individual package of care best suited to meet the needs of the young person and enhance their future life chances.  Staff work hard to ensure that appropriate educational placements are sought and support young people to return to school.  Contact with important people is promoted and extremely well supported. This means that young people enjoy positive contact on a regular basis.  Young people who have a history of being missing settle in the home. There are no episodes of young people being missing from the home.  There are no child exploitation or child protection concerns.

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Key findings from this inspection

 There have been no episodes of physical intervention since the last inspection.  There have been no complaints or allegations since the last inspection.  Behaviour management systems are designed to address individual behaviours. Young people work with staff to develop positive behaviour strategies, and this helps them to recognise unwanted behaviours and make sustained change.  Young people confirmed that they are aware of the complaints procedure and how to make a complaint. There have been no complaints since the last inspection.  Internal monitoring of the home is consistent and provides a good overall analysis of the service provision in the home. Any areas for further development are responded to quickly.  The home’s development plan details what action needs to be taken to consistently improve the quality of care provided in the home.  Staff benefit from consistent and relevant training opportunities. This training

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Key findings from this inspection

provides staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake work with young people with complex needs.  Young people benefit from a consistent staff team. Strong relationships are formed between young people and staff.  Young people are kept up to date and are involved in the planning and review of change in the home. Young people’s views are sought and listened to in the home. Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 3  Professionals spoke highly of this service and confirmed that young people make consistent progress.  Staff are exceptionally motivated and enthusiastic. Each staff member has a clear understanding of the young people’s needs and of the plans in place within the home. Consistency is a key feature in the running of this home.  Records are extremely well maintained. They are up to date, factual and provide the reader with a clear picture of where each young person is in relation to their

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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

 In order to further develop the service, the manager and staff should consider encouraging young people to read, sign and specifically comment on all aspects of the work undertaken with them.  Educational programmes for young people must not be delayed due to late decisions from local authorities about the planned length of a placement.  The registered manager and staff should explore local resources that will benefit the home. For example, the looked after children’s nurse is a valuable resource who can provide young people with advice and information on a variety of topics.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/03/2017 Interim Not judged 22/12/2016 Interim Not judged 19/01/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 08/05/2015 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 4

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Recommendations

 Staff should have sufficient understanding of relevant health services, including the functions of the designated nurse for looked after children in their area. They should support children to navigate these services, advocating on their behalf where necessary and appropriate. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 34, paragraph 7.8)  Local authorities have a duty under section 22 (3A) of the Children Act 1989 to promote the educational achievement of their looked after children, which includes, seeking a school or other educational setting that is best suited to their child’s needs. The local authority’s responsibilities as corporate parent apply wherever the child is placed. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 27, paragraph 5.5)  Children must be consulted regularly on their views about the care they receive,

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Recommendations

and records kept of the same, to inform and support continued improvement in the quality of care provided. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 22, paragraph 4.11). With specific regard to care planning, risk management and key-work sessions.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

This home reopened in June 2017 after a period of closure. It has been fully refurbished to a high standard. A new registered manager is in post and is supported by a strong, committed and experienced staff team. Four young people have been admitted to the home since reopening. One young person has now moved back to her own local authority. At the time of inspection, three young people were accommodated at the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people are happy and settled in the home. Consistent routines and structure, coupled with realistic boundaries, enable young people to feel safe and at ease. A young person said, ‘I really like it here. It’s better than where I was before and the staff are great. I have settled down and it feels right.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff build excellent relationships with young people. They show a genuine interest in the young people’s lives and always go the extra mile to get the best outcome for them. For example, placement planning is a strength. Each individual plan encapsulates the details of young people’s lives, including an assessed emotional starting point. Consistent one-to-one and group-work sessions provide evidence of the high level of engagement between staff and young people. A staff member said, ‘It starts with building trusting Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 5 relationships and then building confidence and self-esteem, respecting the young people and showing them that positive change can happen.’ A social worker said, ‘This is a good home. Very consistent and child orientated. Communication is brilliant, and I know my young person is receiving the best care.’ Consequently, young people make consistent

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

progress across all aspects of their lives.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people enjoy structured contact with family and friends. Contact plans are agreed between young people, families and placing authorities to ensure that contact is valuable and positive for the young person. A young person said, ‘I see my family and I enjoy it. I can talk on the phone in between contacts.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Most young people come to the home with a history of educational disruption resulting in exclusions and non-attendance. Since coming to the home, staff have worked hard to ensure that young people are placed at the most appropriate school. During this period, young people were supported by an educational tutor. Overall, this arrangement has worked well, and two young people have secured appropriate placements. However, one young person’s education is delayed as a result of several changes in social worker and a decision to make the placement permanent. Consequently, there is a delay in seeking and securing the most appropriate educational setting for this young person. A recommendation is made to address this matter.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people’s views and opinions are respected. Staff listen to young people and enable young people to understand that their contribution is important. Young people’s meetings take place regularly. One young person said, ‘We have house meetings which are good because we discuss things together. If we want something changed, then this is where we would talk about it.’ Another young person said, ‘It’s nice because we get praised in the meetings and that makes us feel good.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people have started to complete monthly questionnaires about the service, and this helps them to review the progress that they make. However, there is little evidence of young people reviewing the work undertaken with them, such as target setting, risk assessments or key-work sessions. In order to develop further, the manager and staff should encourage young people to review and comment on this work and make changes where it is deemed appropriate. This enables young people to gain a sense of control over their lives and helps to build on future targets and goals. A recommendation is made to address this matter.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people enjoy good health. They are registered with local practitioners and attend routine appointments with the support of staff. Young people currently do not engage in risk-taking behaviours such as drug or alcohol misuse, and there have been no episodes of harmful behaviour. In order for this area to progress further, young people and staff would benefit from the looked after children’s nurse visiting the home to provide them with essential healthcare information and guidance. This valuable resource enables young people’s health to be consistently monitored and reviewed and action to be taken swiftly when required. A recommendation is made to address this matter.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people enjoy a range of recreational activities, such as go-carting, horse riding Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 6 and cycling. Some young people enjoy time with friends or simply playing games in the home. All young people enjoy trips to the park or fairground with staff and say, ‘If we want to try something different, we just ask. Staff are funny and do the activities with us’.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people live in premises that are decorated and maintained to a high standard. Each young person has their bedroom decorated in a way that they feel reflects their personality and interests. Young people have direct access to a private telephone on which they can make and receive calls independently. The house is warm and welcoming, and young people make this their home.

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

Young people’s safety is prioritised effectively within the home. Detailed impact assessments ensure that all young people placed at the home are assessed against the needs, interests and aspirations of those already resident. Individual risk assessments are balanced against a full chronology of life events. This means that risk is measured, and appropriate individual strategies are in place to address any concerns.

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

Behaviour management is extremely effective. Young people and staff form excellent relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Consequently, young people work with staff to identify areas for development and a suitable reward for the progress that they make. Staff are consistent in their approach, and this enables young people to work within the house boundaries. A social worker said, ‘The staff work really well with young people. I think this is a great placement.’ The registered manager and staff work seamlessly to ensure that young people receive a consistent approach to unwanted behaviour, and praise and reward for progress and development.

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

Young people know how to complain, and receive valuable information from the home and their placing authority to guide them in this area. Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints made within the home.

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

Staff confirmed that physical intervention is only used as a last resort in the home. Since the home reopened, there have been no incidents where this intervention has been deemed necessary. Staff continue to have annual training in this area and pride themselves on their successful conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. Episodes of self-harm are also very rare. Staff receive training in order to risk assess and respond to any concerns in the most appropriate way.

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

Young people come with a history of absenting themselves from their previous placement. Staff work with young people to identify risks and to develop an individual missing-from-home plan. This document is supported by individual records of incidents, key-work sessions and return home interviews. From young people’s initial starting points, missing-from-home episodes have ceased, and there is only one recorded absence. A young person said, ‘I don’t know the area, so I wouldn’t know where to go. I like it here anyway, so I don’t feel the need.’ A social worker said, ‘Since she has lived Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 7 here the risks have dramatically reduced. The staff know her and how to respond. This is why it works.’ Consequently, although young people present with risks, these risks are managed effectively and have shown to have significantly reduced since the young people became resident in the home.

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

Young people live at a home with consistent routines, boundaries and expectations. Young people thrive. They feel safe, cared for and develop their goals and aspirations for their futures.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager has been in post since 16 June 2017. The home reopened after a complete refurbishment in July 2017. The registered manager is experienced and qualified at NVQ level 4, receiving the registered manager’s award in social care. She is committed to leading a consistent, dedicated and strong team in the delivery of individualised, progressive childcare practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Young people live in a home that is managed in their best interests. The home meets the aims and objectives of the statement of purpose, and young people, social workers and families are clear about the service and support that the home provides.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Internal and external monitoring systems provide the home with an exceptional approach to the overall monitoring of care. Detailed information highlights areas for development, and the manager’s action plan details the methods used to enhance the service.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff receive a high level of support from the manager. Supervision takes place regularly and serves to identify training needs and personal development targets. Staff said, ‘This is a great place to work. We all receive excellent support and our views are welcomed in the development of practice. We are a team, and we are proud of the great results we achieve for the young people.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff are provided with an annual training package. Mandatory training is regularly refreshed, while additional training based around the theoretical framework for attachment is the basis for all planned work with young people. This ensures that staff receive up-to-date, high quality training essential to maintaining the excellent childcare practice evident in the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager makes good use of reflective practice, and the views of external services and families are taken into account to ensure that young people’s needs are appropriately met. Likewise, patterns and trends are routinely analysed. Data and intelligence provides an excellent tool for staff and young people when reviewing progress and planning for the future.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager and staff demonstrate a strong commitment to delivering excellent child-centred practice that is tailored to the individual and personal needs of Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 8 young people. The effectiveness of this approach is measurable in the progress that young people make, particularly risk management and improved behaviour.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The home employs a strong and committed staff team. Some staff are qualified social workers, and the majority of residential staff are qualified at NVQ level 3. The training of staff at this level ensures that they are suitably qualified in the care and management of young people. Young people’s records are securely stored and regularly updated in order to capture the essence of young people at a given time.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and managers ensure that all referrals to the home are suitably assessed for compatibility. Evidence of impact assessment leading to decisions not to place young people demonstrates a clear commitment to the young people already placed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The statement of purpose is reviewed and updated where necessary, with a copy forwarded to Ofsted in accordance with regulation. The area risk assessment is routinely updated to ensure that potential risk factors are known and planned for.

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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: SC025714 9

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: The Together Trust Centre, Schools Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 1JE

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Inspector

Maria McGranaghan, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC025714 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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