Children's home run by Living Life (UK) Limited in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for children’s home: SC481844 1 SC481844 Registered provider: Living Life (UK) Limited Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

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

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is registered with Ofsted and is suitably qualified and experienced.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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good

How well children and young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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good

The children’s home provides effective services that meet the requirements for good.

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC481844 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/07/2021 Full Good 21/01/2020 Full Requires improvement to be good 25/07/2018 Full Outstanding 13/06/2017 Full Outstanding Inspection report for children’s home: SC481844 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s experiences and progress have been variable. However, overall, they have been well supported by a knowledgeable and consistent staff team. Children have developed positive and trusting relationships with staff, which has led to them being more able to discuss things that are important to them. This has allowed staff to be better able to support children in their daily lives.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Some good progress has been made by one child with their education. They have successfully completed their GCSE exams. They were unable to engage with further education or employment. Another child started school, but the school was unable to meet their needs. The child is now having blended learning of formal and informal at home. The manager has advocated strongly and worked with external professionals to try and access appropriate education for the children. The manager has requested a review of education, health and care plans to ensure that all relevant information is included.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children engage in a range of activities in the home and community. One child has been supported to contribute to charitable work, including a sponsored event to raise money and donating items to a local food bank. This supports children to become connected to their communities and learn about society. Children are encouraged to pursue hobbies and interests through joining local clubs or participating in regular activities, such as swimming and cycling. This encourages an active and healthy lifestyle.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s health needs are well met, and the manager works closely with external agencies to access additional support when needed. Children’s emotional health has improved. If any concerns have emerged about their emotional health, these have been well managed. Staff have received additional training and guidance, which means that they have improved skills and understanding of how best to support children’s needs. This has led to a reduction in the frequency and intensity of some incidents.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have a voice in how the home is run. They are regularly consulted with about their care and the day-to-day functioning of the home. Complaints have been well managed, including thorough investigations, and children are made aware of the outcomes and have these explained to them. Children have a good relationship with the external visitor, who comes to the home monthly. They share concerns and complaints with them, which are then discussed with the manager. This means that children feel listened to and are more willing to disclose any concerns they may have.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

One child had an unexpected ending to their time at the home due to being the subject of some bullying behaviour towards them. A good transition plan was put in place and the child moved to another of the provider’s homes in the same area. This Inspection report for children’s home: SC481844 4 meant that the child already knew the new staff and children, which led to the child settling quickly. The manager has carried out a detailed evaluation which will help when planning for a new child moving to the home.

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

Incidents are well managed and subject to management scrutiny. At times, physical intervention has been used to manage children’s behaviour. The manager has carried out an analysis of incidents to identify patterns and trends. This has led to adaptations in staff’s care practice. Staff have received additional training, and specific support plans have been implemented to improve practice. As a result, incidents have started to reduce, particularly in their duration and intensity.

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

There is a protocol for the management of allegations. The manager works closely with external safeguarding professionals to manage and respond to any allegations. These are well managed and ensure that children are safe.

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

Risk assessments are individual to the child. They are detailed and regularly reviewed. Staff know and understand children’s risks and vulnerabilities and have a range of strategies and protocols for managing these. External agencies have been consulted with in implementing safety plans. This means that children’s needs are considered holistically.

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

Staff work closely with children in helping them to understand the impact of behaviours on themselves and others. Children are helped to identify more effective ways of communicating when they are angry or distressed. Children are supported to understand the risks they may encounter when online. There are measures in place to protect children from these risks.

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

There has been some bullying behaviour in the home which has impacted on children’s relationships with each other. This led to a child moving out of the home due to the impact on their emotional well-being. Work is being carried out with children to improve their understanding about relationships and social interactions.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is dynamic, child centred and reflective in their practice. They provide strong leadership and are supporting the home and the team to continuously develop and improve. The manager understands the strengths and weaknesses and is proactive in implementing systems and processes to monitor the quality of care being provided. The staff are well supported by the management team and senior managers. They have high expectations around staff practice and are aspirational for the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager uses current research to inform working practices. As a result, children’s plans and care have improved. For example, the manager has implemented a support plan that is based on the impact of a child’s adverse experiences on their emotional health. This provides staff with an understanding of Inspection report for children’s home: SC481844 5 how best to support a child and meet their needs. Another example is an analytical and evaluative report on a child’s time at the home which recently ended. The manager identified areas for learning and risk management, which will provide support when planning for a new child to move to the home.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is well respected by the team. Staff have trust in her and feel well supported. As a result, morale is high. Staff benefit from regular and reflective supervision sessions. They are given tasks and targets to help them develop in their roles. Therefore, staff are invested in the home and the manager’s vision.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff have access to a wide range of training opportunities and courses to help them develop their knowledge and skills. The manager uses team meetings to share current research and additional training to further develop the care practice. All staff have their performance reviewed annually. The manager uses this as an opportunity to reflect and support staff to improve further.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The manager is an integral part of multi-disciplinary teams and works well with external professionals. They appropriately challenge when necessary to ensure that children’s needs are fully met, and care is kept under regular review. Professionals who were spoken to gave positive feedback about the manager. Inspection report for children’s home: SC481844 6

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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 for children’s home: SC481844 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Living Life (UK) Limited

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: 60 Overstone Road, Sywell, Northampton NN6 0AW

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Children’s home details

Responsible individual: Lorraine Andrews-Miller

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Inspector

Sarah Orriss, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC481844 8 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.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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