Children's Home, Residential special school run by Staffordshire County Council in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC415138 Inspection date 19/03/2011 Inspector David Morgan Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 04/09/2010 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 resource centre provides short break care for up to six children and/or young people in need, aged between 8 and 17 years of age who have learning and/or physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments. The service operates at weekends and holidays only but there is also a full-time outreach service that operates from the centre. Currently 38 children and young people receive residential short break care, which provides an opportunity for them to spend time away from their families. The six young people present during the inspection contributed to this report.

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Brief description of the service

The centre opened in July 2010 as a development of a previous service. It operates closely with a similar service with which it shares a manager and, occasionally, staff. The staff team includes centre staff, outreach staff, kitchen and domestic staff, and a handyman. Staff aim to provide a flexible service to families in collaboration with other agencies that meets the changing needs of children and young people who have disabilities.

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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 unannounced interim inspection considers only safety issues and the findings of the last inspection. Outstanding standards are being maintained with steps being taken to make further improvements wherever possible. Children and young people enjoy attending the centre, which is presented to an excellent standard, and have positive relationships with staff.

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Summary

The last inspection made two recommendations that have now been addressed; no concerns arose this time and no new actions or recommendations are made.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection made only two recommendations. The format for risk assessments has been reviewed. Night time fire safety has been improved through a review of each child's needs; staff training, and the use of specialist equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Extremely thorough consultation systems are being maintained with both children and parents. This is an important contribution towards resolving any concerns at an informal level and to improving the service. The young people’s council meet frequently and are effective in resolving shortfalls, such as gaining vehicular access to local parks. Young people have access to a variety of means of raising concerns, as befits their disabilities, and staff are alert to any changes in their behaviour or circumstances. Staff and young people enjoy positive relationships that include close attention to young people's privacy and dignity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is also close attention paid to the safety of young people on site and during any activities. For example, staff are familiar with safeguarding procedures and consult with other agencies when required. Risks to young people from being absent without authority and bullying are minimised by very effective application of the procedures. Young people’s safety is also achieved through minimal use of physical interventions. This significant achievement is attained by competent staff having detailed understanding of each young person; arranging constructive and enjoyable activities, and avoiding difficulties arising. Fire safety measures are kept under review and improved where possible. Recent improvements mean that each young person's individual needs during an emergency evacuation are assessed so that staff are fully prepared. Young people enjoy attending the centre, even for short periods. Positive

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

behaviour is encouraged all the time and rewarded appropriately.

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