Children's home SC032725

Unique reference number SC032725 Inspection date 19/03/2012 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/01/2012 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 local authority home is registered with Ofsted to provide care and accommodation for a maximum of six young people with emotional and/or behavioural 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 in January 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged to be good.

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Progress

The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Developments and improvements made ensure that young people remain well cared for and safe. Young people and staff were observed to have a relaxed, friendly relationship based on mutual respect.

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Progress

Three requirements and three recommendations were made at the last inspection and all of these matters have been fully addressed.

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Progress

One requirement was to ensure that, following the use of any restraint of a young person a written record would be made, which outlines the reasons why the restraint was necessary and how effective this action has been. The home's manager has reviewed the restraint records. Although no restraints have taken place since the last inspection, the written records now ensure that sufficient, accurate detail is recorded. This means, the manager will be able to identify any patterns of behaviour or the circumstances why a restraint was felt necessary.

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Progress

Another requirement was to ensure that the independent visitor to the home interviewed in private, the family members or relatives of the young people living there. This has taken place. These visits help to ensure the home is run properly and the opinions of family members about the care young people receive are borne in mind.

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Progress

The third requirement was to ensure that the young people living at the home, their parents and placing authorities are consulted about how the home is run. This has taken place. The home's manager frequently consults with all relevant parties about the running of the home. This helps to improve the services offered to young people.

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Progress

Three recommendations were made at the last inspection in relation to ensuring: the home's policy regarding young people who are missing from home reflects the Government's national 'Runaway and Missing from Home and Care' protocol; the children's guide provides information for young people about how they can contact their independent reviewing officer or the Children's Rights Director, and that the external monthly visitor evaluates how the home is supporting young people to enjoy and achieve and whether the home has an effective approach to behaviour management.

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Progress

All these recommendations have been met. The recording format which staff use to document when a young person is absent from the home identifies whether they are 'unauthorised absence' or 'missing'. This is in line with Government guidelines and enables staff to decide on the correct course of action to help keep young people safe. Young people know who they can contact if they are unhappy about anything within the home and the external monthly visitor monitors the home's approach to behaviour management to help ensure young people are enabled to develop socially responsible behaviour.

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Progress

In addition to the above, the home has made further improvements. The achievements of young people have been celebrated. In one particular instance, a young person won an award for a marked improvement in their school attendance. The home itself has also been recognised for its work in countering bullying and has achieved the local authorities gold award. Staff at the home are also building a yurt. The yurt will be used as a place where young people can visit to relax, talk about their problems and develop self-confidence.

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