Children's Home run by Derby City Council in Derby

Unique reference number SC036240 Inspection date 07/03/2012 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 21/09/2011 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 is operated by a local authority and provides medium- to long-term care for up to six young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. There is a flat to enable young people to acquire independence skills.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the previous full inspection on 21st September 2011, the home's overall effectiveness was judged as good, with quality of care judged as outstanding. The purpose of this inspection is to look at how the manager has worked to address the requirement and recommendation made, and what progress has been made since the last inspection. The manager was asked to ensure that financial penalties were not used as disciplinary measures and that the time and length of supervisions are recorded. Both of these shortfalls have been addressed and the home has maintained levels of quality of care and outcomes for children since the last inspection.

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Progress

Young people continue to make positive progress in relation to their starting points, particularly in education. The staff team are consistent and dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective care for young people. Strong relationships are built professionally between staff and young people, who in turn, feel well cared for. Consultation with the young people is imaginative and successful. Group discussions are recorded at ‘Tea Meetings', which give young people an opportunity to raise any pertinent issues or ideas for change. Independent agencies are also invited to these meetings and provide an ally service for young people in the care of the local authority. Young people also benefit from regular one-to-one sessions with staff.

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Progress

The home has built up strong relationships with a number of outside agencies to ensure the needs of the young people are met and they achieve good outcomes. Education, leisure pursuits and health needs are addressed by an array of services identified by the home, and young people are happy with and grateful for the support they receive. The quality of care this service provides remains outstanding.

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Progress

Staff have good quality support from a competent management team. New staff in particular are offered formal supervision that is over and above the required standard. The manager and deputy work regular shifts in order to maintain relationships with staff and young people. Only one shortfall was identified at this inspection which was for the manager to ensure any significant event is reported to the appropriate agency. This does not impact on the quality of care or the outcomes for children.

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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 if any of the events listed in column 1 of the table in schedule 5 takes place, the registered person shall without delay notify the persons indicated in respect of the event in column 2 of the table. (Regulation 30 (1)) 02/04/2012

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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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