Children's Home run by Suffolk County Council in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC063110 Inspection date 26/03/2012 Inspector Stephen Halliley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/12/2011 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 local authority home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people of both sexes, aged between 11 and 16 years, who may have emotional or behavioural difficulties. The home accepts both planned and emergency placements. The service is based on the pedagogic principles of care.

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Progress

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

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Progress

This home was inspected in December 2011 and judged as outstanding with no requirements and two recommendations being made.

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Progress

Since this time the Registered Manager and staff team have continued to move the home forward in terms of quality of care though outcomes for young people have been affected by the refusal of some of the group to attend education. The recommendations from the last inspection have also been met.

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Progress

There have been no restraints since the last inspection so it was not possible to see the changes put into practice with regard to children and staff being given the opportunity to discuss incidents of restraint they have been involved in, witnessed or been affected by, with a relevant adult. However, the issue was discussed in a team meeting and all staff were sent individual emails reminding them of the expectation in relation to this and this recommendation has been met as fully as possible.

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Progress

There have been a number of incidents of young people missing from care since the last inspection but records relating to these are being accurately and thoroughly recorded. It is encouraging to see that young people are discussing the reasons for their behaviour with staff when they return to the home and that this is helping staff build a fuller picture of what is going on for young people outside the home.

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Progress

In terms of improving the service the team have been focusing strongly on citizenship issues. There is recognition that young people are not academically gifted so work is taking place on areas of manners, attitude, presentation and personal conduct looking at things such as job interviews and how to make the right impression. There has also been a drive to increase the outreach work being done with young people who move on. Staff have attended meetings with/about former residents, had them round for dinner and are starting to use them in the peer mentoring scheme which was working so well at the time of the last inspection.

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Progress

The independence programme continues to improve and there has been a very clear feedback sheet devised for young people when they have attempted the 'Are u up for the benefit challenge'. This allows young people to look at areas which need developing in terms of their independence prior to moving on from the home and also allows them to recognise areas in which they are doing well. This system has proved so successful that it has been rolled out to the other homes within the organisation for them to use as a key tool in supporting young people towards independence.

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Progress

There has been a switch in the incentive system with regard to school attendance. The staff team do not feel rewarding young people financially for attending school when this money is being spent on tobacco is acceptable. Accordingly, they have changed this incentive to a token for high street stores. This can only be beneficial in terms of young people's health and well-being.

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Progress

The manager continues to rigorously check systems and monitors how the home is meeting young people's needs together with highlighting areas for improvement but these reports are not being sent through to Ofsted as required by legislation. There was also one notifiable event since the last inspection and although this very sensitive situation had been very well handled by the Registered Manager and team the notification was not sent through to Ofsted without a substantial delay.

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Progress

This home continues to provide a high quality service to young people and is doing everything in its power to improve educational attendance to previous levels. Young people continue to be relaxed around staff and relationships are very strong with young people being very clear they are well looked after and kept safe.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) notify to Ofsted without delay any significant event in accordance with Schedule 5. (Regulation 30 (1)) 20/04/2012

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure the manager sends copies of Regulation 34 reports to HMCI at six monthly intervals. (Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulation, volume 5: Children's Homes 3:14)

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