Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC364812 Inspection date 16/01/2012 Inspector Gaynor Moorey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 11/05/2011 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 offers accommodation for up to two young people between the ages of eight and 18 years with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection which was carried out in May 2011 one recommendation was made. This has been addressed.

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Progress

Young people benefit from the home’s now well maintained garden where they have been growing vegetables and plants.

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Progress

The organisation employed a new manager in May 2011 but has failed to register them with Ofsted. The home underwent an Ofsted investigation in September 2011 and a requirement was made for the manager to register but, to date, this has not happened. Failure to meet this requirement this has led to the progress being judged as inadequate.

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Progress

Young people are supported by professional staff who understand and support their very individual needs. Staff support the young people with all their issues and help them to recover after any difficulties or disappointments. Young people are enabled to move towards independence both through small steps and larger achievements. The young people are kept safe through an understanding of their behaviour and a solid approach to risk assessment.

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Progress

The young people are cared for by a consistent staff team who receive supervision and support from the acting manager.

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Progress

The home received one requirement and one recommendation at this inspection which relate to the registration of the manager and the spacing of fire drills throughout the year.

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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) submit an application for a Registered Manager (Regulation 7(1) (2) The Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and The Care Standards Act 2000 (Registration) (England) Regulations 2010. (Part 2, Regulation 3(1)) 29/02/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure there is an emergency escape plan that all staff and children are familiar with and have practised at regular intervals so they know what to do in an emergency. (NMS 10.9)

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