Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC036726 Inspection date 03/03/2011 Inspector Joanne Vyas / Catherine Ross Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 16/11/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children’s Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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About this inspection

This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for the service.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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Brief description of the service

This home is operated by the local authority and provides a residential service for eight young people, aged 7 to 18 years, and a short break service for four young people, aged 4 to 18 years. The home additionally has an emergency bed on the short breaks unit. All the young people have severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. This home is a large house that is divided into two designated areas to accommodate the two aspects of service provision. Both areas provide communal rooms, play areas, bedrooms and bathroom facilities. The home is in a rural area close to a large town. Local shopping and recreational amenities are also close by.

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Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

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Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection. All key standards under staying safe were inspected. The other outcome areas of being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic well-being and organisation were not inspected on this occasion.

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Summary

Young people who use this provision are encouraged to achieve their potential. Young people's well-being and safety is given priority and staff create opportunities for young people to progress by having a thorough knowledge of their individual needs. Staff are highly trained and have warm relationships with young people. Areas for improvement are recognised and new and creative ways of working are used regularly creating a service that is consistent and effective in managing the needs of young people.

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Improvements since the last inspection

No actions or recommendations were made at the previous inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people and staff are kept safe and are protected from harm. Staff receive information and training on safeguarding during induction and at regular intervals. Staff are clear on safeguarding procedures and whistle blowing policies. Any safeguarding concerns are recorded and followed up thoroughly and extensively. Staff are particularly aware of the potential safeguarding risks faced by young people with a disability. One member of staff commented that "Children are kept safe here". Young people's welfare is promoted and they are protected from abuse.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are clear on their responsibilities regarding privacy and confidentiality and strive to make young people feel safe and secure at all times. Young people's privacy is respected and information is confidentially handled. There have been no complaints since the last visit however staff are clear on how to support young people in making a complaint should they wish too. Young people have regular contact with an advocacy service ensuring that young people's voices are heard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Any incidents of bullying are managed immediately and there are no incidents of young people going missing from the home. High supervision levels, the use of social stories and risk management plans help limit the opportunities for bullying behaviour and for young people to go missing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff and young people have positive relationships. The communication style of each young person is highly valued and staff training in this area is frequently updated. Staff are resourceful and creative in managing behaviour that challenges. Behaviour management plans are thorough and the use of physical intervention to manage behaviour is rare. Young people are respected and valued as unique individuals and staff are committed to giving them high quality care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected by robust vetting procedures for new staff and appropriate monitoring of visitors. Staff provide two written references and an enhanced Criminal records Bureau disclosure certificate prior to commencing work with children. All visitors are asked for identification and sign the visitors book.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has comprehensive risk assessments for all aspects of safety of the premises and grounds including fire and young people’s behaviour and activities. These assessments have taken into account the daily activities in and outside the home. All staff are given fire safety training during their induction and fire drills are carried out regularly. Fire safety equipment is checked regularly and a detailed record kept. Young people are protected by clear health and safety procedures.

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