Children's home SC033755

Unique reference number SC033755 Inspection date 20/03/2012 Inspector Judith Longden Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/10/2011 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

The home is owned by the local authority. It can accommodate up to four children who have emotional and 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

A full inspection was carried out in October 2011 and the home was given an overall effectiveness judgement of good. No requirements were made as a result of the last inspection. Two recommendations were made in respect of protecting children from cyber bullying and ensuring all administered medication is recorded correctly. Both of these have been met and as a result the safety and care of children has improved.

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Progress

Staff have developed their knowledge and understanding of cyber bullying and internet safety and work closely with children to help them understand how to stay safe. Staff have attended training on safe administration and recording of medication. The medication needs of each individual child are displayed in the office for staff to refer to. Recording of medication is accurate. This promotes children's health.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

The home continues to make good progress. Particular strengths of the home are the strong and inspirational manager and the motivated staff team who are committed to providing a good quality service and promote positive outcomes for children.

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Progress

Staff continue to develop their knowledge and skills in behaviour management techniques. Children contribute to discussions on the effectiveness of sanctions and help decide on appropriate consequences. As a result the behaviour of children has improved.

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Progress

Children new to the home benefit from well-planned introductions and are provided with good information about the home. As a result they feel valued and welcomed into the home. Children like the home and staff and feel well cared for. One child said 'I wouldn’t change it for the world.’

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Progress

Children make excellent progress in achieving positive outcomes; including improved attendance at school and in their educational achievements. One child now has a full attendance record for the first time and is achieving to a good standard. 'I'm attending all the time and enjoy it.’ Staff support attendance at school and attend parents’ evenings and progress meetings. Children's health is improving through involvement in healthy activities and the provision of a healthy balanced diet. Children benefit from an excellent range of exciting and challenging activities. Activities are used as a vehicle for learning. An example of this is during a game of football there are discussions with children about where certain footballers come from, what the culture of that country is and where it is located. Risk assessments are thorough but proportionate. This allows children to develop new skills and participate in new experiences. As a result children develop and thrive.

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Progress

Children are encouraged to learn independent living skills consistent with their age. They prepare food and cook meals and do many household chores. As a result children develop confidence and learn new skills.

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Progress

The home has excellent procedures for monitoring the quality of the service provided and the welfare of the children. The registered provider undertakes visits to the home in accordance with regulations and carries out checks to ensure the quality of service remains good and the welfare of children is monitored. The manager monitors records kept by the home to identify any concerns, patterns or trends.

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