Children's Home run by New Forest Care Limited in Hampshire

Unique reference number SC363268 Inspection date 19/12/2011 Inspector Roy Bega Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 22/06/2011 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

A private company owns and operates this children's home. The setting accommodates a maximum of two young people of either sex who have complex emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties. The company uses attachment therapeutic approaches in engaging young people entrusted to their care. Where it is assessed that young people are not able to attend main stream schooling the company has the provision of a small specialist education unit. The company’s working live stock and arable farm provides a therapeutic environment and opportunities for young people to learn new skills.

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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 June 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as outstanding with no requirements or recommendations raised.

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Progress

This children's home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care provided with a clear and focused commitment to service development. A particular strength of the home is the strong management structure and the commitment of the staff team who are clearly very passionate about promoting good outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people are actively encouraged to make positive choices and to use every opportunity to develop and reach their individual potential. Placement plans recognise young people's individuality and encourage the celebration of difference. They are given every opportunity to make decisions about the running of the home and their future.

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Progress

Young people receive excellent support from care staff and a wide range of specialist professionals within and outside the organisation regarding their health and emotional well-being. Individual health needs are identified and assessed as part of the pre-admission process and are ongoing throughout young people's stay at the home. Health care plans are well detailed, organised and reviewed monthly.

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Progress

The educational achievement and school attendance of young people has been exceptional taking into account their starting point, ability and current situation.

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Progress

Recent incidents of absences without authority and possible safeguarding issues are being managed appropriately. The placing authority is kept well informed and is working with the home to secure the best possible outcome for young people.

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Progress

Excellent systems are in place to monitor the quality of care in the home with management and staff being well motivated in examining and improving practice. Since the previous inspection much work has been done to evaluate the quality assurance procedures and monitoring systems in respect of the level of service provided. For example, a developmental document has been produced for staff to record ideas with regards to meeting needs of young people, staff training, appraisals, home maintenance etcetera. It includes details of what action is to be taken, by whom, target date, completion date and manager signing off date. Admission and discharge documents have been reviewed now providing clearer protocols for staff to follow with young people, detailing specific action points and completion dates. The young person's welcome/information booklet has been re- designed to provide a more user friendly personalised document.

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Progress

Recent damage to the interior of the home has been well managed but there are areas that need attention, for example, the damp in the first floor bathroom and stairwell, dining room furniture and carpets.

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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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Recommendations

 ensure the damp in the first floor bathroom and stairwell, dining room furniture and carpets is maintained to provide a more comfortable and homely environment. (NMS 10.3)

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