Children's Home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC042950 Inspection date 14/01/2013 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 22/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

The home is a six-bedded children's home run by a local authority. It caters for young people who present emotional and behavioural difficulties.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress .

p.3

Progress

At the homes last full inspection on the 22nd August 2012, the overall effectiveness was judged as good. The purpose of this inspection is to monitor the progress made since the last inspection. One requirement and one recommendation were made as a result of the last inspection. The requirement had been satisfactorily addressed. However, the recommendation remains unmet. Further shortfalls are identified at this inspection. This has resulted in a judgement of satisfactory progress.

p.3

Progress

The quality of care provided by the service has remained consistent since the last inspection. There has been a significant change in the group of young people living at the home. Some young people display extremely challenging behaviour as a result of emotional crisis. The staff team are well established and are experienced in working with young people with such challenges. They feel they are well supported by the management team and also support each other in encouraging positive outcomes for young people.

p.3

Progress

There have been a number of developments since the last inspection. Some young people have made successful transitions into adulthood as a result of effective preparation work carried out by staff. Outreach support for these young people is an integral part of the service to ensure previous residents continue to succeed into independence.

p.3

Progress

Young people have been involved in the creation of a new handbook for future residents. They were instrumental in deciding what information should be included in the handbook based on their own experiences, in order to equip new residents with sufficient knowledge of the service.

p.4

Progress

The manager is part of a group in the local authority which focuses on child sexual exploitation. Individuals from a number of agencies share information on this issue in order to safeguard young people in the area. As a result, the service is better informed to meet the needs of young people who have experienced these issues.

p.4

Progress

The home has a positive relationship with the local police and work in partnership to support young people to reduce risk taking and antisocial behaviour. There are clear procedures in place regarding police involvement in order to minimise the risk of criminalising young people. However, there have been a number of incidents since the last inspection where police involvement has been deemed necessary. Records of these incidents do not always adequately justify the requirement for police intervention. As a result, it is difficult to monitor the effectiveness of the home’s behaviour management procedures.

p.4

Progress

One requirement and one recommendation were made at the last inspection. Visitors to the home now routinely sign in to the home and sign out when they leave. This meets the requirement from the last inspection. A small number of sanctions are not proportionate in relation to the misdemeanour, and therefore are not fair for young people. The recommendation relating to this is not met. As a result, a requirement has been made at this inspection.

p.4

Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

p.4

Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure no measure of control or discipline which is excessive or unreasonable shall be used at any time on children accommodated at the children's home; this is with particular reference to sanctions. (Regulation 17 (1)) 11/02/2013

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5

Recommendations

 ensure entries in records are clearly expressed, in particular, an adequate explanation in relation to the requirement of police involvement in incident records. (NMS 22.4)

p.5

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.

p.6

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.

p.6