Coniston House

Unique reference number SC379123 Inspection date 25/01/2012 Inspector Martha Nethaway Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 07/09/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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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 placements for up to five young people who may have a combination of mental health, psychological, emotional or complex care needs that present challenging behaviour. The service is designed to offer medium to long-term care placements. The home's programme of care incorporates a structured balance of education, recreation and therapeutic interventions tailored to meet individual needs.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in September 2011 the overall quality rating for the home was judged as good. Action has been taken to address one requirement and one recommendation: the home has significantly strengthened the monitoring and management of medication. Good progress has been achieved. The home has completed a written development plan. This has allowed the home to plan for the future and to work towards a set of shared aims and vision. This results in young people being better supported to cope with change and with resources being used more effectively. As a result of this visit, there are two recommendations relating to monitoring the quality of care and activities by providing Ofsted with reports every six months. Additionally, to monitor young people’s placement plan to ensure effective implementation.

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Progress

Young people enjoy their time living at the home. Young people benefit from the smallness of the staff group which helps to create good continuity of care. Staff are inclusive in their practice. Young people’s individuality and identity is being promoted. Young people are cared for in line with their individual placement plans. However, these plans are not always reviewed. This potentially compromises positive results.

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Progress

The home has in place suitable monitoring systems. Since the last inspection, a new independent visitor undertakes the monthly visits to the home. This offers increased objectivity and scrutiny. The home’s record on monitoring of activities has not yet been forwarded to Ofsted. As a result, there is no clear evidence about how any patterns, trends and charting of improvement is being progressed.

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Progress

Young people are making steady progress and are settled. Young people are encouraged to maximise their educational opportunities. One young person commented, ‘I am now enrolled on a course and I am enjoying it.’ Staff take positive steps to help young people reach achievable goals. Staff continue to help young people who struggle with education. Young people are broadly benefiting from a personalised curriculum which staff strive to support young people to achieve. Young people’s progress is improving.

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Progress

Young people are being consulted regularly. They are open and frank about all aspects of their experiences of the home. Young people also have direct access to independent advocate who has formed trusted and valued relationships. As a result, young people are exercising their right to have their voices, views and perspectives expressed and understood.

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Progress

The home has in place a development plan with clear and achievable timeframes. There is a clear commitment to working effectively and using resources to encourage best practice. All dimensions of young people’s welfare and well-being are carefully considered. This is helping to improve outcomes for young people.

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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 that each child's placement plan is monitored by a key worker with the home who ensures that the requirements of the plan are implemented in the day-to-day care of that child (NMS 25.2)  forward, as good practice, completed Regulation 34 reports at six monthly intervals. (The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 5: Children’s Homes 3.14)

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