Children's Home run by Motivations Activity Projects Ltd in Sandwell

Interim inspection report children’s home: SC457013 1 SC457013 Registered provider: Motivations Activity Projects Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This children’s home is privately owned. Care is provided for up to three young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At the interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection in July 2017, one requirement and three recommendations were made. These are all met. Young people’s files now contain all essential paperwork. This means that staff have relevant and up-to-date information that enables them to meet young people’s needs. The organisation has employed a male member of staff. This new recruitment has helped to ensure that the staff team is balanced in terms of staff gender. All staff now have an annual appraisal, which helps to identify their strengths and areas for development. The home is currently undergoing a refurbishment. Staff have repainted most young people’s bedrooms, and carpets have been replaced. Young people have all personalised their bedrooms according to their individual tastes. As a result, young people now live in a more comfortable and relaxing place.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make excellent progress as a result of the care and support Interim inspection report children’s home: SC457013 2 they receive from staff. Staff develop positive, nurturing relationships with young people, which helps young people to feel safe and secure.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no changes in the group young people living at the home, and staff continue to work hard to meet their changing needs. All young people attend school, and their attendance and progress in education has improved. Managers have worked hard with other professionals to identify a suitable school for one young person who was struggling. He now attends a different school, more suited to his needs. His attendance has increased to 100%. Staff support his travel to and from school, and have provided him with suitable activities to enjoy on the journeys. This helps him focus positively on the day ahead, and arrive at school ready to learn.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people’s safety continues to be prioritised through thorough oversight by the registered manager. Since the last inspection, there have been a small number of incidents when a young person has gone missing from home. Managers and staff closely liaise with police, families and other agencies. This collaborative working helps to achieve positive outcomes. When the young person has returned home, staff and other professionals have worked with the young person to try to understand why he felt the need to go missing, and to identify potential triggers and risks.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work hard to involve young people in the day-to-day running of the home. Young people engage in regular one-to-one discussions with staff about a wide range of topics. These include communicating with adults and other young people, settling in to a new school and behaviour. Young people have the opportunity to discuss their worries, and receive reassurance from staff. As a result, young people recognise their achievements and the positive progress they are making.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff remain committed to helping young people develop a positive attitude to their health. Young people learn about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating. Young people continue to enjoy a range of activities including swimming, football and cadets. They get involved in community activities that help to broaden their horizons and help to develop interests away from the home. Consequently, young people forge good memories about their lives at the home.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Managers and staff continue to liaise with professionals and young people’s families, with young people’s safety and welfare in mind. A social worker said to the inspector, ‘I have nothing but praise for managers and staff. They work so well with me. My young person is so happy, his whole demeanour has changed.’

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager closely monitors the running of the service. Any identified shortfalls are immediately actioned. He is committed to developing the service with improved outcomes for each young person in mind. Staff are highly motivated and positive about being part of an organisation that strives to make a difference to each young person. Interim inspection report children’s home: SC457013 3

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

04/07/2017 Full Good 31/10/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 01/06/2016 Full Requires improvement 21/12/2015 Interim Declined in effectiveness

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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

This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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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’.

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Motivations Activity Projects Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Powell Studios, 33 Powell Street, BIRMINGHAM B1 3DH Interim inspection report children’s home: SC457013 4 Responsible individual: Jon Finn

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Inspector

Julia Wright, social care inspector Interim inspection report children’s home: SC457013 5 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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