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Unique reference number SC370956 Inspection date 18/12/2012 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 05/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is privately owned and is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children with emotional and 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 last full inspection in July 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged as good. One recommendation was made at this inspection which was to ensure the front door of the building was secure. This has been resolved at this inspection. No further breaches of regulation or statutory guidance have been found and as a result, the home has been judged as making good progress.

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Progress

The quality of care for young people remains of high quality. Young people have good relationships with staff. One young person stated, ‘the staff team are good and should be praised for their efforts.’ Young people are respected as individuals and are cared for by a well-established and committed staff team that have high aspirations for young people.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, young people have made positive progress in all aspects of their lives. Young people’s attendance at school or alternative education provision is good and their achievements are encouraging. For some young people, this progress is exceptional due to previously not attending education placements. As a result, they are achieving positive outcomes that are comparable with their peers. Young people feel safe and are safe, and are cared for by a nurturing and child centred staff team. One young person stated, ‘the staff made me safe and kept me having fun.’ Risk assessments are detailed and are updated regularly following incidents. Placing authorities are well informed of any issue with individuals, and how the home has managed situations. Young people have access to a range of services in order to meet their needs and the home has a productive relationship with the local police. In addition, key working sessions are completed regularly with young

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Progress

people. These sessions are determined by their individual placement plan and specific to their needs. As a result, young people are kept safe and are empowered with information and guidance on how to protect themselves.

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Progress

Consultation with young people is a particular strength of the home and is central to its day-to-day running. Regular meetings allow young people to influence plans for their care and also have their views heard. The home has invested in new leisure equipment for young people following requests from individuals. They have also been involved in the extensive redecoration and regeneration of the home, choosing colour schemes and new furniture. As a result, young people have a greater sense of belonging in the home and a respect for their surroundings. Complaints from young people are handled efficiently and successfully.

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Progress

Educational outcomes are supported well. The home has good relationships with local schools and benefits from a school within the company for young people who are unable to attend a mainstream provision. Care staff have high, yet appropriate aspirations for young people to accomplish academically, thus inspiring them to achieve positive outcomes. Young people make a positive contribution to the home and the wider community through work experience, and developing their independence skills within the home. As a result, young people make successful transitions into independence.

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Progress

The leadership and management of the home is efficient and effective. Monitoring is robust and contributes to the development of the home. Staff receive regular training and supervision and feel supported by the management team. Consultation with young people and stakeholders is now embedded in the home’s monitoring processes. The manager is keen for improvement to ensure a high quality service is provided for young people.

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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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