Children's Home run by Derby City Council in Derby

Unique reference number SC036019 Inspection date 10/01/2012 Inspector Judith Longden 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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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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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 home and accommodates a total of 15 children in three separate units with five placements in each unit. The service provides care and accommodation for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

This home was judged as satisfactory at the last full inspection in June 2011. Since that time the home has demonstrated significant improvement in the quality of care and the outcomes for young people. The home has addressed and met all the requirements and recommendations made at the previous inspection.

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Progress

The home was required to ensure that all information in respect of young people's placement plans was in place. The required information is now available and as a result the needs of the young people are clearly identified.

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Progress

In addition the home was required to provide all the information in respect of recruitment checks for staff. Each staff file now contains a front sheet of all the required information as detailed in Schedule 2 of the regulations. The home has also implemented a tracking system for renewal of Criminal Records Bureau checks. This means that young people are protected from unsuitable personnel in the home.

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Progress

Four recommendations were made and all of these have been met. The home has improved the care planning documentation and young people are involved in the development and implementation of their care plans. Consequently the day-to-day care of young people adequately reflects the aims in placement plans and young people are involved in decisions about their care. Young people are involved in education or training programmes and attendance has improved for all young people. Communication between the home and education providers has improved. As a result young people are achieving their educational potential. Young people have keys to their bedrooms and as a result they live in a more comfortable and homely environment.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the relationships between staff and young people and the behaviour of young people has steadily improved. The behaviour management strategy is now firmly embedded in practice and as a result the use of restraint and sanctions has reduced. The use of an incentive scheme has further improved the behaviour of young people.

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Progress

Young people are actively engaged in consultation groups supported by advocacy agencies. As a result young people share their views and opinions on their care and the running of the home.

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Progress

Staff continue to support the education of young people and links with providers have improved. Young people continue to have access to a variety of health professionals and staff are active in ensuring young people attend all necessary appointments. Staff are trained in the storage and administration of medicines. However, there are shortfalls in the recording of reasons why medication is refused. This has been identified by managers during monitoring and has been discussed with staff and additional training is to take place. A requirement is, however, made to ensure recording is consistent.

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Progress

Young people continue to make good progress in achieving positive outcomes. This includes more regular attendance in education and achievement of qualifications and awards. Young people's health is improving through attendance at medical appointments, increased involvement in healthy activities and the provision of a healthy balanced diet.

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Progress

Young people benefit from significant improvements in contact arrangements and closer working with parents and family by the staff at the home. Staff are working in partnership with parents and other agencies to ensure young people have the freedom to develop relationships and friendships whilst remaining safe from harm.

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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 a written record is kept of the administration of any medicine to any child. (Regulation 21 (2)(c)) 10/02/2012

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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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