The Newman Holiday Trust

Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: The Newman Holiday Trust 1 The Newman Holiday Trust

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Registered provider: The Newman Trust Full inspection Inspection under the social care common inspection framework

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disabled children

The Newman Holiday Trust is a registered charity which provides summer holidays for disabled children. The trust provides seven one-week holidays a year at various venues in England and Scotland. It aims to provide a range of activities and experiences for disabled children who may not otherwise have a holiday.

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disabled children

The manager has been registered with Ofsted since 2014.

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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 residential holiday scheme for disabled children provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the residential holiday scheme contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: The Newman Holiday Trust 2

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outstanding

Children told inspectors they enjoyed their holiday immensely. It is tailored to everyone’s needs and abilities. They experience a wide variety of activities both on and off site. One child said, ‘I am having lots of fun.’ Another said, ‘It’s great here.’

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outstanding

Inclusivity is a high priority. This ensures everyone embraces the whole experience of the children’s holiday. Children make their own choices, irrespective of their disability. One parent said, ‘If I won the lottery, I would donate all the money to the charity. They are beyond amazing for giving up their time to become volunteers.’

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outstanding

Leaders carry out home visits where they gather information and meet the children and parents. Extra information is also sought from medical practitioners and education partners. As a result, helpers have detailed knowledge of the children from the start. Helpers gain an impressive understanding of children’s likes and dislikes. This helps cater to children’s interests. Helpers send out illustrated short stories that describe social situations to prepare children. This helps children to understand what the holiday environment and the bedrooms look like.

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outstanding

Children have excellent access to a wide range of health services, including qualified on-site nurses. Health problems are well managed. The skilled nurses assist children who have complex needs and learning disabilities. They establish strong connections with parents and other health professionals. This ensures continuous healthcare.

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outstanding

Helpers’ abilities match well with children’s needs. There are enough helpers to meet each child’s needs, even those needing extra help. Helpers are deployed effectively to provide continuous and suitable care and protection.

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outstanding

The environment is friendly and full of laughter, fun and encouragement. Children were observed to have warm and trusting relationships with the helpers. The skilled helpers are extremely enthusiastic. Inspectors observed children enjoying their time on the bouncy castle, making slime, and taking part in songs and swimming activities. Each year, the holiday has a theme for the week. This year’s theme was heroes and villains. Children designed masks and capes in the arts and crafts activities sessions. They wear their outfits to the disco at the end of the week.

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outstanding

Sleeping arrangements are carefully considered. This is to ensure that children are comfortable and settled. These arrangements are reviewed throughout the week. Helpers take prompt action when children are unsettled or anxious. This is to ensure that others are not disturbed.

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outstanding

One parent explained her anxiety about how her children would sleep. The allocated helpers reassured the parent at every step. She was reassured that her children were sleeping well and enjoying their activities. Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: The Newman Holiday Trust 3 Helpers are considerate of children’s dietary needs and requirements. A range of information is shared with the on-site catering team so they can provide high-quality food that everyone can enjoy.

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outstanding

Excellent and robust safeguarding practices ensure children are safe. Helpers fully understand their roles and responsibilities to keep children safe from harm. Effective practices such as high helper-to-child ratios ensure that children do not go missing.

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outstanding

High-quality risk management plans detail the risks posed to children. This means staff can give children opportunities to take carefully assessed risks, including trying new activities such as visits to theme parks, sitting around a campfire and going swimming.

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outstanding

The response to safeguarding concerns is effective. Information-sharing with safeguarding agencies ensures a transparent approach. Records are well documented. Furthermore, staff track children’s health. They ensure illnesses or accidental injuries receive appropriate treatment.

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outstanding

Leaders and helpers are selected and vetted to ensure that they are suitable to work with vulnerable children. This process ensures staff have the relevant skills, experience and motivation. There are enough helpers to meet each child’s needs, even those needing extra help. Helpers are deployed effectively to provide continuous and suitable care and protection.

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outstanding

Many children are dependent on highly competent helpers to support their intimate care needs. Children are always provided with privacy and dignity.

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outstanding

Experienced nurses oversee medication administration. They ensure effective healthcare for children with diverse needs and learning disabilities. They establish vital connections with parents and healthcare professionals, ensuring uninterrupted care. Medication safety is a priority. This includes secure storage and tailored administration, in line with medical guidance.

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outstanding

Positive behaviour is promoted. Helpers are skilled in de-escalating situations with the use of distraction techniques, change of helper and humour. This prevents children from becoming further distressed. This year leaders have created a ‘chill- out’ space where children have a safe place they can take themselves to. This helps keep anxiety to a minimum. Additionally, helpers are creative in situations that may benefit children. For example, one child had the opportunity to lead a science activity. The child usually struggles to move from one activity to another. However, enabling the child to be in charge of the activity helped her manage her anxiety. Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: The Newman Holiday Trust 4

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There is a suitably experienced registered manager. She has been in post for several years. The culture is one of high aspiration for all. Leaders and managers are inspirational. They work tirelessly to ensure effective collaboration. Feedback from parents was extremely positive and they spoke about the value of the holidays for them as a family.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Inspectors observed exceptional practice. Children receive support from enthusiastic and dedicated helpers. The helpers are well prepared for supporting children. They know the children’s needs and have the right training, including safety and practical skills. Each helper is paired with a child for most of their time on the holiday. This helps children receive high-quality care and promotes their welfare from a consistent person.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The statement of purpose is clear. This means that parents, carers and other professionals are clear about the aims and objectives of the scheme.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and managers learn from practice and feedback. The charity trustee visits to look for areas for development. These processes promote improvement.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Leaders and managers check the quality of care provided. For example, ‘evening thought’ sessions take place daily. This enables the volunteers to reflect on the day and make required changes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Helpers can use a variety of communication methods. The day’s activities and routines are displayed on a wall. This provides an effective visual aid and helps children understand the day’s events. Helpers encourage children to share their views on all aspects of their holiday.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Children’s plans and records are clear and up to date. The records provide good detail and information to help understand each child’s needs. Helpers write a diary for children throughout the holiday. This is something the parents can read and share with their child. Children’s achievements are celebrated at an awards ceremony at the end of the holiday. Each child receives a group photo as a memento of their experience.

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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 Residential Holiday Schemes for Disabled Children (England) Regulations 2013 and the national minimum standards. Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: The Newman Holiday Trust 5

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Residential holiday scheme for disabled children details

Responsible individual: Anand Chitnis Registered manager: Judith Wardlaw

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Inspectors

Judith Birchall, Social Care Inspector Jennifer Quest, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: The Newman Holiday Trust 6 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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