Children's Home run by Keys Care Limited in Cambridgeshire

Unique reference number SC370910 Inspection date 20/12/2012 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/05/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children’s home, owned by a private company, is registered for three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, aged between 11 and 17 years.

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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 on 17th May 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged as good. The quality of care and leadership and management of the home were judged as outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made at the last 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 exceptionally high quality. Young people have extremely positive relationships with staff and are respected as individuals. They are cared for by a well-established, committed and highly effective staff team who strive for young people to achieve in all areas of their lives.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, young people have made astounding progress in all aspects of their lives. Both socially and academically, young people are flourishing in their achievements and success and, as a result, are prepared for their transitions into adulthood.

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Progress

Young people feel safe and are safe, and are cared for by a nurturing and child centred staff team. Incidents of self-harm and risk taking behaviour have declined since the last inspection. As a result, individuals have developed a more positive self- view and greater emotional resilience.

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Progress

Placing authorities have a positive view of the service provided. One social worker commented ‘This home meets her needs in a remarkable fashion. They know her well and anticipate her well. I have seen consistent commitment to her all the time she has been here.’ 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, keyworking sessions are completed regularly with young 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 been redecorated in places and young people have had a choice in how this is done. They have also influenced plans for holidays, charity fund raising events and in-house games and books are purchased. As a result, young people have a greater sense of belonging in the home and a respect for their surroundings and community. Complaints from young people are handled efficiently and successfully.

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Progress

Educational outcomes are supported well and all young people are in further education placements. 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, developing their independence skills within the home and taking part in a national charity event. As a result, young people make successful transitions into independence and are well established members of the local community.

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Progress

The leadership and management of the home is exceptional. The manager herself is the figure head of the home who leads by excellent example. As a result, the staff team shares her passion, enthusiasm and dedication to young people. 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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