Children's Home run by Anna House Limited in Havering

Unique reference number SC058603 Inspection date 12/01/2012 Inspector Jackie Graves Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/06/2011 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 home is a short break care unit for up to five children and young people with physical and learning disabilities. Children and young people can stay for short or longer periods of time. One young person was receiving care on the days of the inspection.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The overall effectiveness of this service was judged good at the full inspection in June 2011. Two requirements and three recommendations were made as a result of that inspection. Good progress has been made in meeting these requirements and recommendations to improve the quality of care provided to children.

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Progress

The service demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement and flexibility in adapting to the varied needs of children using the service. By keeping records up to date, staff ensure that they are clear about children's current needs. The use of alternative communication in these records, for example Widget, helps children to access the information held about them. Increased general use of alternative methods of communication throughout the home supports children's verbal skills and their own unique methods of communication; this ensures that children can express themselves effectively and make their preferences clear, for example, in their choice of activity or food.

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Progress

Monitoring of how this service is run and the quality of care provided is good. The views of families and children are reflected in monitoring reports written by the provider and manager; this ensures stakeholders’ valuable feedback is used in the development of the service. There is a clear aim to work closely with families so parents and carers can have confidence about their children's short break away from home.

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Progress

Clear information is provided on how children and their families may contact the Children's Rights Director. An updated children's guide, using suitable symbols and language, provides accessible information for children.

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Progress

Children benefit from being cared for by a stable staff team who understand their needs very well. Staff communicate effectively with children and their families. No new staff have been appointed since the last inspection. However, the manager has adjusted the home's recruitment process to make sure anyone supplying a reference comments on the applicant's suitability to work with children, improving the robustness of pre-employment checks to further ensure that prospective employees are appropriate for the work.

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Progress

Ongoing repairs and maintenance result in a bright and homely building decorated to a good standard. Children have been consulted about the redecoration and benefit from staying in rooms very suitable for their individual needs. They are comfortable in the home. They use all parts of the premises, as well as their bedrooms, freely and with confidence.

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Progress

Children have been helped to make significant progress. For example, staff help children to be as independent as possible; some help staff with laundry, collect the post or help to clear away after meals. This has helped develop children's confidence and self-esteem as well as helping them learn useful skills. Others have learnt to share toys and space with others, helping them to socialise.

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Progress

Children have had many opportunities to participate in social activities and events, for example, a party to celebrate the Royal Wedding. Some shared social activities which include family members, staff and the children; for example, a summer barbecue helped develop positive relationships with children's families.

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Progress

No shortfalls are identified as a result of this inspection.

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