Children's Home run by New Forest Care Limited in Hampshire

Unique reference number SC068046 Inspection date 13/11/2012 Inspector Bridget Goddard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

A private company owns and operates this children's home. The setting accommodates a maximum of one young person of either gender between the ages of 10 and 17 years who have complex emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties. If young people are not able to attend main stream schooling, the company has a small specialist education unit and a working farm. Young people can also access the organisation's therapeutic services.

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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

At the full inspection in July 2012, the home was judged as good overall. One requirement was made at that inspection and the home has now met this.

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Progress

The requirement concerned that the policy on positive intervention was compliant with current regulations. The home has reviewed and updated the policy which is now compliant.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive a high standard of personalised and thoughtful care. The staff team are highly motivated and competent. They are consistent at establishing clear boundaries, but also able to offer young people warm, fun and relaxed experiences. The staff team are well-led on a day-to-day level by a very experienced manager.

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Progress

Young people's views are carefully listened to, and progressed where possible for example, young people's special requests about their rooms have been met. Staff are skilled at negotiating with young people, and are careful to explain the reasons behind decisions. Young people do display significant challenging behaviour at times, and staff deal with this competently and professionally.

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Progress

Some young people have made exceptional progress since the last inspection, and are now in a much more independent phase. They are now responsible for managing their own free time, self-care, their own budget and using public transport independently. Generally they are managing very well, and are maintaining good school attendance and an activity programme as well. Other young people are still settling in, but are making some initial progress in establishing trusting relationships, and beginning to feel at home. Young people are also beginning to make good preparations for independent living, by practising cooking and financial skills.

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Progress

The home has continued to support complex contact arrangements, and this has resulted in young people having more contact with those they are close to. This has helped young people sustain and build family relationships, which will support them when they leave.

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Progress

Staff make best use of the facilities available in this older style and characterful building. However, this type of building brings particular challenges both in terms of its impact on young people, and on-going maintenance issues. Significant parts of the home look tired, worn and drab. Young people are keen, and staff are willing to talk about ideas for improvement.

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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 that the home provides a comfortable and homely environment. (NMS 10.3)

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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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