Swanwick Lodge

Unique reference number SC038719 Inspection date 19/10/2011 Inspector Gwen Buckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Secure Unit

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Date of last inspection 05/05/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Brief description of the service

This is a local authority residential secure children’s home for up to 16 young people of either sex. It is owned and managed by a local county council. At the time of the inspection 12 places are allocated for use by the Youth Justice Board and four for young people placed for welfare reasons. Education is provided on site.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

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Progress

At the last inspection in May 2011, the overall quality rating for the unit was judged as outstanding with two recommendations made.

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Progress

Good progress has been made since the last inspection against the recommendations made. One recommendation was to ensure young people are routinely consulted in the development of their self-harm management plan. This has been met; the self- harm policy has been updated and young people are clearly involved in discussions with staff and directing the focus of their own self-harm care plans.

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Progress

The second recommendation related to teaching and care staff working more closely together when undertaking independence and preparation for adult life work with young people. Good progress has been made in relation to this recommendation. A comprehensive resource pack provides staff with information needed to ensure all young people, regardless of ability, are assessed and then receive the help needed in ways they can understand. A multidisciplinary approach is taken to ensure the needs of young people and how they are to be addressed are known by all relevant professionals.

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Progress

Other developments have taken place. Transition planning has been strengthened since the last inspection so that young people receive help to develop positive links in the community. Both education and leisure activities are established which enable young people to maintain their self-esteem and confidence. When possible young people attend schools in the community prior to their release and establish positive community links prior to their discharge. Young people’s wishes and interests clearly influence the transition planning and one young person stated: ‘Staff listen to my wishes for the future and work with me and others on the out to make it happen. When something was not possible they explained why and a good alternative was found.’

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Progress

The senior staff team continually look to develop practice and strive for better outcomes for young people. The home is working towards the investors in diversity kite mark and training on equality and diversity is provided for staff. Learning support staff have been employed in the school enabling care staff to focus on the quality of care provided. Highly individualised care, influenced by the needs and views of young people, is provided by staff who understand the young people extremely well. To further enhance and develop the care worker’s skills and ability to respond to children’s emotional trauma, funding has been obtained to introduce the emotional warmth model of professional child care which reflects positive parenting.

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Progress

Young people are very positive about the care and support they receive. Their individual relationships with staff are excellent and integral to the quality of care provided. Young people gain an awareness of their vulnerability and strategies to help them address the reasons that brought them to the home. Comments from young people include, ‘I trust the staff completely. I did not think they could change me but they have, they are helping me and are always available to talk.’ Young people were happy with recent changes at the home and made a few suggestions to improve the service further. These include better access to a phone, which the manager is aware of and has plans in place to address.

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