Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Manchester

Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 1 SC043972 Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Ltd

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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 five young people who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Information about this children’s home

Inspection dates: 29 to 30 November 2017

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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: sustained effectiveness

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people are making good progress from their starting points. Professionals say that the young people receive excellent care at this home.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people transition into the home and on to adult placements well. This is Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 2 because there are good transition plans that assist them with their move.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Education is valued by the young people and staff. As a result, the young people have ambitions for their future.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people‟s health is prioritised. The staff work closely with a range of healthcare professionals to ensure that young people receive the care that they need.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people have become increasingly safe while being at this home. For example, incidents of young people being reported missing from the home have significantly decreased.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The young people‟s religion and culture are embraced, and their individual identity needs are met.

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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

 The registered manger and three long-standing members of staff left this home recently. The young people, including a newly admitted young person, were cared for by several different staff members. This led to the young people becoming unsettled for a period of time.

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Key findings from this inspection

 In the period of the home being short staffed, members of staff did not receive supervision and their training was not refreshed.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The acting manager has not used the home‟s safer area risk assessment to assess whether the location was suitable for a new young person. In addition to this, the young person was not taken through a fire evacuation drill within 24 hours of him arriving at the home.

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Key findings from this inspection

 One young person‟s placement plan has not been updated. It still has his last known address on it, and refers to foster carers. This does not ensure that everyone understands the care plan for the young person.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Young people‟s files are not structured well. This is because old information has not been archived. Further to this, several documents have not been signed by the previous manager or the acting manager.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

24/03/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness 28/06/2016 Full Outstanding 24/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 04/11/2015 Full Outstanding Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 4

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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 leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children‟s home that- promotes their welfare. In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to- ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child and that the home‟s workforce provides continuity of care to each child. (Regulation 13 (1)(b)(2)(d)(e)) 31/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees- (a) undertake appropriate continuing professional development. (Regulation 33 (4)(a)). This is specifically in relation to ensuring that all training is refreshed. 28/02/2018

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that all employees receive practice-related supervision. (Regulation 33 (4)(b)) 31/01/2018

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must maintain records (“case records”) for each child which include the information and documents listed in Schedule 3. (Regulation 36 (1)(a)). Specifically, that placement plans are updated and include the address of the home. 31/01/2018

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Recommendations

 The registered person should have a system in place so that all serious events are notified, within 24 hours, to the appropriate people. The notification must include details of the action taken by the home‟s staff in response to the event. („Guide to the children‟s homes regulations including the quality standards‟, page 63, paragraph 14.13). This is specifically in relation to ensuring that Ofsted is informed of the outcome and any updates to the notification.

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Recommendations

 Ensure that case records are signed and dated by the author of each entry. This includes ensuring that the manager and staff have signed essential documentation. („Guide to the children‟s homes regulations including the quality standards‟, page 62, paragraph 14.3) Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 5  The registered person should build a strong safeguarding culture in the home. („Guide to the children‟s homes regulations including the quality standards‟, page 43, paragraph 9.8). This is specifically in ensuring that young people admitted to the home are taken through an emergency evacuation procedure within 24 hours.

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Recommendations

 The registered person should review the appropriateness and suitability of the location and premises of the home at least once a year. In particular, the registered person must ensure that they consider the location review when completing impact risk assessments for new admissions to the home. („Guide to the children‟s homes regulations including the quality standards‟, page 64, paragraph 15.1)

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Recommendations

 Both the arrangements for contact and any contact details must be included in the placement plan. („Guide to the children‟s homes regulations including the quality standards‟, page 58, paragraph 11.15). This is specifically in relation to ensuring that all restrictions to unsuitable adults are clearly identified within the plan.

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that all incidents of discipline are subject to systems of regular scrutiny to ensure that their use is fair. („Guide to the children‟s homes regulations including the quality standards‟, page 46, paragraph 9.36). This is specifically in relation to ensuring that the effectiveness of a consequence is monitored.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people said that they are happy and safe, and enjoy living at this home. Several professionals remarked on the good progress that young people have made here. One professional said, „They have supported him through a difficult time and he is doing well. This is because staff go the extra mile.‟

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Since the last inspection, two young people have left the home. One young person was supported well to move into a planned semi-independent living arrangement. The other young person, while living at the home, went missing for long periods of time. Consequently, all professionals agreed that he required a more structured environment, which was arranged. One young person has been admitted to the home. He has settled in extremely well. The other young people have made him welcome, and have given him emotional support and practical advice. He said, „It is great here and I am doing well.‟ The young person received a welcome booklet, and the boundaries of the home were discussed with him. A good impact risk assessment shows that the home considered his history and behaviour, and the needs of the existing young people at the home. Therefore, the acting manager was able to make an informed decision on whether the

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

home could care for him well. However, the acting manager did not take into account Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 6 the home‟s safer area risk assessment as part of this process. As a result, she did not consider whether any immediate risks, such as the main road or access to transport links, would have any bearing on the suitability of the placement.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people said that their views, wishes and feelings are taken seriously. The home‟s records show that young people are encouraged to comment on all aspects of their care. They complete their own placement plan. This informs members of staff about their likes and dislikes, and their plans for their future. This means that young people receive individualised care. However, one young person‟s placement plan has not been updated since the placement was requested over a year ago. It still contains his last placement details and information. This does not demonstrate that the home is working towards an agreed plan. In addition to this, young people‟s files are not structured well. This is because old information has not been archived. For example, one young person‟s file held five review documents, and another young person‟s information had been stored incorrectly on another young person‟s file. Further to this, the previous manager and the

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

acting manager have not signed all essential information and records. For example, the local authority designated consent form is not signed by both managers. This does not ensure that members of staff have the most up-to-date information, or that everyone is in agreement with the plans for the young person.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

An outstanding area of practice is how young people are encouraged to attend education, how quickly educational placements are sourced and the continuing support that young people receive to remain in education. Two young people are in mainstream school. When incidents have arisen in school, the staff have worked closely with educational professionals. They have attended meetings and alternative options have been explored, such as smaller class groups. In conjunction with this, staff have used key-working sessions to find out the root problem, and have given good advice and support. This means that the young people have remained in school and are achieving in line with their peers. The new young person is currently attending the company school. His academic level is being assessed so that a mainstream provision can be identified. All of the young people have excellent attendance, and enjoy going to school. One young

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

person proudly showed the inspector his certificates for achievement in English and information technology. He said, „I like school and I want to be an estate agent when I am older.‟ This shows that young people have ambitions for their future. A professional said, „The routines and structure in the home means that he completes homework and revises for his exams. He is making excellent progress.‟

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people‟s cultural differences, religion and faith are celebrated, supported and encouraged by the staff team. All of the young people‟s first language is not English. They can speak English, but sometimes they do not understand complex language, and they can interpret conversations incorrectly. To address these needs, there is a diverse staff team in place whose members can speak several languages. For example, young people and staff speak Pushto and Urdu. Therefore, members of staff can translate paperwork or conversation for young people. As a result, the young people‟s English is improving. The young people have been provided with prayer mats, they attend a mosque and food is prepared in accordance with their beliefs. This means that young people are able to follow their chosen faith. In addition to this, the complaints form has Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 7 been translated into their preferred language. The young people have not made any

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

complaints, but this excellent system ensures that they understand the procedure if they needed to raise a concern. Young people also have several independent people that they can talk to if necessary. One young person said, „I can talk to you [Ofsted], but staff are excellent at listening to us and trying to make things possible. I have no complaints. It is great here.‟

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people are in good health because members of staff work closely with health professionals to ensure that young people receive the treatment that they need. For example, one young person is due to have a major operation. The acting manager is working closely with his specialist to ensure that he can be supported by the staff team throughout his stay in hospital. None of the young people are currently on any prescribed medication. However, members of staff are trained in administering medication, and in first aid. This means that young people can receive any medication in line with their prescription, and small accidents can be assessed and treated.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Some young people have contact with their parents, or people who are important to them. In the main, contact records are clear about the arrangements, times and dates of visits. However, a local authority has identified one adult as an unsuitable contact, and meeting with this person is not allowed. The home has good information regarding the adult‟s address and circumstances, but has not considered issues such as the individual turning up at the home, or the young person meeting them in the community. Should either situation arise, staff members do not have an agreed action plan to follow.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people enjoy a range of activities. They attend the cinema, go swimming, and play football, cricket, and rugby. Two young people attend a weekly martial arts group, and one young person has recently been awarded his yellow belt. All of the young people enjoy spending time playing games on a console. The home has a large games room with a pool table. The young people have made appropriate friends at school. They are invited to the home to do some of these activities with the young people. This means that the young people are able to maintain friendships, have opportunities to engage in the community, learn new skills and have fun.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Young people are encouraged to learn a range of practical skills, which will assist them when they are older. They are supported to keep their rooms tidy, plan, shop and help to cook their own meals. They live in a homely environment that is spacious and well maintained. The acting manager has ordered new furniture for the young people‟s bedrooms, and the young people are making plans to redecorate them. The new young person is looking forward to going shopping to personalise his room. This gives the young people a sense of belonging.

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

Young people said that they are safe at this home. They said that members of staff are very clear with them about keeping themselves safe, and always give good advice on how risks may affect them. For example, they know about how to manage their Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 8 behaviour, how this affects others and being safe in the local community. Good individual risk assessments identify each young person‟s vulnerabilities, triggers and warning signs, and include strategies and action for staff to take if an incident was to occur. This means that any potential incident is de-escalated quickly. This consistency has meant that young people have not been held for their, or others‟, safety.

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

There have been no safeguarding incidents that have required reporting to the designated safeguarding officer. Professionals said that young people are safeguarded well, and that any information is shared with them. The young people at the home have not been reported missing from this home. A previous young person was often reported missing from the home for long periods of time. Members of staff worked closely with a range of professionals to ensure that he was safe. They tried to contact him by phone and often searched his home town, but to no avail. There were several strategy meetings to consider the plan going forward. The final outcome was that the professionals agreed that he needed a different environment; therefore, he was discharged from the home. On several occasions, the previous registered manager sent updates to Ofsted by email and not through the correct procedure. As a result, some notifications were not closed. This does not ensure that the regulator is informed of the

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

The acting manager identified that staffing was her priority when she took over the home. A recent recruitment drive has been successful. There is one new member of staff, and another is awaiting their final checks. More interviews were taking place during the week of the inspection, and the acting manager is on the selection panel. Recruitment records are good, and they show that all necessary checks are completed to a good standard. For example, any gaps in employment are explored with the applicant. This means that young people are safeguarded as much as possible from unsuitable adults.

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

Detailed behaviour management plans show how young people would like to be supported if they become distressed or anxious. Young people are rewarded with extra money, clothes or personal items when they have done well or achieved something. For example, one young person received extra money for his certificates in education. Young people say that consequences for unacceptable behaviour are not imposed often, but that they are fair when used. However, a previous resident was caught smoking an illegal substance in the home twice. The consequence of this was that the young person‟s spends were supervised following both incidents. The sanction record refers to smoking cigarettes in the home, rather than explicitly referring to the substance misuse, and there is no evidence of key-work programmes or follow-up work being carried out regarding substance misuse. This does not demonstrate that the effectiveness of the

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

consequence given is explored, or that young people receive information or support with their habit to prevent recurring incidents of substance misuse.

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

Young people live in a safe and well-maintained home. Renewals of insurance, gas and electrical appliances are completed when required. Records show that young people, staff and visitors are taken through the emergency evacuation procedure. However, the new young person did not complete an evacuation drill when he first came to the home. Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 9 This does not ensure that he knew how to leave the building safely. This was completed on the day of inspection.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager left this home in October 2017. The company successfully recruited a new manager within his notice period. The acting manager has submitted her application to Ofsted to become the registered manager. She has been in post for four weeks. She has several years‟ experience of working with young people, including being a deputy manager of a residential setting. She holds a relevant qualification in childcare and has registered on a leadership and management course. Members of staff said that she has brought stability to the team, that she is fair and approachable and that she leads by example.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The acting manager has completed an audit of all the home‟s records. She has been prioritising her findings and completing tasks. For example, she was aware that the home‟s workforce plan, safer area location risk assessment and statement of purpose needed updating. The home‟s updated statement of purpose was sent to Ofsted the day before the inspection. This shows that the acting manager understands the strengths and weaknesses of the home. A professional said, „She telephoned me to introduce herself and she asked pertinent questions around his history and care. There is not a lot of homes that do this. We have had several conversations and I have found her to be knowledgeable and understanding.‟ Another professional said, „She has made a good start. I believe in giving positive feedback because it is important. She has been fantastic.‟

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The previous registered manager and three long-standing members of staff have left this home since the last inspection. Numerous members of staff from within the organisation were used to cover the shortfalls in staff rotas. This led to an unsettled period for the young people. One young person told the independent visitor that he was unhappy with the situation. A professional said, „These things happen, but unfortunately they have a knock-on effect. It was unavoidable because they all left at the same time. He had a close relationship with the registered manager and he was missing him.‟ The responsible individual did have a contingency plan to cover the shortfall, but this did not include consistent staff and therefore young people did not receive consistency of care. Further to this, because the core team of staff was covering additional shifts, its members missed several opportunities to refresh their training. For example, one member of staff

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

did not complete a refresher in safeguarding, food hygiene, restraint, first aid and health and safety. This does not demonstrate that staff‟s skills and knowledge are updated regularly.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Most members of the staff team have a recognised childcare qualification. New members of staff complete an induction and a six-monthly probationary period. An appraisal of their performance is conducted at the three-month stage. If they are progressing well, they are registered on an equivalent childcare qualification. This means that qualified staff care for young people. Members of staff discuss their developmental needs and Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 10 performance within supervision. One member of staff has recently been successful in becoming a team leader. This shows that the company encourages and supports progression of members of staff in their career. However, due to the lack of staffing, the acting manager has not completed all staff supervision sessions. This means that members of staff are not fully supported in their role. In contrast to this, members of staff said that they were receiving good support on a daily basis because the acting

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home prides itself on ensuring that young people‟s needs are met, and that they receive additional services in a timely manner. This means that reviews, education meetings, and discussions with healthcare professionals are prioritised and held regularly. The acting manager has challenged a local authority because a young person has been without a social worker for a period of time. A new social worker was identified, but she is also leaving. The acting manager has continued to challenge the local authority, and she is hopeful that the young person will be allocated a permanent social worker soon.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The acting manager and the staff team work positively with placing authorities and other services. One social worker said, „The staff at this home offer solutions rather than leave it to me. They try to accommodate all my requests and staff go that extra mile for the young people.‟ All professionals contacted during the inspection say that communication between them and the home is excellent.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

External and internal monitoring of the home are effective. Both systems have identified and raised actions relating to the shortfalls identified at this inspection. This means that the provider is clear about what needs to improve, and has already started to take action to address the issues.

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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: SC043972 11

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Ltd

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Cambian Group, 4th Floor Waterfront Building, Chancellors Road, Hammersmith Embankment, London W6 9RU

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Inspector

Pam Nuckley, social care inspector Inspection report children‟s home: SC043972 12 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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