Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Central Bedfordshire

Unique reference number SC421531 Inspection date 08/02/2012 Inspector Philip Cass Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/05/2011 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 provides accommodation and care for up to three young people aged 10 to 17 years old, who have experienced emotional and behavioural difficulties. A private company owns and operates this setting.

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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 May 2011, the overall effectiveness rating for the home was judged to be good.

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Progress

The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Developments and improvements made have ensured that young people are kept safe and benefit from good quality care in the home.

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Progress

The requirement and recommendation for improvement made at the last inspection have been adequately addressed. The home was asked to ensure that its procedures for children missing from care are compatible with the local area Runaway and Missing from Home and Care protocol. The manager has obtained a copy of the local area protocol and has ensured that procedures in the home are compatible with this. The home has established good links with the local police service and has agreed missing from care strategies. A key strength of the home is the fact that young people do not go missing and as a result young people experience a significantly reduced risk of harm.

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Progress

The registered persons were required to ensure that all young people have a placement plan, agreed with the placing authority. This has been met because each young person has a placement plan that is agreed by the young person’s placing authority. In general, these plans are comprehensive and clear. They promote an individually tailored care package. However, health planning is not sufficiently robust. Health plans identify potential areas of concern but there is insufficient consultation with health professionals. Consequently, health plans do not provide clear guidance to staff about how health concerns may be addressed.

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Progress

The experienced and enthusiastic manager is committed to the continual improvement of the home. Areas for improvement are identified in the home’s development plan. The targets are ambitious and innovative. Good progress has been made in achieving these targets.

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Progress

By involving young people in both planning meetings and team development days, the home tries to break down barriers between staff and young people. Young people report that they feel a part of the decision-making processes of the home. The home has successfully supported young people to take an active and positive role in the community. Young people take part in charity fundraising events, and carry out regular voluntary work. This has contributed to young people’s improved self-esteem and interpersonal skills.

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Progress

Communication with other professionals and multi-agency working has been improved because the staff have been given individual email addresses. Because of this action, young people benefit from key workers who have the tools to build and maintain good working relationships with other professionals.

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Progress

Staff meetings are regular and constructive. Time is allocated for the staff to reflect on their own practice and indentify ways that they can improve the quality of care given to young people. The regular attendance of therapists at staff meetings has enhanced problem solving and the sharing of information. The emotional health of young people is improved because the therapy service is now more responsive to the changing needs of young people.

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Progress

Young people report that the home is a good place to live. They feel that the staff are caring and supportive. Staff and young people form strong relationships. These relationships promote positive behaviour and educational achievement.

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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) prepare in consultation with the child’s placing authority a placement plan setting out the arrangements made for the child’s health care. (Regulation 12 (1B) (b)) 10/03/2012

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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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