Children's Home run by Southern Adolescent Care Services Ltd in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC061795 Inspection date 15/03/2012 Inspector Keith Riley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/12/2011 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 setting is one of two homes operated by the same private organisation. The home aims to provide a holistic approach to the welfare and development of young people in their care, accommodating six young people on a planned or emergency basis. The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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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 last full inspection in December 2011 the home was judged as outstanding for overall effectiveness. There were no requirements or recommendations made.

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Progress

The Registered Manager considers referrals that are made to the home in consultation with other professionals. Placement decisions are underpinned by an up- to-date assessment of the young person's needs. Careful consideration is given to how the young person's contact with family and significant others will be supported. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of the risk of going missing from care and the strategies that are required to minimise that risk. The number of incidences of young people going missing or their unauthorised absence is diminishing in frequency. When a missing person incident occurs staff follow diligently the joint protocols that are in place with other agencies, such as the police. Young people are kept as safe as possible and are not being unnecessarily criminalised.

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Progress

There is a consistent staff team. Comprehensive training packages are in place for all staff. Staff receive high-quality training to keep them up to date with best practice. The Registered Manager and on-site teacher are proactive in developing training packages, such as detailed safeguarding workbooks for staff and 'staying safe modules' for young people. This approach, in conjunction with external professionals, supports young people to keep themselves safe and to understand the difficult and challenging emotions they experience. As a result, young people develop emotional resilience.

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Progress

Staff develop positive relationships with young people. Changes are made, for example to the shift pattern, so that young people can spend time with staff. This means that young people feel safe and settled in the home. Staff work proactively with young people to help them understand their background. Young people develop a positive self-view and are confident at expressing their opinions appropriately.

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Progress

Young people develop good independent living skills, such as cooking and budgeting. There are clear pathway plans in place. Young people have every chance of success as they make the transition into adulthood. Young people speak positively of the progress they make while living in the home and their readiness to live independently.

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