Children's Home run by N H Care Limited in Birmingham

Unique reference number SC365366 Inspection date 29/02/2012 Inspector Suzanne Young Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/12/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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.

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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 small three bedded children's home. The home caters for young people who have autism as a learning disability. The home is run by a private provider.

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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 inspection in December 2011 the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good. Four recommendations were made which have all been met. Systems have been improved which demonstrate safer recruiting and the Statement of Purpose and the children's guide have been reviewed. The quality of monitoring by the registered provider has also improved. This now identifies areas of development leading to improvements in the quality of care for young people. The views of the young people living within the home are also obtained.

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Progress

Good progress is being made to improve the quality of the care delivered to young people. The management team and staff are committed to providing better outcomes for young people which means young people are able to make good progress in many aspects of their lives.

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Progress

Substantial progress has been made with regard to the amount and quality of contact the young people are having with their families. Staff have been instrumental in developing relationships with young people's families. This has resulted in young people benefitting from increased contact which is both positive and constructive. Young people are also continuing to make progress in their behaviour which is promoted through highly individualised care. As a result young people are able to enjoy participating in activities in the local community. Real progress has been made to improve their independence skills through getting involved in cooking within the home, attending the cinema and by increased bus rides and train rides.

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Progress

Young people are able to influence the way the home is run thorough regular meetings to discuss activities, menus and holidays. Staff have arranged to take the young people away on holiday during the Easter school holidays after the young people decided they wanted to go to the seaside for a holiday.

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Progress

The home has been without a Registered Manager in post since October 2011. Although there is an acting manager and an experienced deputy manager which ensures that the home continues to benefit the young people, legislation dictates that a manager should be appointed.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) appoint an individual to manage the children's home. (Regulation 7 (1) (2)) 01/04/2012

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Recommendations

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

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