Children's Home, Residential special school run by MacIntyre Care in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC043994 Inspection date 14/03/2012 Inspector Muhammed Harunur Rashid Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 12/09/2011 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 service is a residential special school for young people with severe learning disabilities and is run by a large independent organisation. The school accommodates up to 40 secondary school age young people of either sex, usually on a 52 week placement basis. Due to the length of the young people's stay at the school it is required to be registered and regulated as a children's home under the Care Standards Act 2000.

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Brief description of the service

The accommodation is provided in seven separate houses on the edge of the school site and each young person has their own bedroom. Each house has an office, kitchen, lounge/dining area and activity room as well as outdoor space for young people. There are also sufficient numbers of suitable bathroom facilities for young people.

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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 inspection in September 2011, the home’s overall effectiveness was judged to be good. The children's home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people. One statutory requirement and two recommendations were made at the last full inspection to ensure that staff correctly record the date, time and location of the use of restraint in the physical intervention record log, ensure that all applicants references are checked to assess suitability before taking on responsibilities and children's views are recorded where any disciplinary measures are used. The service has acted upon these. No new requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this interim inspection.

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Progress

Young people have complex health care, educational and emotional needs. Their holistic care needs are assessed well and they receive individualised care. Staff communicate with young people who are non-verbal or have very limited vocabularies through various communication methods. The key worker system enables young people to focus on their goals.

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Progress

There are good arrangements for promoting the healthy lives of young people. They are encouraged to eat healthy, home cooked meals. Young people are registered with doctors and dentists. Staff accompany young people to medical appointments. Staff are provided with medication administration and first aid training. They administer medication to young people and maintain records of all medication administered.

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Progress

The 24 hour curriculum complements the development of young people's personal attributes and learning achievements. This also helps young people to pursue their hobbies and interests. Young people participate in a range of after school clubs where they take part in various activities, for example, cookery, rambling, arts and crafts and horticulture activities.

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Progress

A complaints policy and procedure are made accessible as they are displayed in the home. Complaints are recorded appropriately and managed according to the service's procedures.

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Progress

Staff encourage and promote positive behaviour. Staff develop individual behaviour management programmes for each young person with input from a multi-disciplinary team. Staff are provided with guidance and specific training about the value of using positive intervention.

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Progress

Staffing levels are generally high to meet the assessed needs of young people. The staff team are well supported through regular supervision from their line manager. Staff training opportunities are available for their professional development. In addition to this, various levels of staff support groups are taking place on a regular basis.

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