Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Barnsley

Unique reference number SC363630 Inspection date 19/10/2011 Inspector Helen Walker Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/05/2011 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 service is a privately run children's home. The home provides accommodation for up to three young people. It is registered to provide care for young people who have behavioural or emotional difficulties.

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Brief description of the service

A separate building within the home's grounds is registered as a school with the Department for Education. The school facility is available to young people placed in this home.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The overall judgement at the home's last inspection was satisfactory. Six recommendations were made at the last inspection. These relate to; consultation with young people, fairness of sanctions and rewards, bullying behaviour, continuity and supervision of staff, and that young people understand and comment on their care plan. The children's home has demonstrated a continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for young people and has addressed the six recommendations.

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Progress

Young people have positive relationships with staff and say they feel safe in the home. The home environment is relaxed and friendly, which enables young people to converse and have good humoured banter with staff. Young people live in a home that is well maintained and comfortably furnished. Young people are encouraged to look after and respect the property as their home and this is clearly evident.

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Progress

Young people say staff listen and consult with them. Their views are taken into account in the running of the home. Young people have consistent feedback to their suggestions and changes have been made in the home as a result of this. This includes new furnishings, bed linen and decoration in the home. Additionally, young people are listened to about their preference for a male or female key worker and have this choice. Young people know how to make a complaint and have used the complaints process within the home. Complaints are dealt with properly and fairly.

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Progress

Young people continue to progress with their education. Daily school attendance is a routine of the home and staff significantly promote education. Young people say they enjoy school and especially their move to mainstream education. Staff readily support young people to participate in a wide range of positive activities. This includes the youth club, activities in and outside of the home and also contact with friends and family, which is a strength. Staff act as good parents and enable young people to have appropriate overnight stays with friends. This means young people have the same opportunities as others to enjoy friendships and family life. Young people have access to a range of health professionals which supports their ongoing health needs and well being. Staff understand the need and benefit for young people's contact with health professionals so that their routine and specific health needs are met.

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Progress

Young people's positive behaviour is promoted. Staff and young people are clear about the disciplinary measures used in the home. Staff emphasise rewards for young people's appropriate behaviours and celebrate their achievements such as success whilst working towards independence and education. Young people have input into the consequences for inappropriate behaviour, which means the outcome for them is meaningful.

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Progress

Anti-bullying is widely promoted. Young people understand bullying is unacceptable and staff work with them to prevent and counter bullying. Staff work with young people, particularly in key work sessions, to have respect for themselves and others.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the provider has ensured continuity of staff within the home. Young people say they know the staff who work in the home, which provides them with a consistent level of care. Staff receive regular supervision from the acting manager and senior staff in the home. This supports them in their work with young people and in their professional development.

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Progress

Young people are fully involved in their care plan. Key work sessions show staff ensure young people know each part of their plan and they are regularly consulted on the content. This enables young people to have a say about how they are cared for in the home.

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Progress

Overall the home is making good progress with clear improvements through the introduction of new systems and processes for the benefit of the young people. No requirements or recommendations have been made from this inspection.

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