Children's Home run by Young Foundations Limited in Darlington

Unique reference number SC061439 Inspection date 13/12/2011 Inspector Leonard Hird Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/06/2011 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

The home is run by a private company and provides care and accommodation for up to five young people aged from 12 to 17 years. It is located in the suburbs of a large town and comprises three floors, an enclosed rear garden and a double garage. The ground floor comprises a kitchen, dining room, lounge, another room used for doing school work and a toilet. On the first floor, there are four bedrooms and a family sized bathroom. On the second floor, there are a further two bedrooms and a shower room. Each young person has their own single bedroom.

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Brief description of the service

The home is close to local shops, and bus routes are nearby if young people wish to visit the town centre with its larger shops, cinema and leisure facilities.

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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 full inspection the home was judged to be good. It is judged to be making good progress at this interim inspection.

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Progress

One requirement was made at the last inspection regarding the provision of suitable professional support for the educational staff working at the home and this has been satisfactorily addressed by the senior management team of Young Foundations. The company is in the process of appointing a suitably qualified person to provide educational support for the teaching and educational support staff. The appointment will ensure that all of the educational staff will receive appropriate professional support and supervision. Currently none of the young people living at the home are attending the home's school but the education staff are supporting them to successfully attend other educational and training establishments.

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Progress

Key workers liaise with families and partner agencies to ensure the care, educational and training needs of the young people are being well met. The home's management team is young-person focused and is positively encouraging the staff team to help young people to develop to their full potential. Young people's individual care, health and education plans are regularly reviewed and updated by the home. The home is fully involved with young people, partner agencies and families in helping young people to plan for their independence. Young people confirm they are supported by the staff team in planning for the future and are involved in making decisions about their future life.

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Progress

Young people's welfare is protected by the use of the home's safeguarding policy, risk assessments and reporting procedures by members of staff. The home liaises with partner agencies to ensure that if any child protection issues arise they are quickly and appropriately dealt with. Young people's welfare is further protected by the company's rigorous recruitment process. The company follows a clear policy on recruitment in line with the Department for Education guidance. Members of staff undertake regular training in child protection and behaviour management. All of the staff team understand their roles and responsibilities in these important areas thereby ensuring young people live in a safe environment.

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Progress

Good levels of training, professional supervision and support are made available to assist members of staff in their professional development. The home's management team is providing strong and effective leadership for the staff team. Current staffing levels are meeting the needs of young people living at the home but if required they can be increased by the Registered Manager.

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Progress

Monthly unannounced monitoring visits are carried out by a representative of the company and a written record of these visits along with its findings are provided to the home, the company and Ofsted. The Registered Manager undertakes weekly and monthly quality assurance checks to ensure the home is performing to a satisfactory standard. Young people spoke positively of their life at the home and that the staff team is very supportive.

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Progress

There were no shortfalls identified at this inspection.

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