Children's Home run by One To One Crisis Intervention Ltd in Devon

Inspection report children’s home: 1259216 1 Registered provider: One To One Crisis Intervention Limited

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care and accommodation for one child who may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and/or learning difficulties.

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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 good

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Date of last inspection: This is the first inspection since the home was registered

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: not applicable

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Enforcement action since last inspection:

None Inspection report children’s home: 1259216 2

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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

 The child is making excellent progress in all areas of his life because of the care, help and protection from staff. This progress has continued throughout the child’s time in this home, which amounts to over six months. There is evidence of improvements in educational engagement and attainment, and emotional and physical well-being, alongside the development of independence skills and the knowledge the child needs for the future. The child has thrived in this environment.

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Key findings from this inspection

 The staff team demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the child’s emotional needs and commitment to family. Staff use this understanding, underpinned by using research and reflective practice, to deliver individualised care to the child. Much of the staff’s practice is worthy of discussion and sharing with other children’s homes providers.

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Key findings from this inspection

 It is clear that the child living in this home is valued and nurtured by the adults. Attention to the little things that matter indicate how much the child is appreciated; one example includes a school photograph that takes pride of place on the office desk. The adults have created a real sense of belonging for the child.

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Key findings from this inspection

 Work in partnership with professional stakeholders is effective and ensures that all agencies are focused on the same goals and have a shared understanding of the needs and progress made by the child. Without exception, the feedback from professionals is complimentary and appreciative of the home and the quality of care.

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Key findings from this inspection

 A careful balance is achieved between helping the child to take age-appropriate risks and keeping him safe. Opportunities for the child to have increased freedom have been gradually introduced after careful assessment and discussion with the child. Staff make sure that the child is clear about what is expected and that he has sufficient information and understanding to be able to make informed choices.

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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 person should ensure that formal supervision is provided to the manager on a regular basis.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

N/A Inspection report children’s home: 1259216 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

This staff team provides the child with opportunities, support and guidance that are exceptional. The team meets the child’s needs, providing appropriate nurture in a homely, family environment where the child feels totally relaxed. The home is providing a perfect place where the relationships are not overbearing for the child and staff understand and do not compromise the child’s commitment to his own family. The progress made by the child has exceeded the expectations of other professionals working with him.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Small things matter in this home and they clearly make a difference to the child’s outcomes. The child’s welfare is at the centre of all decisions made. One example of this was seen during the inspection. Following a change in the staff team, the manager quickly texted the child to let him know, and made arrangements with someone liked by and known to the child to cover the change. This approach reduced any anxiety the child may have felt when he returned home.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The child arrived at this home with a reluctance to attend any health appointments, alongside concerns about a lack of exercise and poor self-esteem. Through effective, nurturing relationships the staff team has supported the child to attend health appointments and to increasingly value his own well-being. All health checks are now up to date and the child now takes an interest in his diet and attends a local gym regularly. On Boxing Day, the child took part in a sea swim for charity and is training to take part in the local ‘colour run’ for charity. Staff take part in these activities with the child to help develop his self-esteem and confidence. Consequently, his self-confidence has increased. A professional r described the child as less anxious and able to enjoy his childhood in a way that was not previously possible.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Prior to moving into this home, the child’s attainment in school had deteriorated. The child is now doing well and studying for exams. To support his attainment, the staff team arranged with the school to provide additional help with his studies. One of the carers in the home is also a qualified teacher and is helping and guiding other staff in the best ways to help the child with his revision. The school staff reported that they work in partnership with the home staff in supporting the progress made by the child. This avoids any issues that may have a negative effect on his learning.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The manager has made sure that the child’s cultural needs are well met. Photographs that are important to the child are placed around the home. Long-term friendships, made before the child moved in, are supported. Friends join the child on some activities, stay for meals and have stayed overnight. The child has also stayed out at friends’ houses. Staff work hard to ensure that he enjoys the same activities and opportunities as other children of a similar age.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

When possible, the staff team includes parents in decision-making and keeps them up to Inspection report children’s home: 1259216 4 date about how the child is doing and the progress being made. The home provides the child with a great place to meet with his brothers and sisters, an environment that is supportive and caring. They can play together or relax and just watch television.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Pets are an important part of this child’s life, and as such are allowed in the home. A hamster is much-loved and well cared-for, spending many an evening in the pocket of the child’s dressing gown. This provision has helped the child to understand the financial costs of keeping pets and how to look after them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Preparation for moving on from the home is an integral part of the staff team’s plans. The child is supported effectively to develop practical self-help skills and to take increasing responsibility. The child has access to the internet and a mobile phone; these are checked by adults to ensure that they are used safely. The staff focus on raising self- esteem and the confidence needed for the child to make safe choices. The child is able to try out new and exciting activities.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The manager and care staff understand the child’s previous history and experiences very well. They have taken all of these factors into account in understanding the child’s needs and planning for his care. The child’s day-to-day experiences are positive and supportive; he is able to express his feelings appropriately and feels valued and appreciated by the staff.

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

Risks are significantly reduced in this home because it provides for just one child at a time. There are no negative influences or competing needs from other children. The number of adults who care for the child is kept to a minimum, thereby maintaining strong interpersonal relationships and attachments. The child has grown in confidence and resilience as the focus of care and attention is dedicated to him.

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

Relationships in this home are mutually respectful. The child feels listened to and consulted about all aspect of the decisions that affect him. He can talk to any of the staff and feels safe, both in the home and when away from the staff.

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

Risk is carefully considered and managed, rather than avoided. Freedoms have been gradually introduced as the adults have got to know the child better and fully understand his needs. The child is supported to take age-appropriate risks. He spends time away from the home, often with friends in the community and occasionally stays out overnight at friends’ houses. Staff know where the child is and who he is with.

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

Staff think carefully about helping the child to stay safe when taking on new activities. For example, when considering whether the child could seek employment, the manager researched employment law for children, ensuring the health and safety of the child in a workplace and making sure hours worked were reasonable and would not interfere with revision and exams. Inspection report children’s home: 1259216 5 The staff respond to the child and behave like a good parent. The manager works effectively to negotiate relationships that may present a risk, also helping the child to understand relationships and manage risky situations. In addition, the staff speak to the parents of friends and make sure that the child is where he should be; staff provide a mobile phone for the child to keep in touch. When the staff members make decisions that the child does not like these are carefully explained to help him to understand what

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

the risks are and the reasons for the decision.

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

The staff discuss staying safe with the child and make sure that he is aware of dangers and can make informed choices. The staff talk openly with the child about using the internet and phone safely; they also talk about relationships, consent and sexual health.

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

Most staff work on their own with the child. Leaders and managers have ensured that the staff members have all attained a high level of training in respect of identifying risks and safeguarding children.

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

Staff manage behaviour in a way that focuses on positive relationships with the child. Boundaries and expectations are clear and understood. Staff quickly recognise the signs of increased anxiety or concern for the child; records about these signs are well documented so that each member of staff knows what to look for. Staff talk with each other about finding ways to respond effectively to these signs to avoid the child becoming more anxious. Rewards and praise are used often to encourage positive behaviour. It has not been necessary to use any form of restraint or physical intervention in this home because staff use creative ways to help the child and to de- escalate situations quickly.

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

Reflective practice is used well in both the supervision of staff and when staff assess the progress made by the child. Leaders, managers and staff provide an environment where the child feels safe, has found some stability and can thrive. There are no incidents of the child going missing from the home. This is a notable achievement, as prior to moving into this home the child frequently went missing.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is managed by an efficient registered manager. She holds the required childcare and management qualifications. She is a reflective practitioner who makes good use of research to continually inform and improve practice in this home. Her interactions demonstrate a commitment to the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The staff team is small and provides stability and consistency for the child; the team understands his needs and the care it provides is child-focused. The manager has ensured that staff are selected specifically in line with the needs of this child, taking into account the child’s background and recent history. Recruitment processes are safe and include rigorous vetting of potential staff. As an additional test of a candidate’s suitability, they are invited to take part in trial shifts. These shifts are appraised by managers and the child before the candidate is offered employment. Inspection report children’s home: 1259216 6 Mandatory training courses and specialist training are provided to staff, in order for them to develop the skills to meet the child’s needs. Alongside reflective supervision, the manager provides additional continuous learning opportunities for staff. Currently, they are all reading a book about ‘creating loving attachments’. Each member of the team has

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

been given a topic from this book to feed back on at the next team meeting. Previously, they looked at the inspection framework and talked with each other about what makes an outstanding children’s home. Staff use the learning from these activities to develop their own practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Prior to lone working with children, all newly appointed staff are assessed. They have to demonstrate their ability across a wide range of skills and complete essential training. A judgement is also made by the manager about the relationship the member of staff has with the child, to ensure that it is positive and appropriate. This practice helps to protect children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager and staff team have a good understanding of the progress made by the child. Staff keep a record of the improvements and achievements the child makes. Action plans are devised and targets are set to help the child make further progress. The manager uses the information from these records to update future plans and to provide reports to the placing authority, case-holders and commissioners. Regular communication with professionals ensures that the aims and objectives of the child’s placement are met and all parties are working together to improve outcomes for the child. Staff talk with the staff from the child’s school almost daily; this work has contributed to a turnaround for the child who was struggling to engage with education while living in previous homes. The child is now back on target to take several GCSEs, including exams in the three core subjects.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is subject to independent scrutiny and the reports completed provide updates to Ofsted and the manager about how the home is performing. The manager values this monitoring and acts quickly to rectify any concerns the visitor may identify.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The child feels listened to and involved in the decisions made about his life. The staff members take an interest in what the child has to say and regularly consult him about his experiences in the home. The child contributed to a recent meeting to devise the development plan for the home. Some records and charts have been changed because the child felt that they were not needed. The child now has a pool table and a football table following a request made about wanting to play these games with his friends and family when they visit.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is on a small private estate. Relationships with the neighbours are friendly and supportive. Inside, the home is clean, warm and cosy. It looks and feels like a well- maintained family home. It has been personalised throughout with belongings, photos and objects that are important to the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The frequency of supervision provided to the manager is not always timely. Currently, there have been some gaps in provision, which have left up to eight weeks between sessions. This has not had a discernible impact on the child but is not sufficiently Inspection report children’s home: 1259216 7 frequent to support the manager effectively in her role.

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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: 1259216 8

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: One To One Crisis Intervention Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 5 Newton Road, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 3AL

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Inspector

Janice Hawtin, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: 1259216 9 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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