Children's Home, Residential special school run by MacIntyre Care in Buckinghamshire

Inspection report children's home: SC043994 1 SC043994 Registered provider: MacIntyre Care

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Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children's home

This children’s home is part of an independent school for children with autism and learning disabilities. The home provides care for up to 11 children across two houses.

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Information about this children's home

At the time of the inspection, eight children were living in the home. Three of the young people living in the home are over 18 years old.

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Information about this children's home

The inspectors only inspected the social care provision.

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Information about this children's home

The manager registered with Ofsted in December 2023.

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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: 21 November 2023

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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good

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report children's home: SC043994 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

21/11/2023 Full Good 09/08/2022 Full Good 09/06/2021 Full Good 21/10/2019 Full Requires improvement to be good Inspection report children's home: SC043994 3

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are well cared for by staff who are responsive to the children’s needs. Staff know the children well and are sensitive in their approach when caring for them. Children have busy and active lives and staff match the children’s active energy levels. Staff are quick to respond when children are distressed and comfort them.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children are making progress and are helped to develop their social, communication, and independence skills. One parent said their daughter had come on 'leaps and bounds'. The young person has developed self-care skills and are well prepared for adulthood.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Staff value children's voices and use individualised communication aids creatively to gain children's views. For example, one child is helped to express their views through story telling. Staff work with the organisations therapists to help children to develop their vocabulary. Children can regularly give their views on the home including activities, room décor and foods.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have a range of positive experiences. Children are supported by a diverse staff team who help them explore cultures and celebrate difference. Children recently explored the Jamaican culture and tried new foods. Children regularly go on activities away from the home. They go to trampoline parks, theme parks, farms, swimming, youth clubs and on holidays.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children attend the school on the same site and have good attendance and are making progress. During the school holidays children can still use the school facilities such as, trampolines and the sensory rooms.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children’s moves into and on from the home are well managed. When new children move into the home the manager meticulously assesses their needs. The other children’s needs are considered as part of this process. Parents and children are highly involved in the planning and decisions around their child's move. Staff work well with parents, social workers, and carers to share information. Plans are thoughtfully communicated to the child. This results in positive experiences for children and young people.

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Overall experiences and progress of children and young people: good

Children have quality time with their families. Staff promote lots of contact between parents and their children. Staff provide regular updates on the children's progress and weekly events.

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

Staff understand the vulnerabilities of the children. Staff recognise the children’s complex needs and regularly review the risks for them. Staff supervision and skilled intervention is used to reduce risks for children. The use of audio monitors is reviewed regularly with Inspection report children's home: SC043994 4 the suitable consents obtained. Safety plans are child-centred, offering clear guidance for staff. Plans are updated following incidents, ensuring plans and guidance are kept current and useful.

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

Staff respond well to children when they are distressed. A proactive approach is taken to helping children. Plans of care are developed with therapists and behaviour specialists. Physical interventions are rarely used. When they are used these are proportionate and for short periods of time. Managers speak with staff and children following incidents to look for lessons learnt. Parents and professionals are informed when a physical intervention is used.

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

Staff practice concerns are investigated fairly and robustly. There has been one allegation against staff. The allegation was managed well, and the local authority designated officer was consulted. When poor practice is found managers ensure children are safe with prompt action. Investigations are carried out fairly and lessons are learnt to improve practice.

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

Childrens health needs are well met. There are extensive plans to meet children's health needs. These plans are reviewed with a multiagency team and parents. Medications are managed well. When there are errors, these are investigated and changes to systems and practice reduce the likelihood of reoccurrences.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Since the last inspection there has been changes in the leadership team. The previous manager is now the responsible individual with a new registered manager has been appointed. The manager is experienced and qualified. They are present in the homes and know the children and staff well. A new deputy manager has been appointed to support the registered manager.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The manager has a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the homes. There are plans in place to continue to improve the quality of care for the children.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The staff team has increased since the last inspection in November 2023 and staffing levels are good. New staff are well inducted into the home and have a portfolio and workbook to aid their learning. The staff are led by two experienced team leaders providing mentoring and support for inexperienced staff. Staff report strong teamwork and say they 'love working in the home'.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff work well with other professionals and families. Professionals say children are supported by staff who know the children well. They report that communication is 'amazing,’ and one professional said the home is her favourite place to go.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff help children to complain. These are responded to promptly by managers and changes are made. One parent and their child complained about the quality of the internet connection, and this was rectified quickly. Inspection report children's home: SC043994 5 Staff say they are well supported. Supervision records are clear, and discussions are helpful for staff development. Safeguarding, staff well-being and the children are central to all discussions with staff. However, not all staff have received supervision and appraisals as often as the homes policy outlines.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff are positive about the training they receive. Not all staff have had training in specific areas such as autism and the homes model for communication. The impact of this is reduced due to the staff understanding the children’s needs well. But this is a missed opportunity to further strengthen practice.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The home environment is warm and welcoming. However, some areas are showing signs of wear and tear. The maintenance staff had left bags of kiln sand in the garden areas were children play. These were removed from the garden during the inspection and there was no risks to children. Inspection report children's home: SC043994 6

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Recommendations

 The registered person should ensure that staff have the relevant knowledge to care for children with autism spectrum disorder and model of communication. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 34, paragraph 7.12)  The registered person should ensure that staff receive regular supervision in line with the home's policy. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 61, paragraph 13.2)  The registered person should ensure all staff have their performance and fitness to carry our their role formally appraised once a year. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 61, paragraph 13.5)  The registered person should ensure that the home is a supportive environment with wear and tear attended to promptly and the home is kept clean. ('Guide to the Children's Homes Regulations, including the quality standards', page 15, paragraph

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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: SC043994 7

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Children's home details

Provision sub-type: Residential special school

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Children's home details

Registered provider address: Seebeck House, 1 Seebeck Place, Milton Keynes MK5 8FR

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Children's home details

Responsible individual: Jennifer Marshall

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Inspectors

Mark Dawkins, social care inspector Chris Warren, social care inspector Inspection report children's home: SC043994 8 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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