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

Inspection report children’s home: SC407787 1 SC407787 Registered provider: Priory Education Services Limited Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home is privately owned by a large organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six children who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties and may also display other complexities, such as low-level mental health and learning difficulties. The home is linked to a specialist school operated by the same organisation, which the children attend. The manager registered with Ofsted in October 2019.

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Inspection date: 18 February 2020

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children’s home: SC407787 2

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children 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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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children enjoy living in this home. They have great relationships with staff and experience new things. One child said ‘It was the best day of my life’ after going to the beach for the first time. Another child relishes the opportunity to do outdoor activities as part of a national organisation with informal education. A placing social worker said, ‘The staff have done really well to build relationships with [name] and ensure his individual needs are met.’ Children make good progress in many areas. They develop constructive relationships with each other and are able to participate in group activities. They develop practical independent living skills as well as independence such as travelling alone to see their family. Children have a voice. They say that they can approach any staff with their concerns, confident that they will be listened to and taken seriously. They have advocates that they talk to on a regular basis. On the rare occasion that children

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

make a formal complaint, the registered manager ensures that this is investigated thoroughly, and the child is satisfied with the response. Staff demonstrate an understanding of the underlying psychological reasons for negative behaviour. They respond to children who are experiencing distressing feelings with understanding and acceptance. It is worthy to note that staff who have been on the receiving end of violent behaviour respond with warmth and nurture. It is evident that this caring approach spills over into providing a convivial environment. For example, staff provided fake candles to provide a relaxed ambience in the lounge. Children’s emotional well-being improves. The introduction of a positive memory book helps children reflect on their past successes. This leads them to apologise to the staff for any negative behaviour. Children do not need to resort to previous high- risk self-harming behaviour.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management team has developed an internet-safety awareness package with child-friendly tools to keep children as safe as possible online. Children are engaged fully with this approach, demonstrating an understanding of the risks. This is a home that is not risk averse, as children work toward having their own smartphone or to do online gaming, when previously they have placed themselves at significant risk in the cyber world. The registered manager works well with other agencies. For example, police have visited to talk to the children about potential consequences of behaviour. This allows children to reflect on their actions without being criminalised. Children are motivated to do better next time. Inspection report children’s home: SC407787 3 The registered manager ensures that children and young people are debriefed after any physical intervention. She has excellent oversight of such events, analysing and

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

identifying themes. She understands the reasons for spikes in behaviour. She develops strategies and targets resources to help children at these times. Key workers play an important role in the process, having conversations that are linked to events and incidents. The number of physical interventions is relatively small. The previous requirement is met. The registered manager reviews all incidents, reflecting on events and the staff approach. She ensures that there is learning to inform future practice. This reduces the potential for recurrence. The registered manager has a good grasp of the strengths and weaknesses of the home. She is determined that children have top-quality care. She is developing a retention plan for staff and has identified the bespoke training needs. She has a proportionate approach when staff practice needs improving. This provides for a psychologically safe work environment where ideas and suggestions are welcomed

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

to improve the lives of the children. Inspection report children’s home: SC407787 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

09/05/2019 Full Good 15/05/2018 Full Requires improvement to be good 30/05/2017 Full Good 08/03/2017 Interim Sustained effectiveness Inspection report children’s home: SC407787 5

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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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, 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: SC407787 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: Fifth Floor, 80 Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UD

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Inspector

Keith Riley, social care inspector Inspection report children’s home: SC407787 7 to 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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Inspector

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