Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Birmingham

Unique reference number SC377825 Inspection date 07/02/2012 Inspector Gwen Buckley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/08/2011 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 children's home is part of a large organisation operated by a private company. The home is registered to provide care for up to three children who have learning disabilities and social, 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 September 2011 the overall effectiveness judgement was outstanding. One recommendation was made relating to ensuring, subject to their understanding, young people understand their care plan and any decision about their care. This has been met, staff support young people to develop their own care plan so that they understand the reasons for their placement and are involved in the care planning process.

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Progress

Other developments have taken place. Menus have been amended taking into consideration the likes and dislikes of the young people at the home. The development of the games room is ongoing with a plan that young people paint a mural. Celebration days have been introduced to help young people and staff understand different cultures. Young people and staff research a culture to develop their knowledge and understanding of the differences and prepare a celebration meal reflecting the chosen topic at the end of the event.

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Progress

Regulation 33 visits take place as required and reports of these visits are available to staff and young people in the home. Regulation 34 quality monitoring occurs regularly by the Registered Manager, however, no report is available or sent to Ofsted that reflects the findings or action taken as a result of this quality monitoring process, this is therefore raised as a recommendation.

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Progress

Staff know the young people well and take action to meet their varying needs. Young people feel safe and well cared for and say, ‘I have been made very welcome at the home, staff care for you here and help you keep in touch with family and friends.’ They also say there is a member of staff they can talk to any time of the day or night if they are upset or want to talk about any concerns.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  produce and send a copy of Regulation 34 monitoring findings to HMCI within twenty eight days of completion. This specifically relates to producing and sending the reports at six monthly intervals. (Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations, Volume 5, paragraph 3.14)

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