Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Herefordshire

Unique reference number SC062223 Inspection date 16/03/2012 Inspector Martha Nethaway Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/05/2011 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 is a privately owned home that provides seven places for young people of either gender aged from 11 up to the age of 17 years. Young people admitted to the home have significant care needs and behaviour problems. Young people are able to attend mainstream education but the majority of those placed attend the company’s registered school based on the same site.

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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 May 2011 the overall quality rating for this home was judged as good. Action has been taken to address the one requirement and two recommendations: the home has improved the management of medication record keeping. Any practice issues are addressed promptly. This helps safeguard young people. Dental care is being properly assessed and supported. The outcome for young people is that dental care is given a good priority by the home. Finally, all staff receive the correct level of support and supervision. Young people benefit because supervision and appraisal’s ensure that staff deliver a good quality service.

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Progress

Leadership and management are good. Staff are working hard to help deliver good outcomes for young people. Young people’s experiences are broadly positive. Young people are receiving specialist emotional and behaviour support. They have access to a psychologist and this means that realistic goals are set to help them deal with emotional stress. Advice and support is also available to staff to help support young people’s multiple and complex needs. The outcomes for young people are that they are encouraged to develop positive socially aware behaviours.

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Progress

Young people’s education is being fully supported. Young people’s educational attendance is good. Staff are committed to supporting young people with their educational studies. The outcome for young people is to progress with their learning and achieve their potential. One young person commented, ‘I go to school every day and it is easy because the school is right next to the home.’

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Progress

The home uses formal and informal mechanisms of consultation to good effect. Young people’s meetings are regular and staff work tirelessly in their desire to engage young people effectively. Young people engage in positively influencing areas related to menu planning, activities and discussions about rules in the home. One young person commented, ‘we have asked for menus to be healthier.’ The outcome for young people is that their participation is encouraged and welcomed.

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Progress

The home has a well developed quality assurance programme. The home is subject to regular reviews by the management team. There is a clear development plan in place with achievable goals. For example, the home is currently working on education and training leading to employment for young people. Another example includes a strong focus on a smoking cessation programme for young people so that they can stop smoking. The outcome for young people is that their experiences and quality of life is improving.

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