Children's Home run by North East Lincolnshire Council in North East Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC367802 Inspection date 04/12/2012 Inspector Ann-Marie Born Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype

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Date of last inspection 18/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority home offers a service for children and young people aged between five and 17 years with learning disabilities or learning and physical disabilities. The home can accommodate one young person full time and offer short breaks and shared care arrangements for a number of children and young people. Depending on the level of need, either one young person may receive a service or no more than two young people at any one time.

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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 adequate at the previous full inspection in May 2012. Following this interim inspection, the home is judged to be making good progress and has successfully addressed the shortfalls outlined in the previous two requirements and four recommendations. This inspection identifies a further recommendation to provide opportunities for staff debriefing following an incident.

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Progress

Young people are 'happy' and cared for by a strong, consistent staff team who are fully committed to their care. Staff report very positively about the further training attended since the last inspection, in particular the specialist communication methods. This promotes young people's sense of belonging and feelings of security. The effective use of these communication systems allows young people to make informed choices and express their feelings in a more positive manner. As a result, young people's behaviour has improved, leading to a marked decrease in the number of physical interventions necessary. However, the debriefing of staff following restraints is not routine practice, therefore the opportunity for staff to reflect on some aspects of practice is being missed.

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Progress

Comprehensive reports completed as part of internal monitoring processes are forwarded to Ofsted within requisite timescales. They provide an overview of progress, identify areas to improve the quality of care and are used effectively to inform individual development plans for this home. As a result, young people's individual needs are identified and addressed, promoting their sense of self and well- being.

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Progress

Young people benefit from the monthly visit of an independent advocate. This ensures their wishes and feelings for their daily care and future plans are captured and shared with all partner agencies.

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Progress

Young people enjoy living in a comfortable, well maintained and 'homely' environment which is decorated to reflect their personality and interests, For example, there are murals depicting the local football team. Young people thrive in this warm environment where they are able to build strong, nurturing attachments with staff members.

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Progress

The proactive manager, with the enthusiastic support of the stable staff team, is driving forward the continuous improvement. This level of motivation ensures young people are cared for in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where they feel valued.

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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 all staff are given an opportunity to discuss incidents of restraint they have been involved in, witnessed or been affected by. (NMS 3.17)

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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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