Children's Home run by Springfield Road Children’s Homes Ltd in East Sussex

Unique reference number SC412296 Inspection date 08/02/2012 Inspector Kevin Whatley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 02/08/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Brief description of the service

The service is a privately-run children's home providing care and accommodation for up to three young people between the ages of 10 and 18 years with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress.

p.4

Progress

At the last inspection, carried out in August 2011, the home was judged to be good. Two recommendations for improvement were made in relation to a written development plan outlining future service provision for the setting and the staff development and training programme.

p.4

Progress

Since the last inspection the service has developed a suitable development plan which addresses all key areas of current and future service provision. This includes assessing and planning for environmental, staffing, managerial, professional expertise within the service and staff training and development needs. The development plan highlights appropriate timescales for the implementation of each specific area and the people responsible for ensuring its completion. A number of areas initially identified in the plan have already been implemented fully, including the installing of the deputy manager at the home and regular joint management meetings across the company. Such progress indicates the development plan is a robust and meaningful document that is implemented in practice.

p.4

Progress

The development plan also highlighted the need to implement a more obvious and tangible staff development and training programme. Staff now have their current and future training and development needs included in a written format which is then implemented in practice. One member of staff employed since the last inspection confirmed that they are undertaking an induction programme linked to the required Children’s Workforce Development Council expectations and the required level 3 diploma course. The member of staff said that they receive 'great support and guidance' in their role and in undertaken their induction programme and in identifying, preparing and arranging their future training needs.

p.4

Progress

The home environment continues to offer young people a high standard of accommodation and facilities in a homely and relaxed atmosphere. Staff have a clear understanding of the needs of young people looked after by them, with regular communication across the staff team ensuring consistent levels of care practice.

p.4

Progress

The home has continued to develop its practice and the service it provides. It is settled and focused on meeting the needs of young people.

p.4