Children's Home run by Shropshire Council in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC382730 Inspection date 07/03/2012 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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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 is a local authority provision that provides short-term placements for up to four young people. Placements are normally for 12 weeks but can be up to a maximum of 16 weeks in exceptional circumstances.

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Progress

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

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Progress

An overall judgement of good with two outstanding features was made at the last inspection in July 2011. One recommendation for improvement was made in relation to medication. This has been proactively addressed and there are now clear arrangements in place to ensure medication is available even if young people have only recently arrived at the home.

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Progress

This children's home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care provided with a clear and focused commitment to service development. A strength of the home is the strong management structure and the commitment of the knowledgeable staff team to promote good outcomes for young people. Staff participate in regular supervision that considers their work-life balance and promotes 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. Young people confirm that they 'feel safe' and that they feel that they would be able to talk to staff or their social workers if they were worried or anxious.

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Progress

When young people leave the home without staff knowing their whereabouts, staff follow a robust procedure to ensure they return safely to the home. This procedure has been developed in liaison with the local authority and local police.

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Progress

Young people live in a well managed home. The local authority and management of the home 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. Feedback about the service provision is actively sought from young people, their family, if appropriate, and other agencies. The culture and practice within the home promotes individual identity, difference and equality. As a result, young people receive care and support which is based on their individual identified needs.

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