Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Halton

Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 1 SC457433 Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This privately run children’s home can accommodate one young person who has behavioural or emotional difficulties.

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

Overall judgement at last inspection: improved effectiveness

p.1

Key findings from this inspection

 The young person has received good support from the staff team and this has helped him to make progress in all areas of his life.  The staff team has worked closely with the young person’s social worker to Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 2 ensure that good routines and boundaries are followed.  The staff team values the importance of education. Staff work closely with educational professionals so that young people’s educational needs are met.  The young person receives his medication in line with his prescription. The staff team receive good training about health issues to support young people well.  Close working with extended family members means that the young person is able to continue his relationship with people who are important to him.  Members of staff understand how to protect young people from harm and ensure that they are safe. As a result, the young person has not put himself at

p.1

Key findings from this inspection

risk through being missing from the home.  Professionals speak about the good communication between the home and themselves. One professional said, ‘I am always updated and I have a clear understanding of how he has been.’  There is an interim manager at the home. He has ensured that the staff receive regular supervision, training and support. He has a clear vision for the young person, the staff team and the home.

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

The children’s home’s areas for development:

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

 The acting manager needs to ensure that any changes in staffing do not affect young people negatively. Further to this, they need to evidence how these decisions are made and that the young person is consulted.  Members of staff’s knowledge and skills are not routinely enhanced by findings from research and practice. This does not ensure that they have the most up- to-date information on changes to legislation or issues that are prevalent within society.  The young person’s files are not structured well, because old information has not been archived. This means that the young person and members of staff do not have the most up-to-date information readily available to them.  Several documents and records have not been signed by the author, acting manager, members of staff and social worker. This does not show that everyone is in agreement with the plans. In addition, the independent person has not highlighted these issues in their report. This does not ensure that the

p.2

Key findings from this inspection

acting manager can take action and improve the service. Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 3

p.2

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/03/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness 21/06/2016 Full Good 28/01/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 23/06/2015 Full Good Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 4

p.3

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.4

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 helps children aspire to fulfil their potential and promotes their welfare.

p.4

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—-

p.4

Requirement Due date

ensure that the home’s workforce provides continuity of care to each child. (Regulation 13(1)(2)(e)) 31/01/2018

p.4

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 helps children aspire to fulfil their potential; and promotes their welfare.

p.4

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard the standard in paragraphs (1) requires the registered person to—

p.4

Requirement Due date

demonstrate that practice in the home is informed and improved by taking into account and acting on research and developments in relation to the ways in which the needs of children are best met. (Regulation 13(1)(2)(g))

p.4

Requirement Due date

This is specifically in relation to using research to inform practice within staff meetings. 31/01/2018

p.4

Recommendations

 Ensure that the independent person makes a rigorous and impartial assessment of the home’s arrangements. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations and quality standards’, page 65, paragraph 15.5) This is specifically in relation to evaluating the quality of the records maintained by the home.  Ensure that case records are signed and dated by the author of each entry. Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 5 (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations and quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.3) This specifically includes ensuring that the manager, professionals and parents have signed essential documentation.  Ensure that all children’s case records are kept up to date. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations and quality standards’, page 62, paragraph 14.3) This is specifically in relation to ensuring that young people’s files are in a good order.

p.4

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The young person has been living at this home for over 15 months. He has made good progress in all areas of his life. The young person did not want to engage with the inspector on this inspection. However, he did complete a survey and indicated that he was happy with the care that he receives at this home.

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Care planning at the home is individualised to the young person’s needs, but is not robust. Several documents and records have not been signed by the acting manager, members of staff and the social worker. This does not ensure that everyone knows, understands and agrees with the plans. In addition, the young person’s files are not structured well. This is because old information has not been archived. For example, there are five statutory reviews in his file. This does not ensure that members of staff have the most up-to-date information to care for the young person well.

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Before coming to this home, the young person’s attendance and engagement in education were sporadic. The staff team worked closely with the young person and educational professionals to identify the reasons. As a result, the young person’s attendance improved and recent school reports show that he is working above average in most subjects. At the end of term, the young person received a certificate for being the pupil of the year. This shows the progress that the young person has made. At the start of the new term, the young person had a recurring health condition, there were some staff changes at the home and the young person was struggling in a large class. This impacted on his attendance at school. The acting manager arranged an educational meeting and different alternatives were offered, such as completing work in the library. As a result, his attendance is improving.

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The young person is registered with appropriate healthcare services. He attends most appointments regularly. Members of staff are working closely with him around the importance of good dental hygiene and attending routine dentist appointments. Members of staff are working with the young person around healthy eating. In consultation with him, they have minimised the amount of unhealthy food eaten and are exploring healthier options, for example limiting the amount of sugary and starchy food and preparing wholesome food from scratch. The acting manager has requested to meet with a dietician to explore more options. All staff are trained in administering medication Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 6 and have a first aid certificate. This means that the young person receives his medication in line with his prescription and that members of staff can deal with any accidents appropriately. Good observations from members of staff have given other

p.5

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

professionals information about the young person’s emotional and cognitive development. As a result, he has been referred for an assessment. This means that he will be given the additional support, if required, regarding these issues.

p.6

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The young person’s extended family is important to him. He sees them on a weekly basis. The family works closely with the staff team to improve the young person’s behaviour. For example, additional overnight stays are granted for good behaviour. These arrangements have been successful, and the young person plans and looks forward to going.

p.6

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The young person is offered a range of activities in the community. He enjoys go-karting and his friends have been invited along on several occasions. He has joined a gym and has been to a caravan park in the school holidays. He loves fictional heroes and the staff team is helping him to save for an event around this. This shows that the young person benefits from a wide range of social and recreational opportunities that are of interest to him.

p.6

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The staff team is trying to help the young person to have a positive view of himself. Staff have a book that every member of staff comments in about their day with him. The young person often asks for the book and enjoys reading it. This is helping his confidence and self-esteem. In addition to this, the staff keep mementoes, such as photographs, old toys and certificates, in a memory box. In the future, this will help him to look back on his time here.

p.6

Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The physical environment of the home is good. It is well maintained, and is nicely decorated and furnished. The young person has proudly displayed his certificate from school in the lounge and there are several photographs of him enjoying activities. This shows that the young person has settled and gives him a sense of belonging.

p.6

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

The young person indicated that he feels safe at the home. Safeguarding practice in the home is good and promotes the welfare and safety of the young person. The staff are trained in safeguarding and additional areas, such as child sexual exploitation, e-safety and radicalisation. This means that they have the skills and knowledge to observe and identify any potential concern. Further, to this, when talking with the inspector several staff members demonstrated their understanding and the action that they would take. This means that appropriate action would be taken if there was an event.

p.6

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

Behaviour management at the home is good due to the clear, consistent boundaries that are followed. The staff team has worked closely with the young person’s social worker in addressing undesirable behaviour. The social worker attended a staff meeting to discuss strategies and this has led to an agreed consistent approach. Positive behaviour strategies focus on praise and reward. Sanctions are minimal, because the staff team Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 7 focuses on reparation rather than punishment. This has been successful and has led to a reduction in challenging behaviour. It also indicates that the young person is feeling safe and secure here.

p.6

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

The young person has not been held. The staff team has clear behaviour strategies to follow to prevent behaviours escalating, which appear to be effective. Risks that the young person puts himself in are well documented. They include the young person’s views, triggers and the agreed actions to take if an incident were to occur. This means that there is a consistent approach to dealing with situations. For example, there has been a significant reduction in the frequency of the young person being reported missing from the home. Prior to coming to this home and in the early months of this placement, he was often reported missing. He would walk long distances to old addresses, putting himself at risk. The work undertaken in key-worker sessions around being safe and listening to the young person’s reasons has been effective. For example, he wanted to see his friends. The staff team now takes him to see his friend and his friend is invited to

p.7

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

the home. These approaches have resulted in improved behaviour as well as increasing the young person’s safety, self-esteem, confidence and emotional stability.

p.7

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

The registered manager and deputy manager recently left the home within a short time of each other. At this point, there was also a reshuffle of staff between the company’s homes to ensure that there was a balanced gender team. This had a negative impact on the young person’s behaviour, because he does not cope well with change. For example, his attendance at school dropped. The acting manager said that the changes in the management structure were unforeseeable and that the reshuffle was agreed before he came here. There was no evidence at the home for why these decisions were made and to what extent, if any, that the young person’s views were taken into account. However, since this time the new staff are working together well. The young person has made good relationships with them and his behaviour has improved.

p.7

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

Health and safety checks of the premises, appliances and utilities are completed routinely. Young people, members of staff and visitors are taken through an emergency evacuation procedure. All visitors are asked for identification and to sign in and out of the home, and they are supervised on their visit. A review of the home’s location assessment addresses any known risks in the community. These good procedures help to keep the young person safe in the home.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The registered manager and deputy manager left the home in early October 2017. An acting manager and new deputy manager were appointed through the company’s internal recruitment process. The acting manager underwent a handover period with the registered manager. This helped with a smooth transition and the acting manager understands the running of the home. He is currently completing his application to become the registered manager for this home and one other home operated by the organisation. He is registered on a leadership and management course and has experience of working with young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. The majority of the staff team have the necessary minimum level 3 childcare qualification. Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 8 One member of staff is near to completing the course and two others are currently registered on an equivalent course.

p.7

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home’s statement of purpose reflects the aims, objectives and ethos of the home. The acting manager has a workforce plan that clearly shows how new staff are inducted and what is expected in their probation period, and it identifies timescales for supervision. This document has been merged with the home’s development plan. This single document ensures that the acting manager can prioritise improvements and developments at the home.

p.8

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Members of staff receive regular supervision and appraisals of their performance. They say that both systems are beneficial to their practice. One staff member said, ‘I think supervision has improved. It gives you the chance to reflect, discuss practice issues and work towards developing yourself.’ It is evident that the development and appraisal system works, because several members of staff have furthered their careers within the company. The acting manager also uses the induction and probation processes effectively. These good practices mean that members of staff develop their skills and are supported well to care for young people.

p.8

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Members of staff said that they felt supported by the acting manager and that they have access to a range of training opportunities. One member of staff said, ‘If we need any additional training that we think would help a young person or us, the company is really good and quick at sourcing professionals to do this.’ The staff team has regular meetings. This gives staff the opportunity to discuss the young person and any changes to plans, and to reflect on the past month and forthcoming month. However, they do not routinely discuss research or new developments in childcare. This means that members of staff are not kept informed of any changes in legislation or with concerns in society that may inform their practice.

p.8

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

An independent visitor writes monthly reports on the operation of the home. Improvements have been made in consulting family members and professionals around the care that the young person receives. However, the visitor often visits in the day, when the young person is in school. Therefore, his views are rarely sought. In addition, there are numerous records and documents that have not been signed by the author, staff, social worker and acting manager, moreover the young person’s file is cumbersome, because old information has not been archived. These issues have not been raised by the visitor. This does not help the acting manager to improve or develop the service.

p.8

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There are positive relationships between the acting manager and other professionals. One professional said, ‘Communication between us is really good. I am always kept informed. Therefore, I am alerted to any concerns or positive aspects.’ She also expressed her gratitude for the acting manager’s quick action in ensuring that the young person’s educational needs were being met.

p.8

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There have been no serious incidents to report since the home’s last inspection. The acting manager has not had any reason to challenge the local authority or professionals Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 9 about the services that the young person receives. However, the acting manager is fully aware of his responsibilities in these areas.

p.8

The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The acting manager and the staff team are committed to the young person. They are able to demonstrate the progress that the young person has made over time. They work hard to ensure that they work closely with other professionals and the young person’s extended family in order to improve the young person’s life chances.

p.9

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 difference 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.9

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: SC457433 10

p.9

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Cambian Childcare Limited

p.10

Children’s home details

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

p.10

Inspector

Pam Nuckley, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC457433 11 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.

p.10

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 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.11

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.11

Inspector

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

p.11