Children's home run by Inspire Children’s Services Limited in St. Helens

Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 1 SC422481 Registered provider: Inspire Children’s Services 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 two young people 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

Overall judgement at last inspection: Improved effectiveness

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Key findings from this inspection

This children’s home is good because:  Members of staff have helped young people to make measurable progress from their starting points. The young person currently in placement has settled well, despite only living in the home for a short period.  Members of staff place the well-being of young people at the heart of their Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 2 practice, regardless of the challenges that they present.  Young people are welcomed into the home and leave in a planned manner.  Members of staff encourage good attendance and performance at school. As a result, the young person is achieving beyond her academic year.  Young people benefit from a stable staff team. This helps young people to develop trusting relationships. In addition to this, members of staff benefit from a wide range of training opportunities. This equips them with the skills and knowledge to care for young people who have challenging or complex needs.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Excellent multi-agency working is a key strength of the home, especially with safeguarding professionals.  The service is well managed by a competent and child-focused leader.

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Key findings from this inspection

The children’s home’s areas for development:  There is no link between the young person’s risk assessments and their health plan. As a result, it is not clear what work is being undertaken around issues such as smoking and self-injurious behaviours.  When young people are admitted to the home, the manager has not used the location risk assessment effectively to ensure that young people are placed in a safe environment that takes into account their needs.  On occasions, the manager, social worker and members of staff have not signed essential records. In addition, the independent visitor has not identified this as an area for improvement.  Transition plans into and out of the home show the steps that should be taken to support a successful introduction into or a move on from the home. However, there is no information about whether these steps are followed or whether any obstacles have restricted progress.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

17/03/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness 01/12/2016 Full Good 14/03/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 12/11/2015 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 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 health and well-being standard is that the health and well- being needs of children are met; children receive advice, services and support in relation to their health and well-being; and children are helped to lead healthy lifestyles.

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Requirement Due date

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

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Requirement Due date

– that staff help each child to achieve the health and well- being outcomes that are recorded in the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 10 (2)(a)(i))

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Requirement Due date

This is specifically in relation to ensuring that young people’s health plans are kept up to date and that they include all the necessary information about how staff are to support young people who may self-harm and those who need support to stop smoking. 29/12/2017

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Recommendations

 Ensure that case records are signed and dated by the author of each entry. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.3) In particular, this includes ensuring that the manager, professionals and parents have signed essential documentation.  Ensure that the registered person reviews the appropriateness and suitability of the location and premises of the home at least once a year. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 64, paragraph 15.1) In particular, the registered person must ensure that they consider the location review when completing impact risk assessments on new admissions to the home.  Ensure that the independent person makes a rigorous and impartial assessment of the home’s arrangements for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in the home’s care. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including

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Recommendations

Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 4 the quality standards’, page 65, paragraph 15.5) This is specifically in relation to evaluating the quality of the records maintained by the home.  Ensure there are procedures in place for welcoming and introducing each child to the home. In addition, the registered person should ensure they help each child to prepare for leaving both practically and emotionally. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 57, paragraphs 11.7 and 11.9) This is specifically in relation to identifying whether the steps outlined in young people’s transition plans are complete, whether the moves are successful and whether any lessons are learned to inform future practice.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, one young person has left the home. A good transition plan identified the steps to support the young person’s move into a semi-independent provision. However, the move was not successful and the young person returned to his parents’ care. Another young person subsequently came to live at the home. Again, prior to admission, a good transition plan showed how members of staff would support her in her new home. However, the transition plans for both young people did not then go on to show how these plans worked in practice. In addition, the plans did not include any contingency arrangements or discuss any obstacles that may occur. This means that the manager was unable to reflect and take learning from this experience into practice to inform future transitions. A good impact risk assessment shows how the home could meet the young person’s needs. Although the home’s risk assessment identified the actions that the staff team

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

need to take to aid a smooth transition, such as liaising with mental health professionals, the manager did not use the home’s location risk assessment effectively to consider whether the young person was placed in a safe environment. This did not affect the young person but had the potential to do so. The young person fully engaged with the inspector on this inspection. She was keen to show how proud she was of the choices that she had made around the redecoration of the home. She said, ‘I visited and staff visited me. I stayed for tea and I love it here.’ She continued to say, ‘I know that I need to be on my own for a while and that’s ok. The staff are really great and I am doing well.’ The young person is achieving good outcomes in her education. She attends the company school and is supported daily by a member of staff. In addition to this, the manager has secured a placement at a horse sanctuary that will enhance her learning

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

while supporting her love of horses. The young person does not yet know what she wishes to do as a career, but has ambitions to do well in her exams. Healthcare planning is very good. On admission, young people are registered with local services and they are encouraged to attend routine appointments. When young people are receiving additional support from other health professionals, the manager ensures that these are transferred to their local area quickly. This means that young people receive continuity of care. Risk assessments identify areas of risk for young people, Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 5 such as smoking or self-injurious behaviour. However, these issues are not consistently covered in their health plans. Therefore, it is difficult to see what work or action has been taken regarding these issues or what other services have been offered to the young person, such as a cessation clinic. In contrast to this, the staff team worked

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

exceptionally well to support a previously accommodated young person so that the young person understood the risks of not taking the medical treatment that he required. The staff team worked with a number of health professionals and instigated several professional meetings due to their concerns around this. A deprivation of liberty order was agreed by the courts, in the interest of the young person’s safety. Throughout this period, members of staff continued to work extremely hard so that the young person understood the importance of taking his medication. As a result, prior to him leaving he was self-administering his injections daily. The current young person has several opportunities to be involved in and to discuss her care. She has regular house meetings and key-worker sessions. Members of staff help her to understand her rights and entitlements and how to raise any concerns. This means that her views are central to her care. In addition to this, she has an advocate

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

whom she sees regularly. This means that she has someone independent from outside the home to talk to if needed. The young person is from an extremely large family and she sees most of them. The manager has had meetings with a range of carers, her parents and extended family to ensure that arrangements are firm and coordinated. These arrangements are reflected in the young person’s contact plan. This means that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities in this area. The young person said, ‘My family is extremely important to me. I would like to see them more. The manager is looking into this for me.’ This shows that the young person’s wishes are responded to and that she is able to maintain relationships with people who are important to her. Any restrictions to unsuitable adults are clearly identified within her contact plan. This ensures that she is safe and that members of staff can take appropriate action, if needed, to protect her.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The young person enjoys a range of activities, such as going to the cinema and theme parks, swimming and walking the manager’s dog. On the day of inspection, her friend was invited to the home and they went pumpkin picking. They prepared their pumpkins in readiness for Halloween. The young person said that she loves horse riding and taking care of horses. As well as the placement at a stables secured by the manager to aid her education, she is having horse-riding lessons. This means that she can pursue her hobby, have fun, develop her social skills and maintain friendships. The company has recently purchased this property. The young person has been instrumental in selecting new wallpaper and soft furnishings for the home. There is a development plan that shows how different aspects of the home will be upgraded, including a new kitchen and bathroom. The young person said that she was excited to be a part of this. This shows that young people are given a sense of belonging.

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

The young person said that she is safe and secure here and enjoys good relationships with all of the staff team. She said, ‘They listen, try and help and they are patient with me.’ Members of staff have a strong understanding of their duty to safeguard and Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 6 protect the welfare of young people. They have established effective relationships and partnerships with a range of safeguarding agencies to promote the safety and welfare of young people. The staff team receives a wide range of training in relation to protecting young people – for example, in child sexual exploitation, e-safety and radicalisation. This training is refreshed regularly. This means that staff knowledge is kept updated with any new information or changes in practice. It also means that staff have the skills to care for young people safely. Young people benefit from a staff team that is knowledgeable of their needs, risks and

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

vulnerabilities. Despite his complex history, there was good progress for the previous young person in relation to self-administering his medication, a reduction in aggressive outbursts and being reported missing from the home. This meant that he was able to return to his family. Since coming to this home, the current young person has been missing on two occasions. Members of staff have followed the local police protocol for searching and reporting these incidents. A detailed record shows all the actions taken by staff to secure the young person’s safety. The staff worked closely with the police in identifying possible addresses and maintained contact with the young person and her family throughout these periods. This excellent coordination of contact enabled the police to use their powers of harbouring notices to locate and return the young person safely. In addition to this, the young person said that members of staff have completed

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

work with her about keeping herself safe. She said, ‘I now know that it is not right to keep secrets. I know what to do to keep safe online and to keep in touch when I am out.’ The young person was proud that she had not been reported missing for some time and put this down to the care that she was receiving. When young people return from episodes of being missing, the staff team ensures that a return interview is completed by an independent person. This means that young people have an opportunity to speak with someone independent from outside the home about any concerns they may have. Physical interventions are only ever used as a last resort in order to protect young people from harm, injury or accident. There is positive use of incentives and rewards to encourage young people’s good behaviour. The young person said that she has received magazines and make-up for doing well. The young person said that the

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

boundaries and rules in the home are fair. When young people do display negative behaviours, members of staff give them the chance to make amends by apologising, helping repair items or completing a chore. Young people are given the opportunity to reflect on their behaviour and to say whether members of staff could have done anything differently. This helps young people to understand the consequences of their actions and, because of these constructive conversations, members of staff learn different de-escalation techniques. A professional said, ‘The way that staff approach and deal with situations is excellent. The consistent approach helps young people to understand what is and what is not acceptable. It also means that young people are not criminalised and are given a chance.’ There are good risk management plans that identify known risks to the young person’s safety. The plans provide members of staff with detailed actions to minimise the risk or

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

to take agreed action. These are supported by behaviour management plans that provide a clear picture of the young person and include the positive aspects of the Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 7 young person’s personality and nature. This means that there is an all-round view of the young person’s uniqueness. There has been one new member of staff since the home’s last inspection. The company follows the safer recruitment guidance when recruiting new staff. For example, references are verified and any employment gaps are explained in detail. This means that young people are safeguarded from unsuitable adults, whenever possible. The home provides young people with a safe and comfortable environment. All electrical appliances and utilities are checked annually. Regular fire drills mean that young people, staff and visitors can evacuate the building safely in an emergency.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since February 2016. He provides strong and effective leadership to the staff team. He is suitably qualified and has several years’ experience of caring for young people. He is also the manager for another home within the company. He divides his time equally between the homes. There is a deputy manager and two senior care staff who deputise in his absence. Therefore, there is good management structure at the home. Members of staff said that they are well supported through good supervision, appraisals and training. One member of staff said, ‘This enables me to keep focused and improve my practice. Some staff have progressed into senior roles and this gives me confidence for my future.’ Most members of the staff team have a relevant childcare qualification. Two members of staff are registered on an equivalent recognised qualification and are currently working through this. All members of staff said that their strength is that they work as

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

a team and no decisions are made alone. One member of staff said, ‘Consistency is the key. Young people know we are united and everything is discussed fully. Therefore, they are not let down with broken promises etc.’ This was echoed by the young person and her social worker. Members of staff said they were highly satisfied in the job and enjoyed working there. As a result, staff cover each other for sickness or annual leave. Therefore, there has been no reliance on agency staff and the young person receives care from staff who know her well. In general, the home’s records are good. They show the care that the young person requires, the progress they have made and how the staff need to continue to support them to progress. However, some records have not been signed by the author, manager, staff or social worker. This does not ensure that everyone understands the plans and is working towards an agreed goal.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The statement of purpose is kept under review and reflects the aims, objectives and ethos of the home. The workforce plan identifies arrangements for induction, probation periods and supervision. It discusses the home’s development plan and sets targets for the year. As a result, the manager has a good understanding of the weaknesses and strengths of the home. The home is externally monitored by an independent person. Their reports are sent to Ofsted on time. However, the monitoring is not effective because the independent person has failed to indicate to the manager when records have not been signed by the manager, members of staff or professionals. Further to Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 8 this, the reports lack evaluation of the records. For example, they say that the development plan has been updated, but do not give any information about the quality or what extracts have been updated. This does not give the manager useful feedback

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

on how to improve the home’s records. There are very good relationships between the home and other professionals. A social worker said that communication is extremely good. In the past, the manager has challenged professionals to ensure that young people receive the services that they need.

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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: SC422481 9

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Inspire Children’s Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Ground Floor, 121 Church Street, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 1AJ

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Inspectors

Pam Nuckley, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC422481 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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

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