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

Unique reference number SC441514 Inspection date 30/05/2012 Inspector Martha Nethaway Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 08/03/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home accommodates up to three young people with difficult and challenging behaviour. The home is owned by a private limited company.

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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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Progress

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

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Progress

The home has provided accommodation to young people for a short period since its registration on 3 March 2012. There were no young people in placement at the time of the inspection. This inspection focuses on whether the children’s home meets its statutory requirements in order to maintain its registration and is ready to accept placements.

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Progress

Outcomes for young people are good while they are in placement at the home. Young people benefit from a placement that is safe, secure with measurable progress. Young people benefit from a safe environment and this is delivered through inclusive practice and creating positive changes. Young people enjoy one to one mentoring and intensive support. For example, life skills such as shopping, cooking, cleaning and laundry are a common feature in the daily routines for young people. As a consequence, young people’s capabilities and strengths are recognised.

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Progress

Young people make good progress so that they are not vulnerable to alcohol and drugs. Young people show willingness through their behaviour to listen, learn and begin to change. One member of staff commented, ‘A lot of conversations took place about the gravity and accountability of a young person’s actions post-16.’ As a result, young people experience positive changes through staff harnessing positive influences. One social worker commented to the home, ‘This has been a good placement and the improvement with the behaviour of the young person has given them many more options.’

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Progress

Records show young people make good progress in relation to developing mature and positive relationships with trusted staff. For example, from their time of moving into the home there are no incidents of challenging behaviour. Equally, young people actively engage in their educational plan and make the most of opportunities within their local community. This results in active support for their hobbies and interests, for example football and visiting museums and castles. As a consequence, young people are embraced in a holistic approach to learning.

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Progress

Young people benefit from an environment that is homely, well maintained and cared for. This conveys the ethos of the home which is warm and welcoming.

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Progress

There is a balance of staff appointed to meet the needs of young people. The home has fully recruited permanent staff who are participating in a comprehensive training programme. This helps staff acquire skills and appropriate training. As a consequence, this allows staff to be confident in their work and safeguards and promotes the welfare of young people.

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Progress

An independent representative of the company visits the home to monitor the quality of care, quality of records, documentation and the quality of the environment. At this early stage any actions identified have been rectified. In addition, this has been supported by the home’s self-assessment completed every other month. As a result, young people benefit because there is clarification of what they can expect the home to provide.

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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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