Children's Home run by Archways Care Limited in Worcestershire

Unique reference number SC383941 Inspection date 18/01/2012 Inspector Carole Moore Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/04/2011 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 is a privately-owned children's home for four young people 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

At the last inspection in April 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as outstanding. There was one recommendation made in relation to placement plans which has been fully met.

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Progress

Young people continue to live in a safe, caring and supportive home environment that enables them to make really good progress in all aspects of their lives. Young people feel safe and say that their lives have improved immensely since coming to live in this home. They recognise the work staff do to support them and ensure their safety. Staff provide clear boundaries in a nurturing environment. Work by the staff on encouraging young people to be independent has enabled them to feel confident in living in the community. The ethos and practice within the home promote individual identity, difference and equality. As a result, young people are provided with care and support based on individual identified needs, assessed risks and on the potential to develop. Records provide excellent evidence of the good progress made by young people while in placement.

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Progress

Since the last inspection new child-friendly placement plans have been implemented that clearly promote young people's understanding of their care plans and encourages their involvement in all aspects of their daily living and in their reviews. The placement plans are written in a format that young people understand and they also include their own terminology which further emphasises their full inclusion.

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Progress

Further work has been done to ensure that young people are consulted about the home. Young people confirm that they are kept fully informed about all aspects of the home and also confirm that they are involved in a variety of discussions. The home now has a suggestions box as well as the regular meetings with other residents and meetings with the directors. Young people have said,' The home couldn't improve anything, they were amazing.' 'I do not know what I would have done without the help from the staff.' The home also successfully canvasses the views of family members and other professionals. Comments such as,' I have never seen my son so happy.' 'the home are providing outstanding care,' emphasise the quality of the care that the families see their children receiving. This feedback continues to support a very high appreciation of the hard work that takes place at the home. Young people continue to be looked after by a highly competent and creative staff

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Progress

team with the right values, skill and experience. Staff have a detailed knowledge of the individual young people they care for and provide personal support tailored to meet individual needs. They work hard to ensure young people can look forward to happy and fulfilling lives.

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Progress

The home is accomplished at monitoring and reviewing staff training, staff practice and performance. This is demonstrated through progression being made with the home’s ongoing development plan. The outcome for young people is that their experiences and the quality of care are based on a culture of openness and trust.

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