Children's Home run by Friends Therapeutic Community Trust in Cambridgeshire

Unique reference number SC025733 Inspection date 21/03/2012 Inspector Linda Leeder Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 28/11/2011 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 service is registered for 17 placements with emotional and behavioural difficulties and or learning disabilities. The service provides a therapeutic programme and treatment for young men who engage in a structured programme detailed within the Statement of Purpose.

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Brief description of the service

The service is run by a community trust and caters for a specific age range and needs detailed within the Statement of Purpose. There are semi-independence bungalows in the grounds and a separate satellite service for those who require transitional accommodation before living independently. There is a wide range of facilities including on-site education and vocational workshops to support accredited work based learning courses.

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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 November 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as outstanding. There were two recommendations made.

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Progress

At the last inspection, it was recommended that the registered persons ensure that within the management roles the lines of accountability are clearly defined. The service is in the process of reshaping and developing the management structure to provide clarity of roles and responsibilities. In the interim, the Registered Manager has provided a clear and defined structure of management responsibility. Staff and young people appear to understand the lines of accountability and report that they are being informed of any future changes to the management structure.

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Progress

It was recommended at the last inspection that all policies and procedures are updated in line with national minimum standards. The service is in the process of providing electronic access to policies and procedures. This will also assist in updating policies and procedures in the future. Considerable effort has been made to ensure that all policies and procedures are updated and clarified. For example, flow charts of the child protection procedure have given staff clear instructions and helps to ensure the safety of young people.

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Progress

Young people are fully engaged with their plans and are proud of their achievements. The service continues to provide excellent individualised therapeutic plans. These plans provide young people with practical skills, increased confidence, improved emotional resilience and self-discipline. This helps young people realise and develop their full potential.

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