Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund

Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund 1 Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund 9 Milton Road, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 4RE Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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disabled children

Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund is a charitable organisation which provides a summer holiday for disabled children and children with complex health needs and special educational needs. It provides a one-week holiday at a residential activity centre. It aims to provide a range of activities and experiences for disabled children who would not otherwise have a holiday.

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disabled children

The registered manager registered with Ofsted in 2014.

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disabled children

In 2021, the organisation expanded its services by introducing a one-week holiday option in both the South West and North West regions, caring for up to 30 children at each. The South West holiday takes place the week following the North West holiday.

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disabled children

The inspectors visited the children’s holiday scheme at Barnstondale Centre in the North West.

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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 Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund 2 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: Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund 3

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outstanding

During this inspection, children enthusiastically expressed their happiness about their holiday, through both their conversations and non-verbal cues. Parents were positive about the holiday scheme. One said, ‘My child experienced everything that a non-wheelchair user would experience.’ Another said, ‘Helpers are great. They make adaptations to ensure that all children enjoy the full range of all activities.’

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outstanding

Before each holiday scheme, the manager and helpers undertake meticulous planning for the assessment of each child. They conduct a comprehensive assessment of all children’s needs. The assessment is compiled during visits to children’s families, with the support of occupational therapists. This assessment is kept under review, and any new information added. This in an effective approach to getting to know children, which means that their care is very well planned.

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outstanding

Children are welcomed by dedicated helpers assigned to them based on their needs and helpers’ strengths. Helpers assigned to children remain with them for the entire holiday. This promotes positive trusting relationships and consistency for children.

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outstanding

There is an excellent range of on- and off-site activities. This year children were able to access a local youth zone. This enabled children to take part in inclusive sessions in a range of activities, regardless of their ability. These included accessible dance sessions, glo sports, using a climbing wall and taking part in arts and music sessions.

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outstanding

A high ratio of helpers to children, and an inclusive attitude and extensive planning, mean that the children get to try new activities and experiences. For example, one child expressed an interest in trying ballet lessons and was able to do this. Other children tried activities including a visit to a shooting range and archery centre, and enjoyed tractor rides. The wide range of activities is broadening the children’s experiences and increasing their confidence.

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outstanding

The children are supported to develop their social skills, interacting in a safe setting where they encourage one another. This environment encourages new friendships, thanks to the helpers who skilfully navigate group dynamics and display a keen understanding of the children’s needs. One parent said, ‘Each time [name of child] goes away, his self-confidence is boosted. He can play inclusively without barriers and do normal things like other children, even with his medical needs.’

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outstanding

The helpers adopt an inclusive approach to communication throughout the holiday. They use Makaton signing to complement verbal interaction. Pictorial symbols are employed to aid children in expressing their emotions and making decisions. One child was observed choosing an activity by indicating the corresponding picture that had been added to his communication device. Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund 4 As each day comes to an end, children and helpers gather to celebrate their accomplishments. They document their holiday experiences in their daily diaries. Many children return each year. One helper reminisced about their own time as a child at the holiday scheme. They are now invited to assist the current children during their holiday stay.

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outstanding

Proactive safeguarding practices ensure that all children, including the most vulnerable, are kept safe. Children and helpers know who to go to and are encouraged to report any concerns, however minor.

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outstanding

Children have their holiday in a specially equipped setting that meets their needs. High levels of adult support and an appropriately safe environment ensure that children can enjoy freedom of movement inside and outside of the accommodation. All activities are risk assessed and planned to accommodate each child’s specific needs and preferences. This increases children’s chances of safely trying a new experience.

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outstanding

When necessary, helpers gently redirect children to alternative activities. They provide children with options and alternatives, rather than imposing unnecessary boundaries. This allows children to flourish by exercising control over their day-to- day experiences. This promotes children’s self-esteem.

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outstanding

The children receive consistent and insightful help and support from well-trained and thoroughly briefed helpers. The reflection sessions at the end of the day include a review of planning for the next day, to capture any learning and feedback. This allows for responsive and proactive amendments to planning and contributes to the smooth running of the holiday.

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outstanding

The helpers ensure that the children feel safe and happy during their holiday. When children struggle with their emotions, staff are very sensitive to their needs and creatively help them to work through their emotions.

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outstanding

Positive approaches to supporting children are embedded in the practice of the team. Helpers are carefully recruited. In addition to necessary safeguarding checks, managers carefully explore their suitability to carry out the organisation’s approach to child-centred care. This was evident during the inspection, because all helpers engaged with children continually, proactively anticipating their needs and wishes.

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outstanding

The helpers promptly address all first-aid incidents with a calm and attentive approach. There is a dedicated team in charge of medication. They are trained to administer medication safely and are always available. As a result, medication is managed and administered very effectively. Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund 5

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Senior managers inspire the team and communicate their high aspirations and expectations effectively to all helpers. There are clear lines of accountability and highly effective oversight of the holiday. The managers and the helpers are reflective and innovative in their approach and support children to have fun in a safe environment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The helpers are confident and clear about their roles and responsibilities. This is supported by robust information and training before the holiday begins. Helpers are well equipped to meet the individual needs of the children. The helpers are supported by the effective mentoring and management arrangements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Experienced group leaders provide guidance and are positive role models for newer helpers. As a result, the helpers are extremely enthusiastic about their roles. The helpers say that they look forward to the holiday every year and the majority return year after year.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

A robust reflective approach is embedded in the helpers’ practice, from the newest helper to senior managers. Team reflection time is built in after each holiday, to celebrate what has gone well and to identify and reduce any challenges in the future.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Inclusion is central to the holiday scheme across all levels. Some of the holiday helpers were once participants themselves and are now assisting others. Managers actively help children who might otherwise miss out on the holiday, supporting diversity and bringing opportunities to those who would not typically have them.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The senior management team is present throughout the holiday and maintains strong and effective oversight of the day-to-day running of the holiday. This approach results in the holiday programme being very organised. The service review is comprehensive and adheres to regulations, and was provided to Ofsted for transparency, offering insight into the operational procedures of the scheme.

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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 are 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 Holidays for Disabled Children (England) Regulations 2013 and the national minimum standards. Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund 6

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Residential holiday scheme for disabled children details

Registered provider: Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund

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Residential holiday scheme for disabled children details

Registered provider address: 9 Milton Road, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 4RE Responsible individual: Charlie Bough Registered manager: Vincent Keating

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Residential holiday scheme for disabled children details

Email address: committee@heswallcamp.org.uk

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Inspectors

Jennifer Quest, Social Care Inspector Judith Birchall, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for residential holiday scheme for disabled children: Heswall Disabled Children’s Holiday Fund 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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