Children's Home run by London Borough of Hounslow in Hounslow

Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 1 SC062128 Registered provider: London Borough of Hounslow

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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 provides care and accommodation for up to six young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. A local authority provides this service.

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Information about this children’s home

Inspection dates: 14 to 15 November 2017

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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Outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected Outstanding

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Outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers Outstanding

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Outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: Sustained effectiveness

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Key findings from this inspection

This children’s home is outstanding because:

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people make excellent progress in their lives, taking into account their challenging starting points.  Young people feel safe. They build secure and stable relationships with the adults in the home, who know them very well and are finely attuned to their needs. Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 2  Young people benefit from research-informed practice that makes a difference to their overall experiences. There are examples of practice that are worthy of wider dissemination.  Staff and managers proactively reduce risks for the young people. Young people rarely go missing from the home.  Young people benefit from excellent partnership working between the staff, other professionals and family members.  The registered manager demonstrates aspirational leadership and is ambitious for the young people.  The registered manager promotes a culture of learning and ensures that the welfare of each young person is at the heart of all that the home does.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people receive consistent support from a stable staff team that operates in line with the ethos of the home.  The home has a warm, welcoming and homely environment.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/03/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness 25/10/2016 Full Good 15/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 10/11/2015 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 3

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Recommendations

 Ensure that the manager’s evaluation of the effectiveness of any sanction used is recorded appropriately. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 46, paragraph 9.36)

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Young people receive excellent individualised care from the staff and managers, who build positive relationships with them. A young person said, ‘It’s great here, I really like it here. It’s better than semi-independent.’ The young person further stated that the staff ‘are genuine and real’ and that he receives great support from them. A social worker stated that she has been very impressed with the support from the staff and that she had intentionally sought this placement for her young person due to the child- centred practice at the home. Young people make exceptional progress with regard to their emotional well-being. A clinical psychologist from the child and adolescent mental health service stated that the staff and managers ‘do excellent work’ with the young people who are reluctant to engage in therapy. The psychologist described their approach as ‘very person centred’. For example, staff and managers ‘worked incredibly well’ with one highly vulnerable

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

young person, which led to a substantial reduction in her harmful behaviour. The psychologist stated that the young person received ‘therapeutic parenting and containment, which reduced the risks’. She stated that staff and managers ‘have a lot of skills’ in working with the young people and described them as ‘highly professional’. Another highly vulnerable young person was helped to reduce her harmful behaviour. She then successfully moved to semi-independent accommodation. The young person had complex needs that were very sensitively handled by the staff and managers. The young person recently returned to visit the home and wrote in the compliments book that this was ‘the best care home’ and that ‘it isn’t just a placement, it’s a home’. Staff and managers apply research-informed practice on emotional resilience as a way to help young people to develop their self-awareness and coping skills. This has led to

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

young people being more in touch with who they are and their potential, understanding boundaries and recognising the consequences of their actions. They are enabled to reflect and talk about the impact of significant events that have occurred in their lives. Consequently, young people develop a more positive self-image and become less disruptive. Young people’s health needs are managed well. The looked after children’s nurse described the home as ‘warm and nurturing’ and that staff have ‘a good understanding Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 4 of the health needs of the young people’. The nurse further stated that the staff ‘always support the young people to improve their health literacy and access services they need’. Young people with learning difficulties thrive, both in the home and at their schools. For example, a school inclusion officer stated that one of the young people ‘fully participates in school life’. The young person has been abroad with the school on a

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

photography course. The staff member at the school stated that the young person is likely to achieve reasonably well in his upcoming exams and that the home ‘could not have done more for him’. A member of staff from the virtual school stated that she values the home’s input in helping young people to settle into appropriate courses. Young people who have left the home apply to universities. Staff encourage new residents to raise their aspirations as to what is possible in the future. For example, a young person’s college attendance was 100% during his 14-month placement at the home and remains at 100% after moving into semi-independent accommodation. This young person has visited universities and continues to focus on achieving academically. The virtual school professional stated that young people ‘have the support, encouragement, equipment and caring staff to be able to achieve and progress’. Another educational professional

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

stated that the young person with whom he works is ‘very positive and contributes well in lessons’ and that he is expected to achieve a distinction at the end of the course. Young people are exposed to new experiences that enhance social skills and life chances. For example, one young person, who was reluctant to engage in new activities, attended the week-long Youth Participation Service event on the Isle of Wight. He met new people, learned team building and worked purposefully with others. The young person challenged himself, according to the staff, and was observed to be encouraging other young people to try new things. The young person experienced a boost in his self-confidence, increasing his sense of self-efficacy. Staff and managers demonstrate their acute understanding of each young person and ensure that all of the young people’s needs are well managed, regardless of how diverse those needs are. An independent reviewing officer stated that, ‘Significant

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

progress is being made in assisting young people to achieve positive outcomes’, particularly with young people who have different needs from one another. The independent reviewing officer also stated that the home is ‘flexible enough to meet the young people’s range of needs’. The registered manager, with input from others, has developed an impact assessment tool to evaluate the appropriateness of new referrals to the home. The tool is utilised effectively to assess the risks of any potential new admissions and the impact on the young people already living at the home. The tool is not used in a risk-averse way so as to deny young people with difficult starting points and placement history a chance to achieve better outcomes. Rather, the manager balances the risks and strengths and ensures that only those young people whose needs can be sufficiently met within the arrangements set out in the home’s statement of purpose are admitted to the home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The tool reinforces the need for robust placement planning to ensure successful transition and integration into the home. This is a very positive feature of the home Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 5 because it has a significant impact on the experiences of the young people. The home has had several emergency admissions for young people who were removed from their families under police protection, or admitted due to foster placement breakdowns. The placements lasted for a few days at the home, after which time the young people returned to their family home. This has not had a negative impact on the existing residents, nor on the young people who experienced short stays. One young person, who was admitted on an emergency referral, is experiencing a stable life in the home. The young person stated that her key workers ‘listen to and help’ her and that she feels safe in the home. She said that talking to her key workers

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

‘releases stress’. The young person attends college every day. She said that there was nothing about the home that she wanted to change. A social worker described the home’s environment as ‘nurturing’ and that the young person with whom she works has created positive relationships with her key workers and ‘is adhering to the boundaries’. The social worker further stated that the young person’s ‘confidence is growing from the input she is receiving and this has led to her being less socially isolated. She has friends now’. Another social worker stated that her young person is ‘really settled’ since being placed at the home and ‘is no longer absconding’. Young people admitted to the home who are subject to referral orders have successfully engaged with the terms of their order, and have not reoffended. They are fully supported to make good choices for their safety and well-being. Young people feel listened to and valued. For example, in residents’ meetings, young

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

people’s views on activities and food are actively considered and incorporated into their care planning. Young people receive significant support to rebuild fractured relationships with those who matter to them. One young person, who had not had any contact with his family for a long time when he was admitted to the home, began having visits with his family that grew in frequency and quality during his placement. This contact with his family has had a positive impact on his life. For example, the young person enjoyed activities out in the community with his parent, who provided ample support as he moved into semi-independent accommodation. A parent stated that the registered manager and the staff ‘run a very friendly, open and safe place for the young people’. The parent stated that his child found the transition to the home ‘very comfortable’, and that the staff ‘went out of their way to support and

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

encourage him in his academic and sporting activities’. The parent stated that he was ‘always kept informed and consulted on key decisions’ in relation to his child. Young people’s cultural backgrounds are respected and celebrated. One social worker stated that their young person’s ‘cultural and identity needs are being met to a high standard as staff support her needs and choices’. The social worker added that this has ‘supported the young person’s emotional well-being as she is experiencing acceptance of who she is’ by the staff. The home successfully prepares young people for life beyond residential care. Young Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 6 people put into practice the important independent living skills that they learn during their time at the home. Young people also benefit from the outreach support that they receive from the staff and managers. The positive relationships between the young

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

people and the staff are very evident, as young people come back to visit the staff and managers to thank them for all that they have done.

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

Staff and managers reduce risks for young people, both inside and outside of the home, through highly effective planning. Risks associated with self-harming, misusing drugs or alcohol, going missing, child sexual exploitation and health are robustly assessed. Evidence of reduction of risks for all of the young people is apparent. Young people do not go missing on a regular basis. Since the last inspection, there has been a significant reduction in the number of missing from home episodes. There has only been one missing incident since mid-July. The success of managers and staff in achieving substantial reductions in missing from home episodes for highly vulnerable young people is clearly evident. The approach is based on research and is tailored to each young person’s needs. Managers provide strong, consistent leadership and staff demonstrate shared values. They promote active listening skills, sensitivity and

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

reliability, as well as a sense of humour in their engagement with the young people. They have clear boundaries and expectations that are consistently reinforced. Staff and managers also plan in advance. For example, young people learn the expectations around curfews. One young person stated that he does not like having a curfew, but he knows the reasons behind it and the consequences of breaking his curfew. He stated that he receives the same message from all of the staff. Young people who have a history of running away to their family home have their contact arranged in such a way that it reduces the need to go missing. When young people have gone missing from the home, staff follow agreed procedures. Return home interviews routinely take place and are clearly recorded. Any emerging risk factors that increase the young person’s vulnerability are assessed and acted on. Consequently, specific action plans are implemented to actively safeguard the young

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

people. A ‘missing persons and child sexual exploitation’ police officer described the home as ‘one of the best in the borough’. He stated that the home ‘works very well integrating young people with difficulties into the home and the community’. The officer stated that the staff ‘are rigorous about enforcing curfews’ and ‘there is good partnership working with the police’ to support the young people. When a young person is thought to be using cannabis, staff and managers engage the young person in key-working sessions to further assess their vulnerability and to educate them about the consequences of substance misuse. Supervised spending is also used as a means to manage the risks to the young people. This has helped a young person to reduce his cannabis use. The safeguarding policy is comprehensive and meets the requirements of the relevant legislation. Staff are clear about child protection procedures. They also have substantial

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

knowledge of the factors that potentially escalate the risks for each young person and Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 7 they know how to respond to the heightened risks. Appropriate systems are in place for recording sanctions and restraints. Young people’s views are clearly recorded. Although incidents are always discussed among the staff team and the learning is embedded in practice, the manager’s evaluations of the effectiveness of the applied sanctions are not always recorded. However, effective behavioural management is in place. There has not been a physical restraint incident since the last inspection. Young people in the home know how to complain. No complaint has been made by a young person since the last inspection. No complaints have been filed by any staff, parents or professionals since the last inspection. There has been no allegation against anyone working in the home. Young people have stated that they feel safe and that

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

they can identify trusted adults to talk to if they so wish. The location risk assessment is thorough and fit for purpose. The home has excellent links with professionals, such as the police, who work together to keep young people safe. The registered manager ensures that the home is properly staffed to ensure adequate supervision of the young people, and that safe recruitment is in place.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is highly experienced in residential care and, together with staff, she has been able to sustain improvement in outcomes for the young people at the home. She has great aspirations for the young people and has successfully created a culture in which staff share that ambition. Young people’s verbal and written feedback is used as an integral part of staff appraisals. This means that young people feel listened to and valued, and that they are a part of a culture that promotes accountability. Consequently, staff are also held to account for their practice and are supported to demonstrate how they have embedded the feedback. Supervision takes places regularly and staff benefit from the reflective practice in their sessions. There is clear evidence of staff being challenged on their practice and developed through supervision. One staff member stated that he finds supervision helpful in enhancing his learning.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager actively monitors the progress that each young person is making in the key areas of their lives. It is evident that the manager cares about each young person as if they were her own child. This is also noticeable in the staff, whose commitment to the young people models that of the manager. The registered manager’s assessment of the home’s strengths and areas of improvement is thorough and is underpinned by the quality standards. Her review of the quality of the care provided by the home is used purposefully as a tool for continuous improvement. For instance, the registered manager’s thumbprint from pre- admission to discharge is very evident and contributes to updated assessments and Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 8 forward planning for the young people, who experience positive outcomes. Views from social workers, other professionals and parents are consistently positive

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

about the home’s partnership working to promote the best outcomes for the young people. In addition to prompt information sharing, they problem solve together and provide feedback to one another. This means that young people benefit from the close alliance of those who are involved in their lives. The home’s workforce development plan is comprehensive, and staff are offered training that covers the necessary areas of learning. Managers and leaders invest in their staff. For example, one staff member started working at the home as a cook 10 years ago. He is now a senior residential support worker. His love for his job is indisputable as he lights up when he talks about the young people. He stated that he is well supported to fulfil his responsibilities and is appropriately challenged to continually improve his practice. He said that he loves making a difference to a young person’s life. Another staff member, who has been working in the home for 14 years, praised the

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

managers, stating that they ‘take a lot of the pressure off us, which gives us the time to do direct work with the young people’. Staff and managers maintain a homely environment. Young people invite their friends and family members to the home for activities and special occasions, such as birthdays. Fond memories are created and captured in photographs for young people to keep and look back on.

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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: SC062128 9

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Civic Centre, Lampton Road, Hounslow TW3 4DN

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Jacqui McShannon

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Inspector

Linda Kim-Newby, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC062128 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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