Newcombe Lodge

On this page

• Overview
• Assessing needs
• Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
• How staff, teams and services work together
• Supporting people to live healthier lives
• Monitoring and improving outcomes
• Consent to care and treatment

Children’s needs were assessed effectively using a multi-disciplinary approach. Therapy staff worked with support staff to ensure therapeutic interventions for each child were used consistently within the home. Various evidence-based methods were utilised for the children on an individual basis, meaning that a ‘one size fits all’ approach was not happening. Teams were effective working with each other and communication to partner agencies was effective.

Staff took time to understand the children’s needs and ensured their voice and consent was sought throughout their time at the home.

Find out what we look at when we assess this area in our information about our new Single assessment framework.

Staff assessed the physical and mental health of all children on admission. They developed individual care plans which were reviewed regularly through multidisciplinary discussion and updated as needed. Care plans reflected children’s assessed needs, and were personalised, holistic and recovery oriented. Sections within included clinical risk, placement plans, emergency department arrangements, impact of interventions, personal hygiene, self-help and bedroom assessments of each child.

Staff provided a range of care and treatment suitable for the children in the service. Staff used trauma informed practice with the children, and oversight of this was undertaken by the in house clinical psychologist. The Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique (CATT) was was used in 1-1 therapy sessions that were delivered by the psychologist. Motivation Enhanced Therapy (MET) was also used to support the children, increasing a desire to make positive changes to behaviours.

Staff from different disciplines worked together as a team to benefit children. They supported each other to make sure children had access to necessary healthcare provisions to meet their needs. There were effective working relationships with other relevant services outside the organisation. These included social workers, police and local educational establishments.

Therapy and support staff worked closely through clinical supervision and team meetings, ensuring all staff understood effective ways of working through and multi-disciplinary approach.

Staff supported children to manage their health and wellbeing to maximise their independence, choice and control. Staff supported children to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support. Mealtimes were varied and promoted healthier eating regimes. Smoking cessation advice and support was offered, along with individualised guidance to avoid engaging in risky behaviours. Care plans outlined specific areas of concern for each child, including actions staff would implement to support progression in this area.

Hygiene and sleep charts were used for children who needed it. Staff supported visits to primary care services, and any other healthcare profession to respond to their needs. This was covered in the ‘keeping well care plan’.

The service uses the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HONOS) to assess the mental health and social functioning of the children and young people. This helps staff monitor outcomes and improvements for the children. Staff told us that each child and young person makes progress at different speeds, and this was supported by individualised care planning.

Staff supported children to make decisions on their care for themselves. They understood the providers policy on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 applied to young people aged 16 and 17 and the principles of Gillick competence as they applied to children under 16. Staff assessed and recorded consent and capacity or competence clearly for children who might have impaired mental capacity or competence.