Children's Home run by Keys Educational Services Limited in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC363384 Inspection date 15/03/2012 Inspector Elaine Cray Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/08/2011 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 home is part of a large private children's care organisation and is registered to accommodate four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home offers short, long-term and emergency placements. The home has a school on site and this is registered with the Department for Education.

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Progress

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

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Progress

A full inspection was carried out in August 2011 and the home was given an overall effectiveness judgement of good. Three recommendations were made as a result of the last inspection. This interim inspection judged progress made since the last inspection.

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Progress

The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Developments and improvements have been made to ensure young people are well cared for and kept safe.

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Progress

Two recommendations from the last inspection related to young people’s preparation for independence. Young people have pathway plans and staff liaise with leaving care professionals to facilitate plans with the young people. They are supported with independence programmes to develop practical skills. Regular key working sessions show young people are given emotional support and advice to develop confidence for independent living.

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Progress

The second recommendation related to the review of the risk assessment process in relation to young people’s preparation for independence. This area is addressed as young people are supported to take appropriate risks as a normal part of growing up; this is particularly in relation to how they spend time away from the home. Young people living at this home present some complex needs and risks which may impact on them safely managing their independent free time.

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Progress

Young people generally respond well to the gradual steps of responsibility and trust that they are given. This includes having free time in the community, travelling independently on public transport, managing college placements and making long distance travel arrangements for family contact. Independence planning and monitoring is meaningful because it includes the individual challenges and experiences of each young person. Goals are personalised and support the clear levels of responsibility that are essential for young people to reach their potential and live safely in their communities.

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Progress

The third recommendation regarding the decoration of young people’s bedrooms and the first floor corridor is met. Young people say they like their rooms and enjoy a good level of privacy. They live and feel relaxed in a comfortable, homely and well maintained home.

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Progress

The manager and staff team demonstrate a continued commitment to improve the quality of service. Young people enjoy living at this home and they say the staff look after them really well. Key strengths of this service are behaviour management outcomes and the meaningful relationships between young people and staff. Young people identify improvements in their behaviour and say they make progress because they are rewarded and praised by the staff.

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Progress

Strategies to support young people’s behaviour are consistently improving. Young people have their needs met because the care planning and behaviour management frameworks are comprehensive and set out clear strategies for care and support. Detailed and sensitive attention is given to the individual needs of young people coupled with promoting their individuality, wishes and feelings. Young people’s placement plans are set out and implemented in a holistic framework for care. Young people do well because their care, health, welfare, education planning, risk management procedures and behaviour management plans are integrated, closely reviewed and monitored.

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Progress

Young people value their relationships with staff. The staff team is experienced, well trained and very stable. Consequently young people make meaningful relationships and are consistently cared for by staff they know and begin to trust. There is positive engagement between young people and staff. Young people invest in their plans and futures because they are supported with individualised plans which are discussed and agreed with them. They feel staff talk with and listen to them. Some young people look forward to continuing their placements at the home because they want to continue to progress and want staff to help prepare them for young adulthood.

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Progress

Monitoring processes in the service are effective and contribute to improvement. The manager assesses patterns and trends, and uses analysis and discussion with staff and young people, to better inform behaviour management plans. Monthly visits by an independent person are also carried out. Reports provide comprehensive feedback, including monitoring incidents, records and complaints in the home. This service responds to recommendations quickly and therefore positively impacts on the quality of care for young people.

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Progress

While the quality of care continues to improve, there is a shortfall in recording young people’s comments in the central sanctions log.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  ensure children are encouraged to have their views recorded in the sanctions records. (NMS 3.18)

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