Children's Home, Residential special school run by Cambian Autism Services Limited in Dorset

Unique reference number SC065261 Inspection date 24/02/2012 Inspector Barbara Davies Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 01/12/2011 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

The school provides care and accommodation for up to 60 students with autistic spectrum disorder and learning difficulties. It operates as a residential special school which also provides accommodation for a number of students requiring 52 weeks boarding and is therefore registered as a children's home.

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Brief description of the service

Students are accommodated in eight on-site living units and one off-site in a neighbouring village. The school is set in sufficient grounds to support outside activities and close proximity to the town ensuring that the school is integrated into the community. The provider has additional registered services for children and young adults with autism.

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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 full inspection in December 2011, the overall effectiveness rating for the service was judged as outstanding with no requirements or recommendations made. Despite only a short time having elapsed since that inspection, the home has made good progress. Improvements have been made to the fabric of several houses. The re-design and re-decoration of a corridor in one of the houses has improved the environment and made access easier for young people. Another house has been made more homely and comfortable with the purchase of new furniture. The completion of a bicycle track in the grounds of one house together with the purchase of new play equipment gives young people access to a more extensive range of recreational activities.

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Progress

The organisation and management of the home are well-established and very strong. Since the last inspection the school's fire risk assessment and development plan have been reviewed and approved. The latter demonstrates the school's commitment to continual improvement. Young people benefit from well-established systems and effective leadership from senior staff. Responsibilities are clearly delegated and as a result of the regular support and training they receive, staff are clear about their roles.

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Progress

There are almost the required numbers of staff members working in the school who have a recognised qualification in caring for young people. The school's training programme equips staff with the skills to work directly with young people. Training needs are kept under constant review and responded to. Staff recently attended refresher training in behaviour management. Despite feeling unsettled due to a period of consultation over proposed changes to the service, staff continue to work positively and professionally with young people. Comprehensive care plans inform staff about the care needs of young people and enable them to work consistently. Many young people receive individual support, due to their complex needs, and benefit greatly from this. As a result they are able to participate in activities that they would not otherwise be able to access.

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Progress

Staff support young people and overall behaviour is managed well. Records demonstrate little use of sanctions. Physical restraint is only used to prevent injury or damage and mostly for very short durations, lasting only several seconds. However, it is not possible to determine whether the duration of all restraints is appropriate as this detail is not always recorded. Furthermore it is practice for the school to lock external doors to the houses and the garden gates are locked. This means young people are not allowed to independently leave or enter these areas. The school has informally risk assessed that these measures are necessary for safety reasons. However, this is not evident within risk assessments for young people nor has the consent of placing officers been sought as is recommended by guidance. Although the school has carefully considered this issue, the rights of young people are not fully

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Progress

Despite these shortfalls, the school demonstrates a clear and focussed approach to the provision of a high quality service for young people.

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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

17B (2001) ensure that where a measure of restraint is used on a child the record required under Regulation 17 paragraph (3) must include the duration of the restraint (Regulation 17B (4)(a)) 14/04/2012

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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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Recommendations

 ensure that physical restrictions on normal movement within or from the home are only used where agreed with the responsible authority and, if appropriate, the parents (NMS 10.4)  ensure that decisions about the locking of outside doors is based on a careful risk assessment that is recorded and allows children as much freedom as possible balanced with the need to keep them safe; this refers to the completion and regular review of written risk assessments with regard to this matter (Children Act 1989: vol. 5:2.108)

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