Children's Home run by East Sussex County Council in East Sussex

Unique reference number SC031410 Inspection date 28/03/2012 Inspector Janet Hunnam Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 22/11/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Brief description of the service

This children’s home is operated by the local authority. The service is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to seven young people with learning disabilities. It provides short break care and also longer term residential placements.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

At the last inspection carried out in November 2011 the overall judgement was outstanding and no requirements or recommendations were made.

p.4

Progress

The home is making good progress and maintaining excellent standards of care for young people. The Registered Manager has a clear focus on continuously striving to develop the service to improve outcomes for young people.

p.4

Progress

Developing young people’s independence skills is a priority. One evening a week young people choose their own meal, go to the supermarket to buy the ingredients and cook it themselves. They are enthusiastic and look forward to cooking for themselves. Staff’s expectations are now high regarding the capability of young people. They provide young people with a range of opportunities to help develop their confidence and daily living skills.

p.4

Progress

Seeking out the views of young people is a strength of the home. A member of staff is responsible for formally consulting with young people to ensure they have opportunities to make their own choices. Results of the exercise to find out what activities they prefer are on display with a photograph of each young person and a photograph of their chosen activities. Staff take these views into account when planning activities in the home and the community. A new minibus is enabling young people to access community activities more frequently consequently adding to their experiences. Each young person has their own activity folder describing activities they have taken part in. These are in a symbol format with photographs of them doing the activity. These provide opportunities for discussion giving young people a sense of achievement.

p.4

Progress

Young people are encouraged to interact with their peers through group discussions. They discuss what activity they would like to do and come to a common consensus. This enables them to develop skills in social interaction through listening to other people, negotiating and compromising.

p.4

Progress

Young people reside in a bright and stimulating environment. Staff are creative and enthusiastic in finding individual strategies to promote young people’s development. Leadership and management is strong with excellent monitoring of the quality of care through a robust quality assurance system and comprehensive Regulation 33 reports. The result of detailed attention to meeting the individual needs of young people is their exceptional progress in developing their skills and confidence.

p.4

Progress

Staff give exceptional attention to planning the transition for each young person from the home to their next placement. They take great care to ensure that young people make the transition successfully and design the familiarisation programme around young people’s particular needs.

p.5