Children's Home, Residential special school run by The Hesley Group Limited in Doncaster

Unique reference number SC008015 Inspection date 16/03/2012 Inspector Robert Curr Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

p.1

Date of last inspection 11/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Brief description of the service

This service, run by a company, is a residential school that accommodates young people who have complex needs and severe learning difficulties, including autism. The whole school is registered as a children's home.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

The setting was last inspected in November 2011, when the overall effectiveness was judged to be outstanding. Two statutory requirements were raised. These related to safety in the outside environment and the review of the Statement of Purpose.

p.4

Progress

Young people's safety has been enhanced as the provider has repaired outside paved areas and ensures that these areas are well lit at night. Young people and staff are aware of, and familiar with, the arrangements for fire safety in the school and residential areas; this means that, in the event of a fire, they are able to keep themselves safe. The Statement of Purpose has been reviewed and contains all the required elements.

p.4

Progress

Young people enjoy living in a warm, welcoming homely environment. This is because of the ongoing refurbishment of the properties. Staff report that young people are very pleased with the new décor and accessories within some of the houses. They have been instrumental in choosing the new colours and layout of their house or flat. Young people are also pleased with the creation of a new computer room and multi-sensory area. Parents are also benefiting from the creation of a new visitors room where families can have their own private space to meet and socialise. These improvements are having a positive impact upon young people’s self-esteem.

p.4

Progress

Staff feel well supported and the home continues to provide positive outcomes for young people. Young people were not present during the inspection but were observed attending education. They were seen enjoying time outside and being supported by the care team. There have been a number of changes to the recording systems since the last inspection. Staff feel these have been positive and have assisted them in streamlining the records. Consultation with young people remains good. Consequently, they feel their views and wishes are acted upon. Young people are busy arranging a movie night and disco as an after school activity. Staff continue to support young people's educational achievements. There are examples of marked improvements in young peoples reading age and their speech and language development. This is improving their educational outcomes.

p.4

Progress

Any complaint made by a young person at the home is taken seriously and is promptly investigated, documented and dealt with in accordance with the home's complaints policies and procedures. However, not all appropriate complaints have been notified to Ofsted in line with the notification regulation. Monitoring reports made by the independent person clearly outline any maintenance or health and safety issues within the houses. Regulation 34 reports are produced on a monthly basis, in line with company policy. The Registered Manager has not yet sent a report in respect of these matters to Ofsted. This does not have a direct impact upon young people.

p.4

Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) forward to HMCI a report in respect to the review of the quality of care provided in the home, which includes consultation with young people, their parents and placing authorities (Regulation 34 (2)(3)) 31/03/2012

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) notify HMCI without delay of any serious complaint about the home or persons working there. (Regulation 30(1)) 16/03/2012

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5