Children's Home, Residential special school run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC401685 Inspection date 19/03/2012 Inspector Elaine Cray Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 05/05/2011 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 home is part of a residential special school which is part of a large private care organisation. The service is registered to accommodate 22 children and young people with learning disabilities. The home offers planned long-term placements. The school is registered with the Department for Education.

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Progress

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

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Progress

A full inspection was carried out in May 2011 and the home was given an overall effectiveness judgement of outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made as a result of the last inspection. This inspection judged progress made since the last inspection.

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Progress

Young people continue to make significant progress. The manager and staff team demonstrate a continued commitment to improve the quality of service to young people. Young people live in a nurturing, vibrant, and child-centred environment. They are looked after by staff who are proactive, well trained and committed to the development and welfare of each young person staying at the service.

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Progress

Young people, parents and staff are very proud of the improvements in behaviour, health and learning new skills. Young people progress because they are supported with meaningful and holistic plans for their care, health and behaviour. Their individuality is celebrated and explored, with proactive and creative strategies to ensure all pupils of all abilities develop and progress. There is a strong emphasis on understanding behaviour in terms of learning disability, communication, understanding and sensory challenges.

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Progress

The appointment of a medical practitioner with expertise in the learning disability field has resulted in significant progress for young people. Staff say the input is ‘brilliant’ because it is available at any time and is excellent in enabling staff, families and young people to explore different support strategies. There is excellent partnership working and consultancy to provide early interventions in terms of health, medical support, medication and behaviour. Young people enjoy and participate in a variety of activities and relationships because their behaviour is calmer, their health improved and medication closely scrutinised.

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Progress

Further improvements to provide a new medical room and new auditing procedures for stocks of medication ensure young people continue to be protected with safe and effective medication procedures.

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Progress

The child-centred approach is further improved with new communication processes being integrated into young people’s daily routines. Communication processes, including verbal, written, symbol and signing systems provide an opportunity for all young people to contribute their ideas and views to the running and improvement of the service. Staff commented ‘we want to make a difference so young people can raise things that are important to them and then see things happen’. The appointment of an external advocate has also given greater empowerment to young people.

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Progress

Each house has a 'We Asked–You Did' book, ensuring young people’s requests and ideas are listened to, recorded and addressed. Records show that young people have received chosen activities, favourite biscuits and made sure there is enough money on the next trip to have a favourite drink as a result of this process. 'Choice' books are also improved. Photos, symbols and words inform young people about all the day-to-day tasks, activities and choices.

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Progress

The service has also improved strategies to develop young people’s independence skills. Young people take pride in contributing to and helping each other with day-to- day living arrangements in the house, including helping to prepare meals, choosing activities and feeding the animals. They learn to take responsibility for chores, grow in confidence and develop increasing independence. Some young people are now able to get up and prepare breakfast independently with only minor prompting. Other young people have developed broader communication and language skills. Building such skills and confidence has enabled young people to try many new experiences, including going shopping, swimming, and travelling on the bus.

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Progress

This service continues to promote effective safety and protection strategies for young people. Staff are fully aware of safeguarding procedures, including whistleblowing processes. Safeguarding agencies are very positive about the manager’s excellent commitment and understanding of inter-agency partnership. Missing from care protocols have been further improved with closer working relationships with the local police.

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Progress

The manager continues to drive forward improvements to the service. There are clear development plans to promote improvement with both short and long-term goals. While young people live in a well maintained environment, improvements in terms of new windows, decorating and refurbishing bathrooms are complete. Efforts to make the house homely, comfortable and personalised are a credit to the contributions made by the staff and young people. Staffing and management arrangements continue to develop with a new night time manager to oversee the development and practice needs of night staff.

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Progress

The quality of care and outcomes are maintained because day-to-day care and experiences of young people are closely monitored. The manager and Regulation 33 visitor regularly consult with young people, parents and staff. Strategies to support young people’s behaviour are consistently improving as a result of monthly monitoring of physical intervention, significant events and progress made by young people. The manager assesses patterns and trends, and uses analysis and discussion with staff and young people, to better inform behaviour management plans. The quality of care and outcomes for young people remain at an exceptional level. Parents’ comments include ‘wonderful’, ‘given so much self-esteem’ and ‘totally transformed our lives’. No statutory requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this visit.

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