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

Unique reference number SC441553 Inspection date 09/01/2013 Inspector Ann-Marie Born Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/07/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a local authority long-stay children's home registered to accommodate five young people with emotional and/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

This home was judged as good at the previous full inspection in July 2012. Following this interim inspection, this home is judged to be making good progress and has successfully addressed the requirement and four of the five recommendations identified in the previous inspection. The recommendation that young people communicate their views on all aspects of their care is repeated and relates to recording following key work sessions.

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Progress

Young people are safeguarded by much improved external monitoring processes which ensure that all aspects of their care are checked. Young people, their parents and professionals are routinely spoken to as part of the monitoring process. This effectively promotes young people's well-being while assuring their welfare and safety.

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Progress

The proactive manager has built upon positive relationships with parents, encouraging them to visit the home on a regular basis and remain an active part of their children’s lives. Young people report that they value the support they receive to maintain these relationships. Young people benefit from the security, stability and sense of consistency this provides both now and for their longer-term relationships and support in adulthood.

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Progress

Much improved practices following any episode of restraint ensure that young people and staff have access to medical support and the opportunity to reflect upon and learn from the experience. Consequently, good behaviours are promoted and young people are safeguarded.

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Progress

Young people are actively encouraged to read and understand the contents of their behaviour management and care plans as well as their monthly progress reports. A young person stated that, 'it is funny that they want you to read and sign everything, but I like it because I know what is being said and I'm not being lied to.' This promotes young people's well-being and self-esteem and builds improved relationships with staff. However, key work sessions are recorded electronically and not available for young people to review and sign therefore opportunities for further reflection are being missed.

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Progress

The quality of care within the home remains good and has continued to improve with an increased focus on education. All young people are participating in full-time education or employment thereby enabling and promoting positive outcomes. Young people’s sense of achievement and growing independence is bolstered by the purchase of new bicycles for each of them as a reward for this improvement.

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Progress

Young people actively participated in the recent development of the back yard at the home in to a spacious, outside space with a summer house. This increased young people's sense of belonging in their home and confidence in their abilities to learn new skills. A young person commented, 'I am very happy and safe here. There is always someone to talk to if I want to. They always help me and make me feel good'.

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Progress

Young people are provided with a safe, caring and stimulating environment by the enthusiastic and committed manager and staff team. Young people feel valued in their home where they can develop and achieve in areas of educational, physical and emotional well-being.

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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 that all children communicate their views on all aspects of their care and support. (NMS 1.3)

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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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