Children's home run by The National Autistic Society

Inspection report children’s home: SC485659 1 SC485659 Registered provider: National Autistic Society Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides both long-term placements and short breaks to children who have autism spectrum disorder. The home is operated by a national charity. The manager was registered with Ofsted in September 2018.

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Information about this children’s home

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Information about this children’s home

Enforcement action since last inspection: none

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged requires improvement to be 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 registered manager has continued to drive improvement. He has made good use of expert advice and guidance in relation to autistic spectrum disorder, as well as the independent visitor’s views, to develop the service. Most significant has been the considerable improvement to the building. Refurbishment and redecoration has created colourful, homely and more open communal spaces. A member of staff said that children ‘are calmer and more engaged’ due to changes in their home. Children’s bedrooms are decorated individually, with furnishings reflecting their interests and personalities. Some children now choose to spend more time in their rooms as a result. Children’s files have improved. Staff now have access to clear, concise information about Inspection report children’s home: SC485659 2 children in a simple format, including attractive health passports. This helps to ensure that all staff are aware of children’s changing needs.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children enjoy a reasonable range of experiences and activities. Staff prepare toys, activities and healthy snacks for children to help their transition from school to the home. Some children learn useful independence skills, for example by helping staff to lay the table for dinner and then clearing tables afterwards. The registered manager continues to recruit to the staff team, aiming to convert agency staff to permanent appointments. A member of staff described ‘a huge improvement’ to the sufficiency and stability of the staff team. Staff manage children’s behaviour calmly and positively, using praise and encouragement. They recognise children’s non-verbal communication, for example when they are making ‘happy’ sounds. Some records of physical intervention do not include enough detail to ensure that managers can scrutinise these effectively. The registered manager and staff work effectively with other professionals and parents,

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

welcoming their feedback. The registered manager works closely with the headteacher. However, he does not benefit from direct supervision from someone experienced or qualified in providing children’s homes.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

31/07/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good 21/02/2018 Interim Declined in effectiveness 12/09/2017 Full Requires improvement to be good 30/01/2017 Interim Improved effectiveness

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Recommendations

 Records of restraint must be kept and should enable the registered person and staff to review the use of control, discipline and restraint to identify effective practice and respond promptly where any issues or trends of concern emerge. The review should provide the opportunity for amending practice to ensure it meets the needs of each child. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 49, paragraph 9.59) Specifically, ensure that all necessary details are included in records of restraint. Inspection report children’s home: SC485659 3  The registered person must have systems in place so that all staff, including the manager, receive supervision of their practice from an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, which allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children assigned to their care. (‘Guide to the children’s homes regulations including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.2)

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Recommendations

Specifically, ensure that the registered manager receives supervision from a person with appropriate experience and qualifications.

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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’. Inspection report children’s home: SC485659 4

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: National Autistic Society

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: National Autistic Society, 391-393 City Road, London EC1V 1NG

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Inspectors

Jacqueline Graves: social care regulatory inspector Patrick Sullivan: regulatory inspection manager Inspection report children’s home: SC485659 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 children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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