Pennine View

Children live in a home that is full of laughter and positivity. They have strong, trusting relationships with staff. This helps children to continue to make exceptional progress in every area of their lives. All children were spoken to during this inspection. Children flourish and enjoy living in this home. Spending quality time with children is a priority for staff, who show a genuine interest in the children’s day. One child said, ‘There is nothing they could do better.’

Children feel valued and appreciated and seek out staff for reassurance and affection. Care and support are child-centred and highly individual. Staff understand how past experiences may affect the lives of children. One child said, ‘There is always someone to talk to.’ Another said, ‘Staff make lots of time for us, help with anything. When I struggle with stuff, they help me understand and when I feel more confident, I have a go myself.’

Children are supported with all aspects of their mental and physical health. Staff were described as ‘going the extra mile’ to ensure that children attend appointments and have positive family time. One parent said, ‘We get absolutely fantastic support.’ Staff and managers attend regular therapeutic meetings with, and for, children. Some meetings take place a long distance from the home. Staff work with external professionals to understand the children’s needs, learn how children can be better supported, and question what else they can do. There is a highly effective ongoing multi-disciplinary review of care for all children

Children make remarkable progress from their starting points. They are happy and settled. The children’s progress is significant. They attend school full-time, have improved health, and have built positive self-esteem and independence skills. Children respond to the high standard of consistent care that they receive from the long-standing, committed and child-centred staff.

Excellent educational attendance assists the children with their individual attainment and progression. Staff support children to attend additional lessons in English and mathematics in order to further help their achievements and goals. This ensures that they accomplish the grades required at GCSE and Foundation Level.

Children engage in everyday social and leisure activities that reflect their age, interests, and hobbies. Children like to spend time with their friends, along with going on structured activities such as youth clubs, girl guides, swimming and free running. These activities help to ensure that children have the same experiences as their peers.

Children are settled, and they are safe and secure. They respond to the trusting relationships that they have developed with staff. Significant incidents are rare, and when they do occur, immediate action is taken by the staff. The staff are proactive and put protective measures in place to keep children safe.

Children are very settled in this home. They respond to the consistent rules and boundaries that the staff put in place. Children state that they like time and space to calm when upset, and the staff make sure this happens. The children respond positively to being consulted about how staff should support them. The strategies used by the staff work and help the children to remain settled.