Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Telford and Wrekin

Unique reference number SC020545 Inspection date 15/02/2012 Inspector Jacqui Gosling Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/07/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

A private company operates this medium to long stay children’s home. The home can accommodate up to five young people between the ages of eight and sixteen with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Young people may occasionally stay beyond the age of 18.

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

The last inspection took place in July 2011. An overall judgement of good was made with outstanding outcomes for safeguarding, leadership and management. One requirement and one recommendation was made. Both have been fully addressed. The conservatory area has had a complete make over and is now a comfortable room for the young people to use. Maintenance work has improved the look of the first floor bathroom. Young people now have the opportunity to have a debrief after any unauthorised absence and records clearly identify that they are asked if they wish to see someone independent of the home. This children's home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care with a clear and focused commitment to service development. A particular strength of the home is the strong management structure and the commitment of the staff team to promoting good outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive well-planned care provided by a committed and competent staff team. Staff provide clear boundaries within a caring environment. When young people leave the home without staff knowing their whereabouts, there is a robust procedure in place to ensure they return safely to the home, including liaison with the local authority or police. The organisation and manager ensures that robust monitoring systems are in place to scrutinise the quality of care for young people. Areas highlighted for improvement are addressed immediately and practice changes are discussed during staff meetings and young people’s meetings. As a result, young people benefit from a consistent approach to their care.

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Progress

Feedback on service provision is actively sought from young people, their family, if appropriate, and other agencies. Consequently, young people live in an effectively and efficiently managed home. Staff participate in regular supervision that considers their work-life balance and promotes outcomes for young people. The home would benefit from some redecoration due to wear and tear and recent damage caused by the young people, to add to the feel of the environment. However, this has already been identified and plans are in place to complete this work. The culture and practice within the home promotes individual identity, difference and equality. As a result, young people receive quality care and support which is based on their individual identified needs.

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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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