Children's Home run by Derby City Council in Derby

Unique reference number SC036019 Inspection date 03/09/2012 Inspector Judith Longden Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 15/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a local authority home which accommodates a total of 15 children in three separate units, with five placements in each unit. The service provides care and accommodation for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. There is also a school on site.

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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

This home was judged as inadequate at the last full inspection in June. Since that time the home has demonstrated significant improvement in the quality of care and the safety of young people. The home has addressed and met all the five requirements made at the previous inspection. No recommendations were made at the last inspection.

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Progress

Three of the requirements were made in relation to the use of restraints and the recording and monitoring of restraint. These have all been met. The staff have reviewed young people's behaviour management and gained a better understanding of triggers to behaviour and how best to manage incidents. As a result the need for physical intervention has reduced. Staff benefit from good quality training on intervention and behaviour management and complete annual refresher courses to ensure their knowledge is kept up to date. Staff have also been reminded, following the last inspection, of the need to ensure all other methods of intervention are used before resorting to the use of restraint. This means the use of restraint is minimal and where it is used it is proportionate. The manager has revised the recording format for interventions. Staff complete a record of the incident with all the elements required within 24 hours of the incident. This includes the offer of medical assistance

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Progress

to the young person, comment on the effectiveness of the restraint and the views of the young person involved. The new format also allows for the recording of later discussions with young people and records attempts by staff to engage young people to discuss the incident and its effectiveness over a period of time. This means the staff and young people learn from interventions and as a result behaviour is managed more effectively. The deputy manager now reviews all physical interventions and completes a detailed electronic record of interventions. This means the monitoring of the use and recording of restraint is more robust and as a result the safety of young people has improved.

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Progress

In addition the home was required to ensure the prompt referral of all safeguarding concerns. Staff and managers have re-read the guidance and policies for safeguarding and are clear on the requirements to inform all parties, including the local authority, immediately. This ensures prompt action is taken to keep young people safe.

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Progress

The final requirement related to notifying Ofsted of all matters as required in regulations in a timely manner. Staff and managers have discussed the process of notifications in supervision and team meetings. They have a clear understanding of the need to provide updates of situations as well as the final outcome of the incident. This requirement is met.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

Young people are more positive about the care they receive and say they feel listened to and safe. Young people were consulted following the last inspection and their views and ideas have informed the action taken to address the requirements. Staff are supported in supervision and benefit from robust appraisals of their performance. Good use is made of regular team meetings. Issues relating to behaviour management are discussed and as a result staff are more consistent in dealing with behaviour. This has led to improved relationships between staff and young people.

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Progress

Young people continue to enjoy good outcomes in all areas, in particular their education attendance and achievement, improved contact with family, reduction in offending behaviour and learning independence skills to prepare them for adult life.

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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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