Children's Home run by Autism Initiatives (UK) in Sefton

Inspection report children’s home: SC425985 1 SC425985 Registered provider: Autism Initiatives (UK) Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private company. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven young people who have an autism spectrum disorder. The current manager was registered with Ofsted in November 2017.

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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 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 is led by a highly committed and passionate registered manager. She has been the driving force in changing and improving the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are happy and enjoy very positive relationships with the staff. Young people were observed confidently interacting with staff; for example, making choices about their evening meals and activities. One young person told me that, ‘I would have to say that they are good. I think that they look after me well.’

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two young people have moved into the home since the previous inspection. They are Inspection report children’s home: SC425985 2 happy and settled, which is largely due to the thorough transition planning and support offered to them and their families. For one young person, this means that he is now able to spend more time at home with his family and is well on his way to achieving his goal of moving back home. His school has recognised the positive changes in him since he came to live here. This is reflected in the significant reduction in incidents in school that result in physical intervention.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

A young person is moving into the home in the next few weeks. Careful planning has been undertaken to ensure that this runs smoothly for them. His parents have been instrumental in helping to prepare his new bedroom, including choosing the wallpaper and soft furnishings.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager is continually challenging one placing authority about its lack of planning for a young person who is due to move to adult services. There are real concerns in the home about the support being offered to him. A new home and provider have been identified. However, the new provider is unable to take the young person until next year. This is problematic as the young person leaves school in July 2019. The registered manager has raised her concerns with the commissioner, as have the young person’s parents. The organisation is now looking at an internal adult placement for him at the request of the placing authority.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are increasing in confidence, self-esteem and independence. This is because of the comprehensive plans and strategies that are implemented effectively by staff. These strategies encourage young people’s independence in line with their skills and abilities. For example, one young person complained that he did not have matching socks. Staff worked well with him to draw up a plan so that he could learn to do his laundry and how to match his socks. He is now completing these tasks on a regular basis with minimal support. Young people are encouraged to help to keep their rooms tidy and this is an ongoing process for them. The home is maintained well and provides a warm, homely environment for young people.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are numerous changes in the paperwork since the last inspection and additional revised forms are to be implemented in April. The registered manager and staff said that this has helped to streamline the amount of paperwork and has focused their thinking. As a result, record-keeping is improving and risk assessments are now read, signed and dated by all staff. One young person is keen to have his say in the plans written about him. He is carefully consulted on all aspects of his care. This gives him a sense of ownership and provides him with the reassurances that he needs about what is happening and why. The registered manager said that the next step is to give him a child-friendly copy of his plan that he can keep in his room.

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and young people since the most recent full inspection

The statement of purpose has been rewritten and accurately reflects the care and support offered to all young people. This is kept under regular review, and a copy is sent to HMCI as and when there are any changes. The workforce development plan now reflects the staff’s training and proposed training as well as the timescales for supervision for new and existing staff, induction, the probationary period and the disciplinary process. This has enhanced transparency. Inspection report children’s home: SC425985 3 The registered manager is well aware of the strengths of the service and has plans for further development. For example, proposals for the development of the rear garden to make this a more active area for the young people are being developed. The registered manager makes good use of internal and external monitoring to drive forward improvements and to enhance the outcomes for young people.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

20/06/2018 Full Good 30/01/2018 Interim Sustained effectiveness 14/06/2017 Full Requires improvement to be good 27/03/2017 Interim Declined in effectiveness

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Statutory requirements

No requirements were identified at this inspection.

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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. Inspection report children’s home: SC425985 4 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: Autism Initiatives (UK)

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Sefton House, Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside L30 4XR

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Katharine Silver

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Inspector

Chris Scully, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC425985 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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