Children's Home run by Keys Education Ltd in Herefordshire

Unique reference number SC062074 Inspection date 27/11/2012 Inspector Dawn Bennett Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to accommodate up to four young people. The service is operated by a private company. The overall purpose of the service is to provide medium- to long-term placements for young people who may have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home's stated aim is to provide an environment in which young people can feel safe, cared for, supported and valued as individuals in their own right.

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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 was judged as adequate at the last full inspection which took place in August 2012. It is judged to be making good progress following this interim inspection. There were three actions and three recommendations made as a result of the last inspection.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, a new manager has been appointed to the home. She started in post as manager on 5th November 2012. She is not currently registered with Ofsted but has submitted her application for registration.

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Progress

The service demonstrates its capacity to improve because it has met, and continues to build upon, the actions and recommendations. Part of this work has been the development of proactive partnership work with other agencies and the local community. Incidents in, and the impact of incidents on, the community have significantly reduced and work continues to be on going to develop the positive involvement of the home in the local area.

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Progress

There are now clear protocols and systems in place to positively involve partnership agencies in the operation of the home and in promoting positive outcomes for young people. For example, the organisation and police liaise monthly with regard to incidents and police involvement relating to the home. The new manager has attended local authority’s new safeguarding forum. She also has direct dialogue with a community based police representative who has been attending individual young people's monthly core group meetings.

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Progress

Young people placed at the home are now making good progress. They have strong relationships with staff who consistently promote their personal development and emotional resilience. Achievements, such as exam results and good college attendance, are celebrated. Special occasions and events are remembered in photos around the home. Relationships with family members are nurtured and promoted. Staff support with transport to venues and remain available if young people or parents require additional support during contact visits. Independence skills are gradually introduced and enable young people to make safe mistakes before becoming confident in their new skills.

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Progress

Young people engage in full-time further education. They have good attendance and are making good personal progress when measured against their starting point. Staff promote the importance of education. Where appropriate, to facilitate positive outcomes, they support in lessons, in transporting to college and with homework.

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Progress

Staff effectively communicate with young people, in accordance with their age and understanding. They promote a positive approach to behaviour management through discussions and rewards. Negative consequences and physical intervention are rarely used. Young people learn skills and strategies to manage their emotions. This results in young people displaying improved behaviour with a reduction in high risk incidents.

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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.

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