Children's Home run by North Yorkshire County Council in North Yorkshire

Unique reference number SC034235 Inspection date 09/02/2012 Inspector Ann-Marie Born Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 09/11/2011 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 is a local authority children's home which is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people of either gender, aged from 13 years old up to 17 years old, who have emotional or 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

This interim inspection focused on the progress made by the home since the last full inspection in November 2011, at which the overall judgement was outstanding. Four recommendations were raised at that inspection and all have been met.

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Progress

All significant events relating to the protection of young people are notified by the home to the appropriate authorities, including Ofsted. This provides a multi-agency approach for monitoring the care of young people. Improved processes following any episodes of physical intervention ensure that young people are offered the services of medical practitioners and are encouraged to record their views. Young people report that they feel safe and happy in the home and that 'staff are always trying to get us to read, write and sign things.' Young people are comprehensively safeguarded by these measures and their voices are heard.

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Progress

The children's guide has been updated and can be made available in other languages and formats, such as Braille, large print or audio if required. It is complemented by an individual welcome pack for each young person that effectively promotes inclusion.

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Progress

Young people report that they enjoy the range of shared outside activities and holidays provided by the home. These successfully promote the development of young people's social and life skills. Young people are further benefitting from a comprehensive redecoration programme within the home which enhances their sense of well-being and belonging.

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Progress

Young people are provided with a safe, caring and stimulating environment by the enthusiastic and committed deputy manager and staff team. Young people feel valued in their home where they can develop and achieve in areas of educational, physical and emotional well-being. The comprehensive transition programme builds self-esteem and confidence and prepares young people for independence. A young person stated, 'I don't need to go on all the activities, I have a life outside of here.'

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Progress

No breaches of regulation or shortfalls in meeting the national minimum standards are identified as a result of this inspection.

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