Children's home SC063080

Unique reference number SC063080 Inspection date 20/03/2012 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 25/10/2011 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 privately owned. It provides care and accommodation for up to four children and young people and has facilities for one young person with physical disabilities. The home cares for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties who may also have mild learning disability.

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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 October 2011, the overall rating for the service was good with three requirements and four recommendations. The home demonstrates continued improvement in the quality of care provided with a commitment to staff training and development. A particular strength of the home is the strong management structure and the enthusiasm of the staff team who are clearly very focused about promoting good outcomes for young people.

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Progress

At the last inspection requirements set included reviewing the use of and recording of restraint. In response to this, staff have undertaken an intensive three day course in a new behaviour management and restraint technique. Staff comments are positive in relation to this and they feel their knowledge is refreshed and they are better equipped to manage incidents if they occur. The behaviour management policy has been amended in line with the new strategy, as recommended. A young person-friendly copy is also being included in the updated young people’s guide. This now has personalised and up-to-date contact details of external agencies and advocates. A further requirement regarding gaining feedback from parents, professionals and young people has been met through updated Regulation 34 monitoring and recently formulated questionnaires, which are in the process of being distributed.

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Progress

Recommendations set regarding behaviour management and responses to unwanted behaviour have been met in the updated training and behaviour management policy. The police have not attended the home because of young people’s negative behaviour since the last inspection. The introduction of photographic documentation of injuries also ensures young people’s safety.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive well-planned care given by a committed and competent staff team, who provide clear boundaries within a caring environment. Young people are positive about the care and say they like the home. Young people also say they feel safe and that they feel that they are able to talk to staff. The practice within the home promotes individuality, positive identity and equality, with a strong focus on abilities. As a result, young people receive high quality care and support which is based on their individual identified needs. Since the last inspection, there has been an emphasis on staff training and improving individual skills in line with the ethos of the organisation. The management team have undertaken adult teaching qualifications in order to more effectively train staff. They have made arrangements for an external provider to deliver level three qualifications for all staff in need of this. They have also organised external training

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Progress

about attachment theory and disorders and some staff have already completed online-based workshops. There is also exploration of holistic and alternative therapies, with staff training in areas such as aromatherapy and massage. Monitoring systems to review the quality of care that children receive have also been overhauled; producing quarterly summaries identifying areas where outcomes for young people may be improved.

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