Children's Home run by Kingston upon Hull City Council in Kingston upon Hull

Unique reference number SC034495 Inspection date 08/03/2012 Inspector Ann-Marie Born Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 05/09/2011 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 local authority home is registered to care for and accommodate up to eight children and young people at any one time, of either gender, with learning disabilities. Some children also have physical disabilities and complex health needs. The vast majority of children and young people have short breaks at the home providing their parents or carers with respite care. Occasionally a child or young person is accommodated on a long-term basis. Emergency placements are rare and usually for children known to the service. Overall the home provides a service for around 25 families and their children. In addition, the service provides some outreach work in children’s own homes.

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Progress

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

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Progress

This interim inspection has focused on the progress made by the home since their last full inspection in September 2011, at which they were judged to be outstanding. There were no requirements or recommendations made.

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Progress

The home is maintaining excellent quality of care. The committed Registered Manager and experienced, nurturing staff team continue to provide consistent and stable care for young people. This results in satisfactory progress which reflects the home did not have previously identified areas for improvement.

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Progress

Children and young people benefit from structured care and routines to enable them to maximise their abilities and achievements. Regardless of their disability, children and young people continue to enjoy a wide range of stimulating inclusive activities both within the home and on outings to local amenities and events. As a result, children and young people's well-being is promoted, they make positive friendships and they develop social and life skills while enjoying themselves.

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Progress

Children and young people report that they feel welcome in the home, that they like the staff, that there is good food and 'it is home'. Excellent relations are maintained with parents including regular home visits by key workers. A staff member commented, 'we can really learn how they cope at home and what the children like so that we can do that here as well as giving them a really fun time'. Any concerns, complaints or 'grumbles' are quickly and efficiently addressed by the Registered Manager. This allows for open communication thereby ensuring children and young people receive consistent care and parents are supported and informed.

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Progress

This is a well-managed home where safeguarding of children and young people is of paramount importance. Thorough care planning effectively identifies needs. These are complemented by individual risk assessments ensuring children and young people are safe. Nevertheless, although monthly fire evacuation drills are practised these are not comprehensively recorded with the details of the time of the evacuation, those involved or outcomes. Therefore it is not clear if all children and young people have participated and as a result their welfare is not fully protected.

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Progress

Excellent liaison between the home and other agencies involved in the care of children and young people ensure that their needs are comprehensibly identified. As a result they receive holistic care thereby maximising their potential. A social worker stated 'I think the home is fantastic, not just the physical changes that have been made to meet all the sensory needs and physical needs of the children. There is very good communication between ourselves. Real partnership working. I haven’t had any reason to be concerned about anything'.

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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 the emergency escape plan, including a full evacuation, is familiar to children and young people and they have practised it at different times of the day and night so they know what to do in an emergency. (NMS 10.9)

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