Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Derbyshire

Unique reference number SC051513 Inspection date 23/02/2012 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 16/11/2011 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

Brief description of the service

The home is run by a local authority and provides care for four young people between the ages of 10 and 17 years with emotional and behavioural difficulties or learning disabilities.

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

Progress

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

p.3

Progress

At the last full inspection on 16th November 2011, Ofsted made three requirements and two recommendations. The overall effectiveness of the home was judged as good. The purpose of this inspection was to assess if the registered persons have addressed the previous requirements and recommendations. All three requirements and two of the three recommendations made at the last inspection have been satisfactorily addressed.

p.3

Progress

The home is providing a caring and safe environment for young people to live in. Members of staff are ensuring that young people are engaged both in the life of the home as well as that of the wider community. Relationships between staff and young people are very supportive and staff are enthusiastic about keeping young people safe and promoting positive outcomes. Young people enjoy living at the home and are continuing to make good progress in relation the their starting points.

p.3

Progress

Regular and relevant keyworking sessions take place between staff and young people. A plan is made upon admission and is updated regularly to ensure the work that is carried out reflects the young people's needs. Staff discuss incidents with young people and try to determine the cause while explaining the effect of behaviours. Sanctions are often discussed as part of this process, however, the young people are not always offered the opportunity to discuss or comment on the sanctions they receive.

p.3

Progress

The manager was asked to make suitable arrangements for young people who self administer medication. There are now clear procedures in place for this and young people are made fully aware of the administration directions for the medication, and are supported by staff. Improvements have been made in the recruitment process in relation to contacting previous employers in the social care sector to cross reference details in which a person left their employment. This further safeguards young people in assuring precise vetting has taken place for potential new staff. Incident recording now incorporates the notification process to ensure all necessary parties are notified of events, including Ofsted. This now meets regulations. Staff have taken part in a training workshop around supervising and facilitating contact between young people and their families. This was conducted by a member of staff who had researched the subject as part of their development. Not only did this exercise

p.4

Progress

contribute to staff's development in conducting training, but also informed staff of the valuable role they play in the process of supervising contact and promoting relationships between the young people and their families. There have also been developments in raising staff awareness around equality and diversity, and how they can educate young people and have a positive influence on their attitudes and beliefs. Young people and staff take part in themed nights each month which is decided by the young people, and information is shared around the country’s culture. Information gathered by the young people is then put on display which promotes both their understanding of the subject and also their sense of achievement.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure that when any sanctions, disciplinary measures or restraints are used, children are encouraged to have their views recorded in records kept by the home. (NMS 3.18)

p.4

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.5

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.5