Children's Home run by London Borough of Hounslow in Hounslow

Unique reference number SC062128 Inspection date 08/02/2012 Inspector Caroline Wilson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/08/2011 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

The children's home is registered to care for up to six young people aged between 12 and 17 years for an assessment period of between three and six months. The home is owned and operated by a local authority.

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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 full inspection in August 2011 this home was judged as good. The home has acted upon the recommendations set at that inspection. The sanctions and rewards scheme is now clearly understood by young people and staff. This has led to a decrease in the number of sanctions administered. Young people are clearer on the behaviours that are expected of them and the consequences of breaking house rules.

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Progress

There are good structures in place to ensure that the young people accommodated are appropriately placed. Good background checks are undertaken and discussions are held to ascertain whether young people meet the criteria for admission as set out in the Statement of Purpose. Young people's potential relationships with other young people are also considered. This ensures that young people have support that corresponds with the home's ethos and that they can achieve the objectives that are set out in their care plan, and that the stability of young people already placed is maintained.

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Progress

Good arrangements are in place to ensure the effective management of young people's behaviour. Young people have an understanding of the behaviours that are expected of them. They each receive a copy of the children's guide which clearly sets out the house rules and the conduct that is expected. These are re-enforced during regular key work sessions and house meetings. Young people are supported in behaviour management by staff and, where relevant, external agencies. Risk assessments are robust and set out specific strategies to reduce incidences of negative behaviours exhibited. Staff provide a consistent approach to setting boundaries for young people. Risk assessments are updated on a six-monthly basis or when an incident occurs. Amendments are made to behaviour management practice so that strategies remain effective and sensitive to the needs of young people.

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Progress

Young people are rewarded for doing well. Positive reinforcement is used to bring about change in young people's behaviour. Monetary sanctions are used only where reparation is required, where there is damage to property. Sanctions are regularly monitored for their effectiveness and additional support is offered where appropriate.

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Progress

Complaints from external people are minimal. Where these have been received, they have been addressed to the satisfaction of the complainant. The home is in the process of holding regular meetings between themselves and members of the local community following a recent, significant incident. The purpose of this is to ensure that any concerns are dealt with quickly. This enables both parties to have a greater understanding of each other's viewpoints. This helps to promote positive relationships between the home and the local community.

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Progress

The manager evidenced a good understanding of the needs of young people and her role in securing good outcomes for them. The manager has good systems in place so that all staff are supervised and supported to provide each young person with the high-quality care that they need. The manager has high aspirations in relation to expected outcomes for young people and robustly monitors the welfare of young people through engagement and observation. The manager listens, responds and reviews outcomes for young people. Good quality assurance systems are in place that monitor and control how the home is run and its care practice so that action can be taken to deal with any issues that arise.

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