Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Southampton

Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 1 SC407783 Registered provider: Priory Education Services Limited 06244880

p.1

Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is run by a national, private organisation and provides accommodation linked to an associated education provision. The home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people aged nine to 17 years who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

Inspection dates: 21 to 22 November 2017

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: 30 January 2017

p.1

good

Overall judgement at last inspection: Declined in effectiveness

p.1

good

Enforcement action since last inspection: None

p.1

Key findings from this inspection

 The manager leads the established staff team effectively. Her day-to-day engagement with young people and knowledge of the service provide staff with clear guidance, which they use. This supports team cohesion and provides young people with a sound basis for the development of good relationships with Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 2 staff.  Young people make good progress from their starting points. They are engaging in education, their holistic health needs are well met, and they enjoy a wide range of activities. One young person said, ‘Overall, it’s a very good place for me, lots of opportunities for activities and good support for education.’  Staff apply consistent behavioural responses which young people learn from. Young people are beginning to feel the benefit of positive incentives and, as a result, negative behaviour has decreased.  Staff have a good understanding of their role in keeping young people safe and

p.1

Key findings from this inspection

teaching them to keep themselves safe. Staff support this within a risk assessed framework, which encourages young people to develop life skills according to their individual strengths.  The manager and staff team have established successful partnership working with relevant external professionals and with the families of young people.

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

The children’s home’s areas for development:

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

 There are some deficits in recording. Care plans and risk assessments are not routinely updated in the light of new information. The manager’s pre-admission assessments do not bring all of the issues identified to a conclusion. The language used by staff in records does not support or encourage young people to read and contribute to them.  There is a lack of clarity about some aspects of how staff balance safeguarding responsibilities with respecting the privacy of young people. This is in relation to how staff monitor young people’s social media and internet use and the daily room checks that are carried out by staff.  Staff have not had recent training in autistic spectrum disorder.

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

30/01/2017 Interim Declined in effectiveness 02/08/2016 Full Good 05/10/2015 Full Good 30/06/2015 Full Inadequate Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 3

p.2

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.

p.3

Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe. In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure— that staff assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child. (Regulation 12(2)(a)(i)) 15 January 2018

p.3

Recommendations

 Staff should continually and actively assess the risks to each child and the arrangements in place to protect them. Where there are safeguarding concerns for a child, their placement plan, agreed between the home and their placing authority, must include details of the steps the home will take to manage any assessed risks on a day-to-day basis. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 42, paragraph 9.5) In particular, ensure young people know the detail of how staff will monitor their use of social media and the internet, where this is considered necessary, and record any such monitoring.  A child’s bedroom should not generally be entered without their permission, though it may be necessary to establish routines to allow for rooms to be cleaned regularly. Usually, rooms should only be searched if the child has been informed or asked for their permission. Immediate searching may be necessary where

p.3

Recommendations

there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is a risk to the child’s or another person’s safety or well-being. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 16, paragraph 3.20)  As set out in regulations 31-33, the registered person is responsible for maintaining good employment practice. They must ensure that recruitment, supervision and performance management of staff safeguards children and minimises potential risks to them. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.1) Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 4 In particular, ensure that an employer’s reference provides evidence of their eligibility to act as a referee.  The registered person should ensure that staff can access appropriate facilities and resources to support their training needs, and should understand the key role they play in the training and development of staff in the home. (‘Guide to the

p.3

Recommendations

children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 53, paragraph 10.11) In particular, ensure that the training programme equips staff to care for young people who have autistic spectrum disorder.  The registered person is responsible for leading a team which provides high quality care for all children living in the home. They must lead and manage the home in a way that delivers the ethos, outcomes and approach set out in the home’s Statement of Purpose. They should also play a key role in shaping the ethos of the home through developing a culture of high aspiration for children which is demonstrated through the care, resources and opportunities offered to the children. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 52, paragraph 10.4) In particular, ensure that it is clear how young people may access the wide range of therapies listed in the statement of purpose.

p.4

Recommendations

 Children should be actively encouraged to read their records and to add further information to them. They should be regularly reminded of their rights to see information kept about them and be given information about how they might be supported to access their records in later life. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.6) In particular, use language that enables young people to easily understand records, plans and agreements.  For some children who have experienced severe trauma, have mental health difficulties or have been excluded or out of education for significant periods, it may be necessary to address and work through their past experiences and present needs before they can positively participate in learning activities and formal education. Staff in children’s homes will play a key role in supporting these children in line with their personal education plan or EHC plan and

p.4

Recommendations

recommendations from education and health professionals. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 26, paragraph 5.3) In particular, incorporate relevant education targets into care plans.  The registered person should only accept placements for children where they are satisfied that the home can respond effectively to the child’s assessed needs as recorded in the child’s relevant plans and where they have fully considered the impact that the placement will have on the existing group of children. The Statement of Purpose is an important document in the process of care planning as it sets out the needs of children the home is set up and equipped to care for. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 5 26, paragraph 11.4)

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people talk positively about living in the home. They report good relationships with staff and single out their key workers in particular. One young person said, ‘I’ve known her all the time I’ve been here. I trust and like her.’ Families and professionals are also pleased with the good quality of the relationships that they and the young people have with staff. They also appreciate the value of the communication, which was described by one parent as ‘excellent’. Some young people struggle with the information sharing and staff are working with them to explain why this benefits them. Staff respond well to young people’s individual needs and differences. This enables young people to make good progress towards realistic goals that they are involved in setting and reviewing. Young people are learning to manage and change their responses to situations or events that they do not like, instead finding more socially acceptable

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

expressions of emotion. One young person reflected, ‘I think about what I do more.’ This has led to a significant reduction in the level of damage in the home. Young people’s active involvement in choosing the décor in the home has also contributed to their improved care of their environment. Staff encourage and support young people effectively to engage in a wide range of activities that reflect their interests, as well as stimulating new ones. One young person said, ‘Being here has given me lots of opportunities for activities.’ Young people are involved in the planning for these activities and have to make choices based on the finances available to them. This fits well with the clear plans to help young people develop the life skills that they will need as adults. The plans reflect the age and stage of each individual, with some young people cooking and budgeting for themselves, as well as managing their own medication. Others are on a phased programme towards

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

independent use of public transport. All young people are in education, with good attendance. Staff in the home and the college describe effective communication between themselves as a key factor in supporting young people’s education. The care plan in the home does not include education targets and this misses an opportunity to further encourage young people’s attainment. Young people’s health needs are generally well met. Where parents retain overall responsibility, they work in partnership with staff and share information where this is needed. Staff implement sound systems for the safe administration, storage and stock control of medication. These systems are actively monitored by the manager; as a result, any oversight is addressed promptly and brought to the next staff meeting for shared learning. Staff assess whether young people who self-medicate can do so safely. Young people’s therapeutic needs are identified and appropriate input sourced. This can

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

sometimes take a while when the therapist is external, but staff persist. Therapy available within the organisation is more readily available to young people. Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 6 The manager uses her good, individual knowledge of the young people already in the home and takes their general views into account when considering referrals. The resulting pre-admission assessments identify potential issues, but do not come to a conclusion on the possible impact of behaviour on other young people, their response, and what staff could do to reduce any such impact. Young people benefit from sound transition planning, which is implemented at a pace that they can best manage. Young people have opportunities to visit the home before moving in and have choices about how they would like their bedrooms decorated. Staff adopt the same measured approach to young people moving on from the home and

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

keep in touch to celebrate their successes.

p.6

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

Young people are safe, and say that they feel safe, in the home. Staff have a sound understanding of risks to young people and what they need to do to support them to reduce these risks. There are rare instances of young people going missing overnight. Staff also take shorter absences without permission seriously and implement the necessary actions. This includes actively looking for young people and responding properly to them on their return. In one case, where staff made arrangements for a third party to collect a young person after going missing, the manager formally reminded the whole team of their responsibility as caring professionals to pick up young people. Staff know the children who have lived in the home for some time, are very familiar with the plans for them and make good use of information provided by their families. Staff are aware of the individual vulnerabilities of young people and strive to equip them to

p.6

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

keep themselves safe. Staff engage in meaningful conversations with young people and deliver consistent messages, supported by their positive relationship with the local police. Staff encourage young people to share any concerns and discuss strategies or actions that reduce their worries. This enables young people to rehearse scenarios, for example how they will use public transport and social media, and consider how their actions can keep themselves safe or put them at risk. The care plans and risk assessments have not routinely been updated in the light of new information, particularly in relation to social media/internet use. Young people’s personal safety plans about their use of electronic devices are not written in accessible language, nor are they specific about how staff will monitor their use. Staff do not routinely record when, how, or the outcome of any monitoring that they do. Good relationships between staff and young people underpin the sound behaviour

p.6

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

management approach used. The manager models clear boundary setting for young people, emphasising the benefits of adhering to boundaries effectively. Staff encourage young people to behave well through individualised targets and rewards. Young people know and like this system. As a result, staff use negative consequences infrequently. Those consequences that are used are proportionate and tailored to the behaviour that needs to change in the best interests of the young people. A young person said of staff, ‘They are relaxed when I’m being sensible. Punishments are fair if I muck up.’ Staff know what to do in the event of an allegation being made. The manager and staff implement good systems to ensure that safeguarding concerns are responded to and Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 7 notified in accordance with statutory guidance. They work in partnership with other professionals to ensure that proportionate action is taken to safeguard children.

p.6

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

Since the last inspection, the house has been fully refurbished. It now provides a safe, warm and comfortable home for young people. Staff are keen to maintain the environment so that it remains in a good condition and actively encourage young people to do the same. Integral to this, staff undertake daily room checks. However, staff have differing views about what a room check comprises. Where this has become a ‘room search’, it has compromised the privacy of young people without adequate justification. Generally, the organisation’s implementation of sound recruitment checks ensures that only people deemed suitable are employed to work in the home. However, references from previous employers do not, in every case, demonstrate their eligibility to provide such a reference, for example by using a personal email address or not using company stationery.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is led by a suitably qualified and experienced manager who leads by example. The manager’s day-to-day involvement ensures that she has an excellent grasp of what is happening in the home. The established staff team describes her as having high standards. The manager works to ensure that staff have the support that they need to achieve and maintain these standards. Staff benefit from regular supervision and staff meetings. As a result, staff feel very well supported by the manager, who always ensures that she is available. Staff new to the home are well equipped for the role as a result of a comprehensive induction and relevant training. This is provided in a range of formats. Online training provides staff with basic information and this is supplemented by face-to-face training. There has been no recent staff training about autistic spectrum disorder. The statement of purpose is reviewed annually and it accurately reflects the aims and

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

objectives of the service. These are delivered in practice. The statement includes a list of therapeutic services, some of which young people can access within the organisation, while other services require an external referral. This difference is not clear in the statement of purpose. The manager ensures that good staffing levels are maintained. These provide individualised support for young people and also promote the development of good relationships between young people. The manager knows all the young people and has a good relationship with them. She ensures that their voices are actively sought and that their views are acted on where possible. The manager actively promotes the rights of young people to be respected, but also teaches the young people to be respectful of difference; for example, by challenging and engaging in a discussion with young people about their use of discriminatory and bullying language whenever it occurs.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Parents and professionals alike are very complimentary about the quality of relationships with the staff team. They are united in their view that the manager promotes a partnership approach, mirrored by the staff team, which works well to support young Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 8 people in all areas of their development. The manager is confident to challenge professionals should this be necessary. This includes those professionals in the organisation. This has been effective in securing change in the best interests of young people. The daily records maintained by staff are basic and do not make a meaningful contribution to young people’s life histories. Regular key-work sessions are recorded, but staff do not carry forward the issues raised. Therefore, it is not possible to see any progress made with young people. The manager has a good understanding of the strengths and areas for development in

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

the home. She gains this knowledge through her high level of day-to-day involvement and active monitoring. The manager has been persistent in securing the necessary finances and has achieved a good standard of refurbishment and redecoration in the home. She and the staff team are striving to maintain this standard, with prompt attention to repairs and care to ensure that young people’s rooms reflect their tastes and interests.

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: SC407783 9

p.8

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Priory Education Services Limited 06244880

p.9

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Priory Group, 80 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UD

p.9

Inspector

Maire Atherton, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC407783 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.

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