Children's Home run by Bristol City Council in Bristol

Unique reference number SC031504 Inspection date 31/01/2012 Inspector Diana Waters Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 27/07/2011 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 is managed by the local authority. It provides care and accommodation for up to 10 children and young people, aged from five to 17 years at any one time, who have a learning disability and who may also have a physical disability. The home also provides an overnight short breaks service.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The overall effectiveness of the service was judged good at the full inspection in July 2011.Three requirements were made at the full inspection and one requirement has been met. Two requirements have been partially met. One additional requirement has been made as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

The home’s Statement of Purpose reflects all matters listed in Schedule 1, and a copy was sent to Ofsted. This was reviewed by the manager in November 2011. The plans to substantially upgrade the premises have moved forward, with work due to commence in April 2012. Therefore, this requirement is repeated until the work has been successfully concluded. Regulation 33 visits are undertaken regularly and interviews with staff are included. However on only one occasion since the last inspection have young people been present during these visits. Therefore the part of the requirement to interview young people to form an opinion of the standard of care, is also repeated.

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Progress

The post of Registered Manager is a job share arrangement between two managers. One left the service in May 2011 and this vacancy has been filled on an interim basis by the deputy manager. The deputy manager continues to run the service well, monitor care practice and supervise staff to ensure standards are maintained. They review and implement new developments and provide direction and leadership. The service reports that a manager has been recently appointed to fill the vacant part of the post and is awaiting suitability checks.

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Progress

The staff team continue to work hard to provide a quality short breaks scheme to young people and their families and to maintain the existing level of service, despite the economic climate and changing management priorities. The stable staff team have not waived in their commitment to provide an excellent service to vulnerable young people and remain focused on delivering a quality service.

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Progress

The design and location of the building presents challenges to ensure young people and staff remain safe, and that the building is protected from intruders. The forthcoming building works present opportunities to upgrade the provision to ensure security does not impact on the daily living experiences of young people. It also offers the opportunity for the service to continue to think creatively about developing homely bedroom decorations for the variety of young people who use the service.

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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) ensure that the premises used for the purposes of a children's home is of a physical design and layout which are suitable for the purpose of achieving the aims and objectives set out in the home's Statement of Purpose(Regulation 31(1)) 29/09/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the interviews are routinely held with young people and their views are reflected within the reports in order to form a view of the standard of care provided (Regulation 33 (4) (a)) 29/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) appoint an individual to manage the children's home (in the remaining job share arrangement). Regulation (7(1)) 31/03/2012

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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

 extend the provision of a comfortable and homely environment, with particular regard to the bedroom accommodation. NMS 10.3

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