Children's Home run by Phoenix Children’s Homes Limited in Devon

Unique reference number SC403234 Inspection date 07/02/2012 Inspector Linda Bond Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/11/2011 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

This home is operated by a private company which also operates a number of other homes in the locality. The home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people who may have behavioural and emotional difficulties. The home provides planned or emergency long-term care.

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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 November 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good with two recommendations for areas identified for improvement.

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Progress

At the last inspection a placement plan was missing from a young person’s case file. The home’s manager has sought to rectify this and young people’s case files are complete, providing up-to-date and clear information on young people in the home.

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Progress

A further recommendation was made in relation to providing a homely environment which is well maintained and decorated, with particular reference to homely touches being introduced to the home. However, further shortfalls in relation to the environment were identified during this current visit. These are a direct result of young people damaging the property, timescales for repairs and budget constraints. Areas of decoration and repair within the home are identified as necessary by the service. The manager is aware of these issues and shortfalls and confident that they are on target for completion.

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Progress

Young people have individualised behaviour management plans that provide clear guidance to enable the staff to support young people with difficult and challenging behaviours. Risk assessments are robust and thorough, therefore ensuring the safeguarding of young people. Protocols and procedures are rigorous and staff have a bed of knowledge that underpins their practice. Relationships and links between the home, local authority, police and child and mental health services are strong and positive. Enabling the staff to work together in supporting young people to where possible keep safe and reach their potential.

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Progress

The home provides young people with access to educational opportunities and this continues to be a positive feature with some young people attending each day. They are encouraged to work to their abilities and benefit from one-to-one tuition as required. Although young people demonstrate challenging behaviours, attendance is nevertheless achieving positive educational outcomes for them. Young people have continued to receive care from a stable staff and management team and therefore support young people's attachments. Young people’s welfare continues to be enhanced by the emerging relationships that exist between the staff and young people. These constructive relationships have positively influenced the young people's engagement levels with the home across all areas. Young people benefit from individual placement plans which are highly tailored to each young person.

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Progress

The home is continuing to improve. This is dependent on the management team taking a proactive role in ensuring that the day-to-day operations are efficient and the quality of information recorded is of a high standard reflecting outcomes being achieved by 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 the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated; in particular introduce more homely touches to make the home feel less austere. (NMS 10.3)

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