Children's home run by Keys Care Limited in Belfast

Inspection report children's home: SC063959 1 SC063959 Registered provider: Bettercare Keys Ltd Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

The home is owned and operated by a private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to three young people. The young people may have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, including attachment difficulty.

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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

The home has maintained the high standards of care noted at the full inspection. Since then, measurable progress has been made. For example, despite periods of challenging and damaging behaviour, staff have remained supportive of young people. Staff guide them through their difficulties and this has helped because of the trust young people have ins staff. The strong relationships and bonds young people have developed with staff underpin the supportive environment they live in. As result and despite some setbacks, each young person in the home continues to progress in all areas of their life.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people recognise and appreciate the levels of support and lack of rejection they receive during difficult periods in their life. A young person told the inspector, `Staff here stick by you, even during the worst of times. I have a strong bond with all the staff’. Inspection report children's home: SC063959 2 Another said, `I love it here, I feel very safe.’ When summing up his views on the home, a social worker said, `Staff know [the young person] inside out. They work extremely well with him as they understand his needs and can anticipate and head off any potential trouble.’ He concluded by saying, `They are doing an absolutely fantastic job with him. He is a different person to the one when first admitted.’ A parent said, `I can’t fault anyone in the home. It’s been the right place for [my child]. They are very supportive of her and all of us.’

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have the experience, knowledge and understanding that allows them to manage challenging or upsetting behaviour well, in a supportive, non-punitive and non- judgemental way. For example, a new care plan format has been fully implemented since the previous inspection, with plans covering all areas of work and input a young person receives. Regular updates keep them current and provide evidence of the progress young people make as they journey through the home.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people are in stable, long-term placements. They benefit from being looked after by a stable staff team who they like. Education arrangements can be complex, but the manager and her staff have an excellent record in advocating strongly on behalf of young people and will work tirelessly to secure the right educational provision for all young people.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are well integrated into the community. They enjoy a range of activities that can on occasions, help them to plan for their future. For example, one spoke positively about his current educational placement which is helping to prepare and equip him for a career in the armed forces. Another described a range of community-based activities which he enjoys.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home provides young people with boundaries, giving them structure and routine. The ongoing communication levels between staff and young people are high, which enables young people to make choices and express opinions. As they progress, boundaries widen, allowing for greater independence.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Behaviour is well managed in a non-punitive environment. Staff have the skills, knowledge, confidence and ability to manage behaviour through their relationships and understanding of young people’s needs. Some very difficult and challenging events have been well managed. This allows young people to stabilise their behaviour quickly, without the fear of rejection.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

A tour of the home revealed that, overall, the standard of repair, fixtures, furnishings, décor and equipment is good. Young people do at times damage the property, but generally, repairs are completed quickly. Young people’s bedrooms are personalised to reflect the taste and interest of the occupant. However, both bathrooms are tired and in need of refurbishment.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from having a stable, well trained and experienced staff team looking after them. There have been few changes to the overall group of young people since the previous inspection, with the core staff team also remaining intact. Training of Inspection report children's home: SC063959 3 staff remains active, with a number of training events and courses completed since the previous inspection.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has a good record of compliance and has fully addressed the one requirement made at the previous inspection. This had led to improvements in the home’s statement of purpose, which now contains the staffing details required. Regular updates are being implemented, with copies of the revised statements being received by Ofsted.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

This was a positive visit that showed that the home continues to develop and move forward. Young people who have experienced difficult times, and who are coping with anxieties caused by past experiences, are being well looked-after and supported. As a result, they continue to progress in all aspects of their lives. Specialist input is in place to supplement the care given to them.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The report contains no requirements. One recommendation has been made, which is designed to improve the overall environment for young people.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

08/05/2017 Full Good 05/01/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness 07/06/2016 Full Requires improvement 03/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Recommendations

 Ensure that the home meets the young people’s basic day-to-day needs and provides a welcoming, supportive and homely environment. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.7) In particular, upgrade and refurbish both bathrooms. Inspection report children's home: SC063959 4

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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: Bettercare Keys Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Laganwood House, Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5NW

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Inspector(s)

Graham Robinson, social care inspector Inspection report children's home: SC063959 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(s)

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Inspector(s)

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Inspector(s)

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