Children's Home, Residential special school run by Staffordshire County Council in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC415138 Inspection date 10/03/2012 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 29/11/2011 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

This resource centre provides short-break care for up to six children and/or young people in need, aged between 8 and 17 years of age who have learning and/or physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments. The service is managed by a local authority.

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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 November 2011, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as outstanding with no requirements or recommendations set within the inspection report.

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Progress

The short-break service provides care to meet the needs of children and young people who have a learning disability, significant health needs, associated physical disabilities and sensory impairment. This short-break service continues to provide exceptional individualised quality care, with a clear commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children and young people. The service has not only continued to ensure excellent quality of care for children and young people, but has built upon and improved the care provided.

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Progress

Children and young people benefit from an environment which has been designed to meet the needs of the children and young people who have a diverse range of disabilities and specific needs. The interior and exterior of the building is of a high specification and provides secure and safe accommodation. The interior is immaculate, with high standards of décor and furnishings.

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Progress

The service provides a range of stimulating indoor and outdoor activities. This enables children and young people to engage in active play and more passive play. The resources are diverse and meet the needs of children and young people who have complex disabilities and medical needs. As a result, children and young people are able to experience a wide range of leisure and learning activities which promote their development, health and enjoyment.

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Progress

The key strength of this service is the professionalism and commitment of the managers and staff in enabling children and young people with learning disabilities and complex needs to reach their full potential. Children and young people thrive because the staff team and managers are knowledgeable, experienced and highly skilled

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Progress

Staff values the involvement and inclusion of children and young people. Consultation with children and young people is progressive and ensures the full inclusion of all, regardless of disability or communication needs. Children and young people are actively encouraged and supported to express their views on how the service operates and their views are acted upon.

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Progress

The service continues to work positively and communicates well with parents, families and professionals. Proactive work ensures that children and young people benefit from having their needs and welfare closely monitored and reviewed. One parent commented ‘He is very happy and we are very happy with his stays. They are lifesavers! I have a hundred per cent confidence in them.’ Another parent stated ‘He is transformed - the progression is all down to them! What we didn't expect was that he has grown as a young person in a way that he could not have done without them. It has been life changing for him. He has a sense of independence now which he would not have got without them.’

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Progress

Equality and diversity continues to be integrated within all work with children and young people. All children and young people benefit from detailed attention to their individual needs. The provision of care embraces diversity and ensures specific individual needs are fully met. The service provision recognises the children and young people as individuals and strives to ensure that they receive equality of opportunity. Children and young people benefit from the promotion of positive views of diversity and disability.

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Progress

The management and leadership of the service are robust, effective and consistent. The short-break service has a development plan which ensures continuous improvement in the delivery of care to children and young people. Regular monitoring and quality assurance checks ensure children and young people are safe and secure.

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Progress

This service continues to demonstrate the highest standards of care and a commitment to development. This is because there is clear commitment from the management and staff team within the service to consistently work to improve outcomes and raise the standard of care for children and young people.

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