Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC036737 Inspection date 15/03/2012 Inspector Elizabeth Tanner Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 04/07/2011 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 is a local authority children's home providing residential and short break services for 16 children with physical disabilities and complex health care needs.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

At the last inspection in July 2011 this children's home was judged as outstanding with three recommendations made for improvement. The finding from this interim inspection is that the home has made good progress and the previous recommendations addressed. There is one requirement as a result of this inspection.

p.4

Progress

The Registered Manager and staff team demonstrate a continued commitment to improve the quality of service to young people. The recommendation to ensure that fire drills are undertaken in line with the home's own risk assessment is addressed in full, as is the recommendation that information about young people is maintained in a confidential manner. A policy is now in place which gives clear guidance about access to confidential information for those on work experience within the home. The third recommendation in respect of ensuring paperwork clearly shows that the use of gaiters is used only as a last resort to prevent harm to a young person is also addressed in full. The home has reviewed its practice in this area and has ensured detailed and sensitive attention is given to the individual needs of young people and the wishes of parents. Paperwork clearly reflects the discussions, medical advice and

p.4

Progress

training given to staff if any restrictive sleep system is to be used. Practice has changed and improved as a result of this review.

p.4

Progress

There is strong emphasis on the increased participation of young people and their families in the running of the service. The use of key working sessions and regular reviews continues to help ensure that the views of young people are taken into consideration. Different communication methods are used as appropriate. As a direct result of this consultation a new activity area for teenagers has been created. Families and carers are routinely consulted about the care offered in the home and contact between young people and parents or other significant people is extremely well supported by staff when appropriate. This leads to continuity of care for the young people.

p.4

Progress

Staff are developing their work with young people in respect of skills for independent living. A kitchen area is used for teaching purposes and the nursing staff are looking to facilitate young people self-medicating where appropriate. Young people continue to benefit from well-planned and personalised care. They are settled and well cared for and this stability leads to improved outcomes in all aspects of their lives. The home is effectively and efficiently managed. Staff are well supported and are actively involved in developing plans for further improvement. This leads to an enthusiastic and motivated staff group. Staff are developing specific areas of specialism within the team so that information and practice can be shared within the staff group. The staff are committed to promoting good outcomes for young people. The Registered Manager consistently monitors the quality of care to continually improve the care given. The reports in respect of this monitoring are not sent to

p.4

Progress

Ofsted as required and a requirement is made about this.

p.5

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) supply to the HMCI a report in respect of any monitoring and improving the quality of care provided in the children's home. (Regulation 34 (2)) 27/04/2012

p.5

Recommendations

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

p.5