Children's Home run by Hull City Council in Kingston upon Hull

Unique reference number SC034313 Inspection date 12/12/2011 Inspector Ann-Marie Born Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/05/2011 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 children's home is run by a local authority and registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people of either gender between the ages of 14 and 17-years-old. The aim of the home is to support young people to become independent and help them with the transition to adulthood. The home also offers an outreach service to young people who have left care and may need additional support.

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Progress

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

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Progress

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since their last full inspection, in which they were judged to be good. A number of requirements and recommendations were raised and all were met.

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Progress

A successful application was made in respect of the registration of the manager. He has ensured that all staff have received appropriate core training and highlighted further specialist training to enhance their skills. As a result young people are cared for by staff who are well trained to meet their needs.

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Progress

The Registered Manager and staff have developed a new system in relation to the use of sanctions. Prior to any sanction being administered staff conduct a 'Let's Talk About It' session with young people. As a result young people are much more aware of the consequences of their actions and the number of incidents requiring a sanction has substantially reduced. Young people report that they feel that sanctions are fair and they welcome the opportunity to negotiate a compromise, for example repaying a sum owed weekly.

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Progress

The Registered Manager conducts a comprehensive monitoring audit of sanctions and all other matters required under Schedule 6. However, these reports have not been submitted to Ofsted. In addition, the provider has not been completing monthly visits as required under Regulation 33. These omissions do not have a detrimental effect on the direct care of the young people within the home. Nevertheless the opportunity for having a multi-agency approach for monitoring the care of young people is being missed.

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Progress

The motivation of the Registered Manager with full support of staff is driving forward the continuous improvement. The fabric of the home has substantially improved. All of the required repairs have been completed and the rooms have been completely redecorated. At the young people's request a surplus office has been equipped as a games room. This level of enthusiasm is ensuring young people are being provided with a safe, caring and stimulating environment. Young people feel valued in their home where they can develop and achieve in areas of physical and emotional well- being.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that monitoring visits to the home take place at least once a month and that a copy of the written report is supplied to the HMCI once completed (Regulation 33) 31/01/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that a copy of the monitoring report prepared under Schedule 6 is sent to the HMCI within 28 days of completion. (Children's Act 1989 - Volume 5 - 3.14) 31/01/2012

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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