Children's home run by Springfield Road Children’s Homes Ltd in Eastbourne

Unique reference number SC036501 Inspection date 16/03/2012 Inspector Kevin Whatley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/10/2011 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 small family-run, private children’s home, providing care and accommodation for up to three young people with behavioural and emotional 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 inspection, carried out in October 2011, the home was judged as outstanding. At that inspection the home was asked to ensure that the views of young people are clearly evidenced within the sanction log.

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Progress

The approach toward the issuing of sanctions is excellent, with progress being made to implement a culture of reparation. Young people clearly understand how the process of sanctioning works within the home. The types of sanctions which can be given are well known, as are the expectations of behaviour and the consequences of behaving inappropriately. Young people said they understood the rules of the home and noted they were fair. Young people confirmed they are afforded time to consider their thoughts and views once a sanction has been imposed and are subsequently asked to write down their comments within the dedicated log. The sanctions log showed that very few sanctions have been implemented since the last inspection with young people signing their acceptance and adding comments where they wished. Sanctions avoided being punitive in nature, were commensurate with the misdemeanour in question and sought reparation wherever possible. For instance,

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Progress

for damaged caused to doors, young people were assisted to prepare the area for repainting, thus providing them with an opportunity to make good and repair the harm they had caused. The management team closely monitors the giving of sanctions, with overly punitive measures avoided.

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Progress

Young people continue to make progress in their placements and the service strives to support them in all aspects of their lives. Of particular note is the manner in which individualised programmes of behaviour management allow young people opportunities to gain insight into their own negative actions and so seek to reduce reoccurrences. The service utilises readily available expertise within the service for therapeutic interventions. For instance, young people commented that their regular meetings with a therapist were, 'helping me to work on my angry feelings…I don't lose it so often anymore...I have now learned to calm down in my room more easily'. The incidents of young people behaving negatively have continued to reduce with very few significant issues occurring since the last inspection.

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Progress

All young people currently living at the home have been there for considerable periods of time. Such stability of placements indicates a strong ethos of commitment and individualised care. Young people feel staff care for them, 'brilliantly' and understand their needs fully. When young people move on they are provided with excellent support and guidance to ensure as planned a process of transition as possible. Young people who are finding the transition away from the home and into semi-independent living somewhat difficult, are supported by staff at every stage of the process. Timescales for moving are carefully considered with placing authorities to ensure young people do not feel unduly pressured.

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Progress

The atmosphere in the home was relaxed and open with young people and staff clearly sharing positive and meaningful relationships. The management and staff team continue to work hard for the particular needs of each young person and understand them extremely well.

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