Children's Home run by GAC Family Services Limited in West Northamptonshire

Inspection report children's home: 2734662 1 Registered provider: GAC Family Services Ltd Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

This home is privately owned. It is registered to provide care for up to two children with emotional and social difficulties.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of the inspection there was one child living at the home.

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Information about this children's home

The home is led by a registered manager.

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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 good

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good

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

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good

Date of last inspection: not previously inspected

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: n/a

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children's home: 2734662 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

not previously inspected Inspection report children's home: 2734662 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child has good relationships with staff. She is comfortable being with staff and appears happy. Staff spoke warmly of the child and say they love working at the home. The child’s social worker said, ‘She is doing really well here, and I have no concerns at all.’

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s care plan is detailed and regularly reviewed. It covers all important areas of the child’s life. It is written directly to the child. There is also a very good child friendly version of the plan. It is written by the child and includes her opinions and feelings. Therefore, staff have clear guidance as to how best to care for the child.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s health needs are well met. They are clearly addressed in the care plans. Staff are encouraging the child to try new foods and eat healthily. The child is registered with a local doctor, dentist, and optician. Referrals for specialist health advice and support have been made when required. As a result, the child remains healthy.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is supported with her education by the manager and staff. This has included working to find a school placement. The child had previously had long periods without education. Staff have arranged to support the child in school. There are also plans in place for learning when not in school. This has helped the child to make progress in this important area.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child is offered a range of activities by staff. This has helped the child to enjoy new experiences such as a trip to a castle and ice skating. The child enjoys time listening to music in the car with staff.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

The child’s voice is heard through regular keywork sessions and children’s meetings. There is evidence of the child making choices about how the house looks. Her requests have been listened to and actioned by staff. The home has a model for reviewing progress called the rear-view mirror. It is creative and personalised.

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

Staff understand risks that may affect the child. An individual behaviour support plan includes assessments of risk. This gives clear advice to staff of how to recognise and respond to risk. The support the child needs following an incident is also identified.

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

Staff record any incidents in detail. All staff are trained in de-escalation techniques. The use of these has meant that incidents have not led to the need for physical intervention. However, oversight from managers recorded on a report is often just a summary of the incident. These limits learning from an incident and helping staff develop their practice further. Inspection report children's home: 2734662 4 The child has gone missing from the home. When this happens, staff follow clear procedures. This includes working with social workers and the police as required. There are close links with the police missing persons team. They hold a return interview with the child. The staff help the child to manage their time in the community. This reduces the known risks linked to children being missing from care.

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

The manager ensures that any allegations made by the child are taken seriously. Appropriate actions are taken, and investigations made. Safeguarding professionals are involved appropriately. As a result, the child is listened to and helped to remain safe.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home is led by a dedicated registered manager and deputy manager. They have high expectations and aspirations for the child and staff. They are aware of their own and the staff’s strengths and areas for development. The manager has recognised any shortfalls and has taken quick action to improve these areas. Although this is a new staff team, they are working very well together.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager is supported by an experienced responsible individual. He visits regularly. He recognises when an increase in visits and support is required. The manager receives monthly supervision. These are productive meetings with the responsible individual, discussing work and personal issues. This helps the manager to fulfil her role to a high level.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager ensures that staff are supervised regularly in line with the provider’s policy. Staff feel supported and can approach the manager and deputy manager whenever they need to. The records of supervision show the sessions would benefit from a clearer focus on the developmental areas for the staff member.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager ensures that team meetings are held regularly. They are effective meetings where staff can share their views and feelings. This has helped staff to work closely as a team and feel valued.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

There is a good induction in place for all new starters. This is recorded well in an induction booklet that is overseen by senior workers. There is also a comprehensive training package during induction and ongoing. Therefore, staff feel equipped to start their care of the child.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has quality assurance processes in place. This includes daily and weekly checks. There is also a detailed monthly audit completed by the responsible individual. There is clear evidence of management oversight on documents. The manager spoke of the importance of observing staff’s practice. As a result, the manager keeps informed of all aspects of life at the home for the child. Inspection report children's home: 2734662 5

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Recommendations

 The registered person should be skilled in anticipating difficulties and reviewing incidents, such as learning from disruptions. They are responsible for proactively implementing lessons learned and sustaining good practice. ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards,' page 55, paragraph 10.24)  The registered person must have systems in place so that all staff receive supervision of their practice, which allows them to reflect on their practice and the needs of the children assigned to their care ('Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards,' page 61, paragraph 13.2)

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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: 2734662 6

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Children's home details

Registered provider: GAC Family Services Ltd

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Unit 29a, The Link, 49 Effra Road, London, SW2 1BZ

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Inspectors

Shaun Caplis, Social Care Inspector Chris Haines, Social Care Inspector Inspection report children's home: 2734662 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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