Children's Home run by Blue Mountain Homes Ltd in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC047978 Inspection date 01/03/2012 Inspector Caroline Brailsford Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/12/2011 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

The home, owned by a company, provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. There is also a school on site where young people can access education if this is appropriate to their needs. The home is set within a 14-acre site which contains a small working farm, also owned by the company.

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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. Progress since the last inspection is also good. Outcomes for young people and the management of the home continue to improve.

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Progress

The service demonstrates a capacity to improve because it has met the two recommendations raised at the last inspection. There have been changes to the risk assessments, to ensure that information is very clear on what staff should do if individuals should go missing. The manager has presented the new risk assessment documentation for young people at team meetings and staff have read and signed the information. There is also an improved development plan in operation. This plan is very appropriate to the home and to the young people. It is clear that the manager has been forward thinking in her approach to the plan, by actively seeking further opportunities for staff training. This training has benefited young people, because it is responsive to their needs. For example, there have been further training sessions on self-harm issues and regarding travelling families. The manager has also obtained a range of training materials, resources and books to improve other areas

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Progress

of care. For example, this is to make sure that all young people's chosen diets can be catered for, whatever their cultural, religious and health needs. All the changes in the home are reflected in the development plan which is well monitored by the manager. This shows the effective management of the home.

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Progress

The manager regularly completes her own inspections in line with Regulation 34. The reports, however, have not yet been sent to Ofsted in line with the regulation. There are also further effective methods of monitoring issues raised at the Regulation 34 inspections. For example, there is a communication book that staff access every day. This book ensures that all staff are made aware of all relevant issues. This ensures, therefore, that improvements and developments take place. Staff meetings continue to be used well to affirm staff knowledge about the operational issues in the home.

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Progress

Young people say that the home is managed well and feel that the manager is always available to them, which they like. Staff also confirm that, despite the manager also being registered for another home three miles away, the management of the home remains good and staff value her support and leadership. Regulation 33 visits are also completed by a nominated individual in the company. Young people are consulted about the quality of care during these visits, ensuring that they are at the centre of the work taking place.

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Progress

The manager has also made some further changes that benefit the young people. For example, there have been improvements to the building, where young people have chosen new decorations for their bedrooms. There is also a further plan in place to improve the building. Staff and young people are also fully involved with the choosing and purchasing of new furniture and decorations. Behaviour management techniques have also continued to improve. All staff agree on the techniques to be used and have an input into the behaviour management of individuals. This ensures that young people receive a consistent message and, therefore, can make progress with their behaviours.

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Progress

Young people continue to make good progress in their education. Where they have struggled to attend school in the past, they can attend the school attached to the home; here they achieve well in a short space of time in relation to their starting point. The manager has developed documentation and education planning to be more streamlined and individual. For example, the weekly planning documents are now more detailed. The home also has a farm on site that is owned and managed by the company. Some young people have benefitted greatly from this. Their emotional well-being has improved as a result of direct work with the animals. For example, young people have enjoyed looking after the new lambs and other animals on the farm. This helps to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

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Progress

Ofsted has been informed of issues and progress at the home showing a well- managed service that is realistic about its strengths and weaknesses. The home is operating in accordance with its conditions of registration and the registered persons remain fit for registration.

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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) ensure that a report in respect of any review conducted by the registered person, is supplied to Ofsted. (Regulation 34 (2)) 30/03/2012

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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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