Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Derbyshire

Unique reference number SC051513 Inspection date 15/01/2013 Inspector Judith Longden Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 01/08/2012 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 run by a local authority and provides care for four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties or learning disabilities.

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 good progress .

p.3

Progress

This home was judged as adequate at the last full inspection in August 2012. Since that time the home has demonstrated significant improvement. The home has addressed and met the two requirements and three recommendations made at the previous inspection. As a result, the quality of care, outcomes for young people and management of the home have improved.

p.3

Progress

The home was required to ensure the Statement of Purpose contains the correct contact details for Ofsted. This has been updated and now provides full and accurate information.

p.3

Progress

In addition the home was required to ensure young people are provided with a varied and healthy menu. Young people are more involved in menu planning and discuss their choices in weekly group meetings. These choices are incorporated into a weekly menu that provides variety, healthy options and also includes new foods to introduce young people to different taste experiences.

p.3

Progress

Three recommendations were made in relation to managing behaviour and recording incidents. All these have been met. Staff discuss young people's behaviour and care in team meetings, and young people's files are kept up to date. This ensures staff maintain a consistent approach when dealing with young people's behaviour. Sanctions are discussed with young people and their comments are included in the recordings. Sanctions are fair and proportionate, and as a result, young people learn the consequences of their actions and take more responsibility for their behaviour. Staff have benefited from training and team development on completing records, and this is reflected in the standard of recording. Young people's records are legible and more clearly expressed using more appropriate and non-stigmatising language. This means they provide information which is helpful to young people when they access their files.

p.3

Progress

Young people are positive about the care they receive and enjoy good relationships with staff and with each other. The management team has introduced and developed a number of systems and practices that provide a more person-centred approach to the care of young people. This has enabled staff to build and strengthen relationships and increase the involvement of young people in their care and in the running of the home. Young people participate in group meetings where they are able to discuss issues and make decisions about the home. They have recently been involved in the recruitment of new staff by setting questions and being part of the interview panel. Young people benefit from good key-working practices with an emphasis on sharing good practice ideas and teamwork to improve the quality of care and outcomes for young people. The layout and use of rooms in the home have been altered and the main office has moved to an upstairs area. This has resulted in

p.4

Progress

a more homely environment for young people.

p.4

Progress

Young people benefit from learning about different cultures and diversity. The staff and young people are currently focusing on the Polish culture as there are a number of Polish people living in the local community. This means as well as learning about different cultures and traditions, young people are able to forge positive links with other members of their community.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

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.5

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.5