Children's Home run by Isle of Wight Council in Isle of Wight

Unique reference number SC395944 Inspection date 12/01/2012 Inspector David Coulter Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/06/2011 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

This children's home is a purpose-built facility owned and operated by a local council. It is registered to take up to 10 young people with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities between the ages of eight and 17 years. The accommodation is specifically designed to meet the needs of young people with multiple disabilities; it is equipped with appropriate lifting equipment including overhead hoists. All young people are provided with their own rooms. The home is on one level and has a safe enclosed garden accessible to the young people.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The home achieved an outstanding judgement at the last inspection and while there were no requirements there were three recommendations. The home has continued to develop and is offering support to an increasing number of young people through respite stays, after school care and outreach work. It is evident that staff continue to closely monitor and respond appropriately to the physical, social and emotional needs of the young people in their care. The two longer-term residents are now settled and are responding positively to the high quality care they are receiving.

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Progress

The home has responded positively to the recommendations and a tour of the premises indicates that the grounds are now receiving regular attention. The resurfacing of a number of paths now provides a much safer environment for the use of bicycles and scooters. The area to the front of the building has been tidied and now presents a pleasant approach to the main entrance. The play area is now fully operational and provides a range of specialist equipment for young people with mobility difficulties.

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Progress

A new purpose-built medication cupboard has been purchased for the storage of controlled medication and is awaiting installation. At the time of the inspection, none of the young people accessing the service were in receipt of controlled medication. The arrangements for the storage and administration of medication were examined and found to be appropriate.

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Progress

The home operates with a team of extremely well motivated staff who are led by an experienced manager. Staffing levels are subject to regular review and are adjusted in response to the changing needs of young people. Staff are continually looking at ways to further improve the provision they offer and are in regular contact with parents to develop even more flexible support. The appointment of an outreach worker has proved particularly successful and consideration is being given to further development in this area. The home benefits from the help of an extremely active support group, which is actively involved in fund raising to further improve the homes resources. The home recently benefitted from the acquisition of a specially adapted vehicle to allow smaller groups of young people to access activities in the local community.

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Progress

Evidence indicates the home is continuing to provide outstanding care to a group of extremely vulnerable young people with complex care needs. The recommendations arising from the last inspection have been appropriately met. There are no requirements or recommendations arising from this inspection.

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