Children's Home run by North Yorkshire County Council in North Yorkshire

Unique reference number SC034235 Inspection date 19/11/2012 Inspector Michael McCleave Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 22/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people, of either gender, who have emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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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 previous full inspection the home was judged as being outstanding overall. The young people are cared for by staff who demonstrate a positive commitment to their work. This home has a strong management team who consistently encourage high aspirations. They regularly assess and monitor the operations of the home to look at ways of improving the care provided to the young people. The manager has introduced effective systems to periodically assess the progress of each young person. This clearly demonstrates a forward thinking approach aimed at ensuring that staff routinely analyse and assess their work with the young people. This is further enhanced with young people attending all formal monthly supervision meetings between the staff and a manager. The young people take an active part in the supervision process during discussions concerning them as individuals. This is an excellent example of equality and diversity.

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Progress

The staff at the home are justifiably proud of the way they have supported the young people to turn around their challenging life styles. Of particular note is their excellent school attendance record. This compares very well when compared to their low starting points before they moved to this home. A positive partnership has been established between the home and the school. The educational coordinator at the home is a qualified teacher and has established strong links with the local schools attended by the young people.

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Progress

The young people enjoy very positive relationships with the staff at the home. There is a calm homely atmosphere prevailing where staff and young people have developed a trusting relationship. Behaviour management is based on the restorative justice approach and de-escalation of tense or difficult situations. Full restraint techniques are rarely required.

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Progress

Safeguarding is a central feature at the home. All staff are clear about their responsibilities in this area of their work. They are well trained and know the actions to take where any concerns or allegations of child abuse are evident. Children rarely go missing from the home due their confidence in the care provided by staff. Nevertheless, staff are aware of procedures to follow.

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Progress

There were no requirements or recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Progress

This home is well managed and there is a clear and positive commitment to continuous improvement.

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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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