Children's Home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC042950 Inspection date 06/02/2012 Inspector Tracy Murty Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 09/11/2011 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 is a six-bedded children's home run by a local authority. It caters for young people who present 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 full inspection in November 2011 the overall effectiveness judgement for this home was outstanding. There were no requirements or recommendations made as a result of that inspection.

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Progress

The Registered Manager and staff team have demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people. Young people continue to make excellent progress, supported by a highly dedicated and skilled staff team. Young people's attendance and achievements in educational provisions are excellent. Young people are thoroughly prepared for moving onto independence and develop necessary skills to assist this process.

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Progress

The home continues to work positively and closely with other agencies and professionals. This ensures that young people's needs and welfare are central at all times. Staff value the involvement and inclusion of young people. Their views, wishes and feelings are taken into account routinely. Young people contribute to how the home operates on a day-to-day basis. This is achieved through their active participation in monthly resident's meetings, key work sessions and monthly summary meetings. Young people are encouraged to express their views on how the home operates and their views are taken into consideration. One young person recently assisted in discussions about changes to consultation documentation for looked after children with the independent reviewing officers.

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Progress

The home has a robust and meaningful development plan in place. The plan focuses on the needs of young people and how best to meet those needs over the coming year. The Registered Manager regularly reviews and updates the plan to ensure all targets set are being met. Recording of information relating to young people is of an exceptionally high standard. Consultation takes place with young people on all matters relating to them and their views are recorded consistently. The use of physical intervention is minimal and reflects the staff team's ability to work constructively with young people to address their behaviours.

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Progress

Young people are clear about the complaints process in the home and feel confident that any concerns they raise will be dealt with sensitively and in a timely manner by staff. Young people also report a thorough understanding of fire safety issues, with regular fire drills taking place. Young people report that they feel safe and are safe in this home. They report that all of the staff care about their welfare and that rules and boundaries ensure their ongoing safety.

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Progress

The Statement of Purpose and children's guide provide clear and detailed information about the services provided by the home and are in line with the current legislation and regulations. Young people benefit from individual placement plans tailored to meet their specific needs. Young people are encouraged to read and sign all documentation relating to them. Regular key work and review meetings include young people and ensure their voice is heard. Young people state that they are clear about their individual plans and how staff work with them to achieve their goals.

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Progress

Young people speak highly about the care and support they receive. One young person stated that on scale of one to ten, with ten being brilliant, they would rate this home as nine and a half. Young people feel that they have developed skills and confidence since moving to this home, which will assist them in later life. Outcomes for young people are excellent. Education and training is highly valued and promoted by the staff team for all young people. Incentives are used to encourage young people to take personal responsibility for their belongings and behaviours, with very positive results.

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Progress

The Registered Manager ensures that all recommendations raised in monthly monitoring reports are addressed promptly. Management reports need to be provided to Ofsted twice per year as required, an action has been made in relation to this.

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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 registered person supplies to the HMCI a report in respect of any review conducted by him. Reports should be provided to the HMCI twice per year. (Regulation 34(2)) 09/03/2012

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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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