Children's home run by Essex County Council in Chelmsford

Unique reference number SC068929 Inspection date 16/03/2012 Inspector Linda Leeder Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 08/12/2011 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.

p.3

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.

p.3

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 respite centre is run by the local authority. It is registered to provide respite care for eight young people, from 5 to 18 years, with learning disabilities and additional physical and health 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 December 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was good. There were two requirements made.

p.4

Progress

At the last inspection it was required that the time and duration of any measure of control, restraint or discipline was recorded in a volume kept for this purpose. Physical interventions are rarely used; however, when they are used, they are now recorded accurately. Staff have a comprehensive knowledge of how to consistently apply positive behaviour management strategies and restraint is only used in exceptional circumstances. This ensures that young people are safe.

p.4

Progress

It was required at the last inspection that the registered person maintains and keeps up to date each young person's record. There has been considerable progress made on the updating of young people's records and they now contain all the recent information and documents. Where information is not available, considerable effort has been made to obtain the records needed. This results in effective sharing of information and contributes to improving the care provided to young people.

p.4

Progress

Staff provide clear boundaries in a nurturing environment. The ethos and practice within the home promote individual identity, difference and equality. As a result, young people are provided with care and support based on individual identified needs, assessed risks and the potential to develop.

p.4