Children's Home run by Kingston upon Hull City Council in Kingston upon Hull

Unique reference number SC034495 Inspection date 15/01/2013 Inspector Nicola McEvinney Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 30/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority home is registered to care for and accommodate up to eight children and young people at any one time, of either gender, with learning disabilities. Some children also have physical disabilities and complex health needs. The vast majority of children and young people have short breaks at the home. Occasionally a child or young person is accommodated on a long-term basis.

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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

The purpose of this interim inspection is to assess the progress made since the last full inspection in August 2012 when the home was judged outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made at that inspection.

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Progress

The home continues to provide a vital service to children, young people and their families, supporting parents to meet the complex and demanding needs of their children.

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Progress

Children and young people benefit from being cared for by a highly skilled staff team who are quick to respond to their specific health needs and seek prompt attention to ensure they maintain good health.

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Progress

The home is responsive to families’ views. The recent change in the timing of sessions has been reviewed and parents consider that their children have benefited from this change. For example, the continuity of staff working the whole shift with the children and young people leads to a consistent approach being maintained; staff are able to do more activities with the children and young people during their stay and parents have recognised that their children are much more relaxed when they come to collect them.

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Progress

There are robust monitoring systems in place clearly scrutinising how the home operates. In addition, two local councillors are more involved in the oversight of the home, raising the home’s profile within the city and enforcing their role as corporate parents.

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Progress

Children and young people benefit immensely from the home’s interagency working to ensure all their complex needs are met. For example, links with the special school and their facilities are enabling some children to develop speech.

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Progress

There are plans in place to have the home redecorated. Links with a youth training scheme are working with the home, consulting with the children and young people about ideas for murals around the home. Not only does this ensure children and young people's views are being sought, it also engenders tolerance and understanding for those young people who are involved in the project.

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Progress

Parents and significant family members speak highly of the care their children receive. Their children are happy to attend the home and are making excellent progress. They consider that staff provide excellent care in a safe environment.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection

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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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