Children's home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Hammersmith and Fulham

Inspection report children’s home: SC476990 1 SC476990 Registered provider: Priory Education Services Limited

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven young people. This home is owned and operated by a private provider. Young people attend the provider’s registered school and other education provision. The registered manager is suitably qualified. He registered with Ofsted for this home in March 2015.

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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 outstanding

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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

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: SC476990 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/05/2018 Full Outstanding 10/10/2017 Full Outstanding 18/10/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 11/05/2016 Full Outstanding Inspection report children’s home: SC476990 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Young people make exceptional progress. With the help of staff, they develop self- awareness and confidence. Over time, they become more able to regulate their own behaviour, and this results in improved behaviours. Because of these changes, young people benefit from better relationships with their families. In some cases, young people return to the care of their families.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Young people are motivated and enthusiastic to achieve. One young person said: ‘This is the best home. Staff give you time and space. They give you more to work for and they give you incentives and treats.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The home provides medium- to long-term placements. Outcomes for young people are vastly improved due to stability of placements, the provision of in-house therapy and education. One independent reviewing officer commented on the progress of a young person as ‘life changing’.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

The educational attendance and engagement of all young people is excellent. From their starting points, all young people make excellent progress. In some cases, young people are expected to achieve examination results which are above the national average. All young people have tailored education plans which promote their individual potential.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Staff ensure that young people enjoy active recreational and social lives. They promote a wide range of stimulating activities, both in and outside of the home. Young people are involved in planning a residential outdoor pursuits holiday. This includes a range of mountain adventures, including abseiling, mountain biking and scrambling. This exciting and challenging opportunity will build skills and self-esteem. The staff team is participating in the experience, which will further reinforce bonds and shared experiences.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: outstanding

Young people benefit from excellent opportunities to develop independence skills. When they are ready, they can move into a nearby smaller home specifically designed to prepare young people for independence. This home is managed and staffed by the same team. One young person said: ‘I am very happy. I am ready for this move.’

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

Safeguarding practice in this home ensures that young people learn to keep safe and are kept safe.

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

The designated safeguarding officer for the local authority confirmed that the team practises effective, child-focused safeguarding. Allegations against staff are managed in accordance with guidance. Records of investigations demonstrate a thorough approach to managing concerns. Inspection report children’s home: SC476990 4 The police officer for vulnerable young people confirmed excellent partnership work and very few safeguarding issues. He said: ‘Staff and managers are dedicated to the welfare of the young people in their care.’

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

Physical interventions are only used when young people put themselves or others at risk of harm. The registered manager stringently monitors the use of physical intervention. Records show that he is unafraid to challenge staff practice. He ensures that physical interventions are only used when essential and in the best interests of young people.

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

Young people are rarely missing from this home. This is testament to the home being a welcoming and stimulating environment. The staff team members understand what to do when young people are missing from the home and they work in partnership with all agencies to fully adhere to protocols.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leadership and management arrangements provide a clear focus to drive continual improvement. The culture of the home inspires staff to help young people to reach their full potential.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager creates a strong ethos in the home to ensure child-centred practice. He is innovative and supports staff to find creative ways to help young people to achieve and be rewarded. The views of young people are central to the operation of the home. One young person said: ‘The manager treats staff the same as the kids. He listens to the kids as much as the staff.’

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The tenacious management team is highly effective in providing outstanding standards of care. Its members are receptive to constructive criticism and learn from inspections and monthly independent visits. This demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and development.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Internal monitoring is meticulous. The registered manager’s six-monthly reports are meaningful documents. They provide evidence of sustained high standards of care practice and improved outcomes for young people.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager secures positive relationships with partner agencies and schools. However, he is unafraid to challenge local authorities and agencies when decisions are not in the best interests of the young people. One professional said: ‘The care provided at this home is exceptional. They always advocate for the voice of the young person and challenge on their behalf when needed.’

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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 Inspection report children’s home: SC476990 5 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: SC476990 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Priory Education Services Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 80 Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UD

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Katherine Bridon

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Inspector:

Amanda Ellis, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC476990 7 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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Inspector:

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Inspector:

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