Children's Home run by Semi-independent House Limited in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 1 Registered provider: Semi-Independent House Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

p.1

Information about this children’s home

This home is owned by a private provider and is registered to provide care for children who may experience social and emotional difficulties.

p.1

Information about this children’s home

There are two registered managers, and both are suitably qualified and experienced. One manager was present throughout this inspection. The other manager is currently working as a member of staff, although remains jointly responsible for the inspection outcomes.

p.1

Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

p.1

requires improvement to be good

How well children and young people are helped and protected requires improvement to be good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers requires improvement to be good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

The children’s home is not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people. However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.

p.1

requires improvement to be good

Date of last inspection: 23 February 2022

p.1

requires improvement to be good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

p.1

requires improvement to be good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 2

p.1

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

23/02/2022 Full Good 12/06/2019 Full Good 27/02/2019 Interim Declined in effectiveness 03/09/2018 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 3

p.2

improvement to be good

Children’s progress and experiences are variable, particularly in relation to their education. Staff know the children well and provide nurturing care. Children have developed some positive and trusting relationships with staff. As a result, children will actively seek support from staff. Children have developed strategies for managing difficult feelings and emotions. This is helping them to become more settled.

p.3

improvement to be good

The physical environment is homely, but some outstanding maintenance work impacts on the overall presentation of the home. For example, areas of water damage in a child’s bedroom and the lounge have not yet been redecorated. A bathroom has mould above the shower, which is unpleasant and could be a hazard to health. The manager and team have redecorated some areas of the home. However, this is an onerous task for the manager and staff when they are also providing care and support to the children at the same time.

p.3

improvement to be good

Staff are not consistently following a child’s assessment and plan in relation to monitoring and recording their food and fluid intake. This prevents clear oversight from health professionals who have requested this information. Not all staff have a suitable first-aid qualification. This means, at times, there is not a qualified first aider in the home.

p.3

improvement to be good

Children know how to make complaints. However, a complaint made by a child to their social worker was not appropriately managed or investigated. The manager failed to take any action in response to the complaint or in sharing the details with senior management. There was a lack of challenge by the manager in how this complaint was addressed. As a result, the child did not receive an outcome or information about how the complaint had been managed. This means that children’s views were not considered, and this has the potential to allow poor practice or safeguarding concerns to go unchallenged. This could place children at risk of harm.

p.3

improvement to be good

Overall, the children have suitable education plans, although children’s attendance and attainment are inconsistent. One child, who recently left the home, did not have suitable or structured education provision. This led to the child disengaging from education. The manager worked with external professionals to try and secure an appropriate education provision. The manager also tried to provide the child with alternative informal education and physical activities. A child who recently moved into the home has maintained their original school placement. This provides consistency and stability for the child, which is positive for them. Another child, who had previously not been in a mainstream school, is now accessing a local education provision. The manager is working closely with other professionals to ensure that the child is supported. Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 4 Children have access to a range of clubs and activities in the community. Children

p.3

improvement to be good

are enrolled at the local leisure centre. They have access to a range of classes and the swimming pool. One child attends a local drama group and has participated in productions.

p.4

improvement to be good

Children are helped to stay in touch with people who are important to them. As a result, for some children, family relationships have improved. They are having regular family time which is positive for all.

p.4

improvement to be good

Children’s health needs are well met, particularly around their emotional health and well-being. The manager works with external professionals to access additional support for children. Concerns around self-injurious behaviours have been responded to swiftly. As a result, children are safer and more able to talk about things that are concerning them.

p.4

improvement to be good

One child had an unplanned ending to their time at the home as the manager felt they were unable to continue to keep the child and others safe. The transition was positive, and the child enjoyed a farewell tea with staff. A child who has recently moved into the home has settled well and says that they are happy.

p.4

improvement to be good

The children’s risk assessments are confusing and contradict information in other plans. Staff do not consistently follow risk management strategies. On one occasion, this led to a child going missing. Staff did not follow the agreed plan and the child was left unsupervised after leaving the home. This had the potential to place the child at risk of harm.

p.4

improvement to be good

There have been several allegations about staff. In most cases, these have been managed appropriately. Relevant safeguarding professionals have been informed and have given guidance to the manager. On one occasion, a safeguarding concern raised by an external person was not responded to in a timely way. The manager began their own investigation prior to informing a senior manager or external safeguarding professionals. This has the potential to hinder any external investigation.

p.4

improvement to be good

On another occasion, concerns about a staff member’s practice were raised and the manager took appropriate action. The manager was not involved in the investigation as this was carried out by the human resources department, and they were not informed of the outcome. The staff member transferred to another home without the manager’s knowledge. The manager is not satisfied that their concerns were adequately addressed by senior managers.

p.4

improvement to be good

Staff manage worrying incidents involving children well. They have used de- escalation techniques to prevent any serious escalations in behaviour. On one occasion, staff used a physical restraint to prevent a physical altercation between children. This was appropriate action to prevent harm. However, the staff member Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 5 was not trained to use physical intervention. The management oversight and evaluation failed to reflect this concern or if any lessons were learned around risk management of children’s relationships.

p.4

improvement to be good

The manager has a good relationship with the local police. They have been supportive to the home in managing incidents of concern around inappropriate use of social media. When concerns have arisen, the manager has implemented plans and risk assessments to ensure that children are kept safe. Targeted work with children is helping them to understand how to keep themselves safe online.

p.5

improvement to be good

Recruitment of new staff has not consistently followed safer recruitment practices. For example, one member of staff had a significant gap in their employment history that had not been considered. For another staff member, the reason for leaving employment in a similar role had not been explored. This has the potential to allow unsuitable adults to work with children in the home.

p.5

good

There has been a lack of senior leadership and practical support for the manager during a difficult period. The manager is regularly working several shifts a week to cover shortfalls in the rota caused by staffing shortages and difficulties in recruiting new staff. This has significantly impacted on the manager’s ability to carry out all their management tasks and provide effective oversight. There has also been an impact on the manager’s learning and development of the management role.

p.5

good

The manager is child-centred and committed to their role. They have a good relationship with the children and an understanding of their needs. The manager mentors and supports staff to develop their skills and knowledge. Staff receive regular supervision. However, not all staff, including the manager, have had an annual appraisal. This is a missed opportunity in supporting staff to progress and develop their learning and reflection on care practice.

p.5

good

Staff have access to a range of training, both online and face to face. The manager has scheduled additional workshops for staff with the psychotherapist to develop their understanding of children’s emotional health needs. Not all staff have completed mandatory training or refresher training in key areas such as safeguarding and child exploitation.

p.5

good

The manager works well with external professionals and is part of a multi- disciplinary team. Professionals spoken to by the inspector are positive about the care and commitment to the children provided by the manager and staff. They praise the communication, which they describe as ‘very good’. The manager keeps external professionals updated with any concerns.

p.5

good

There has been a delay in the manager receiving up-to-date care plans for the children. The home’s care plans are not concise and contain some information that is Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 6 no longer relevant or is contradictory to information in other plans. This prevents staff from having a clear understanding of children’s current needs. Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 7

p.5

Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the ‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

p.7

Requirement Due date

In meeting the quality standards, the registered person must, and must ensure that staff—

p.7

Requirement Due date

if the registered person considers, or staff consider, a placing authority’s or a relevant person’s performance or response to be inadequate in relation to their role, challenge the placing authority or the relevant person to seek to ensure that each child’s needs are met in accordance with the child’s relevant plans. (Regulation 5 (c))

p.7

Requirement Due date

This relates to the management of complaints made by children about the home. 1 April 2023

p.7

Requirement Due date

The protection of children standard is that children are protected from harm and enabled to keep themselves safe.

p.7

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to ensure—

p.7

Requirement Due date

assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child’s relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child;

p.7

Requirement Due date

have the skills to identify and act upon signs that a child is at risk of harm;

p.7

Requirement Due date

are familiar with, and act in accordance with, the home’s child protection policies;

p.7

Requirement Due date

that the home’s day-to-day care is arranged and delivered so as to keep each child safe and to protect each child effectively from harm;

p.7

Requirement Due date

that the premises used for the purpose of the home are designed, furnished and maintained so as to protect each 1 April 2023 Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 8 child from avoidable hazards to the child’s health. (Regulation 12 (1) (2)(a)(i)(iii)(vii)(b)(d))

p.7

Requirement Due date

In particular, this relates to ensuring that: staff follow risk assessments in place; risk assessments accurately record all risks and action to be taken; allegations or complaints about the home are appropriately managed; essential home maintenance is addressed.

p.8

Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the children’s home that—

p.8

Requirement Due date

helps children to fulfil their potential; and

p.8

Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

p.8

Requirement Due date

lead and manage the home in a way that is consistent with the approach and ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the home’s statement of purpose;

p.8

Requirement Due date

ensure that staff have the experience, qualifications and skills to meet the needs of each child;

p.8

Requirement Due date

ensure that the home has sufficient staff to provide care for each child;

p.8

Requirement Due date

understand the impact that the quality of care provided in the home is having on the progress and experiences of each child and use this understanding to inform the development of the quality of care provided in the home;

p.8

Requirement Due date

demonstrate that practice in the home is informed and improved by taking into account and acting on—

p.8

Requirement Due date

feedback on the experiences of children, including complaints received;

p.8

Requirement Due date

use monitoring and review systems to make continuous improvements in the quality of care provided in the home. (Regulation 13 (1)(a)(b) (2)(a)(c)(d)(f)(g)(ii)(h))

p.8

Requirement Due date

This relates to leadership and management oversight of the home. In particular, leaders and managers must ensure that: quality assurance processes are in place; staff receive all 1 April 2023 Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 9 relevant training; sufficient staff are employed to enable effective management oversight; complaints are managed effectively.

p.8

Requirement Due date

The registered person must recruit staff using recruitment procedures that are designed to ensure children’s safety.

p.9

Requirement Due date

employ an individual to work at the children’s home;

p.9

Requirement Due date

if the individual satisfies the requirements in paragraph (3).

p.9

Requirement Due date

full and satisfactory information is available in relation to the individual in respect of each of the matters in Schedule 2. (Regulation 32 (1) (2)(a) (3)(d))

p.9

Requirement Due date

In particular, this relates to obtaining a full employment history and verification, as far as practicable, for any person who has left a position that involves working with children or vulnerable adults. 1 April 2023

p.9

Requirement Due date

The registered person must ensure that a record is made of any complaint, the action taken in response, and the outcome of any investigation. (Regulation 39 (3))

p.9

Requirement Due date

In particular, this relates to any complaints made about the home from internal or external sources. 1 April 2023

p.9

Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that all staff have their performance and fitness to carry out their role formally appraised every year. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 61, paragraph 13.5)  The registered person should ensure that at least one person on duty has a suitable first-aid qualification. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 34, paragraph 7.13)  The registered person should ensure that all staff are trained in the principles of restraint and any restraint techniques used in the home. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 49, paragraph 9.57) Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 10

p.9

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 for children’s home: 1259547 11

p.10

Children’s home details

Registered provider: Semi-Independent House Limited

p.11

Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 51 Ploverly, Peterborough PE4 6HZ

p.11

Children’s home details

Registered manager: Rebecca Bushell and Hayley Couldridge

p.11

Inspector

Sarah Orriss, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: 1259547 12 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.11

Inspector

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.12

Inspector

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.12

Inspector

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.12