Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Herefordshire

Unique reference number SC402426 Inspection date 18/01/2012 Inspector Martha Nethaway Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 08/06/2011 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 service accommodates up to five young people of either gender from 11 years to 18 years of age. The majority of young people admitted to the home have significant care needs and behaviour problems in both the care and education setting. Most young people have a statement of special educational needs as a result of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and are deemed as ‘vulnerable’ by their children's services. The home is owned by a private company.

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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 inspection in June 2011, the overall quality rating for the home was judged as good. There was no requirement or recommendation set as a result of the visit.

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Progress

The leadership and management of the home continue to help improve outcomes for young people. Overall, young people are making good progress. Since the previous inspection visit, some young people have moved on to other planned placements. Staff have successfully helped new young people settle into living at the home.

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Progress

Staff ensure that they play a core part in promoting the safety and welfare of young people. Young people pick up good signals from staff because they communicate clearly about having positive relationships with all young people. Young people’s efforts are rewarded. As a consequence, young people are demonstrating improved cooperation within their school environment and in the home.

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Progress

Young people’s school attendance is high and they are being motivated to achieve in their education. Staff are active in the young person’s education and help with homework and talk enthusiastically about young people’s progress. As young people approach adulthood, staff help them move into higher education. Young people are making good progress in accessing training and employment. This is helping young people in their readiness for independence.

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Progress

The home uses formal and informal consultation forums to consult with young people, family and social workers. Young people are encouraged to attend regular house meetings. Young people are growing in confidence by practising the skills of debate, communication and decision making. The feedback generated shows that generally young people are satisfied with the home. The home regularly provides weekly reports to social workers so that young people’s participation in the home and at school can be effectively monitored. One social worker commented, ‘The young person is doing well. Previous harmful behaviours are not taking place and I am sure this is because the home is meeting the child's needs.’ Since the previous inspection, the home has carried out a number of improvements to the premises. This includes a programme of painting and redecoration. Also, a bedroom has been enlarged to include an en-suite shower facility. All these actions

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Progress

convey a welcoming environment which is inviting for young people. One young person commented, ‘The home has been nicely decorated and we have a new television and new sofas in our sitting room.’

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Progress

The home has a development plan in place. Good progress is being achieved. For example, staff training and the maintenance of the property has significantly improved. Overall, the home is maintaining good quality care, support and guidance for young people. Young people’s outcomes are consistently good in education and within the home environment.

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