Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Birmingham

Unique reference number SC396463 Inspection date 24/01/2013 Inspector Jo Stephenson Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/06/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care and accommodation for up to two young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. This service is operated by a private organisation.

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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 home was judged as outstanding at the last full inspection in June 2012 and no requirements or recommendations were made. Progress at this interim inspection is good. The service has demonstrated a continued improvement in the quality of care for young people. For example, the consistent approach of staff results in a stable and nurturing environment for young people.

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Progress

Effective partnership working with a range of external agencies continues to be a significant strength of the home. Staff have further developed close links with placing authorities, local police, criminal justice agencies, and specialist health services. This good practice supports comprehensive and individual care plans in place for young people. As a result, young people experience an inclusive approach to meeting their social, emotional and welfare needs. Personalised support plans identify achievable and creative objectives for young people. For example, weekly reward charts include ‘good deeds’ that emphasise young people developing their social interaction skills as well as curtailing negative behaviours. This means that young people are continually encouraged to reflect on their actions and consider the impact their behaviour has on others. Young people enjoy excellent relationships with staff, and say they feel safe, listened

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Progress

to and well looked after. Tasks and activities in the home are focused on the individual needs of young people to promote positive outcomes, and assess the progress they make. For example, staff complete weekly feedback reports for placing authorities that young people are encouraged to write comments. Young people record what they feel they have achieved, and identify targets for the coming week. Young people confirm they are involved in decisions about their care and any changes made to their plans. This means that young people develop an improved sense of self-esteem and well-being. Staff facilitate regular key work sessions with young people to establish the progress they make in line with statutory placement plans. This practice, along with the regular review of activity plans and the impact these have on the emotional and social development of young people, means that case files contribute to a young person’s understanding of their life.

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Progress

The home effectively supports and encourages young people to develop sustainable relationships with their families and other people that are important to them. Staff facilitate contact meetings and social activities with young people and their families. This improves how young people are able to socialise with their families, away from the home, and participate in various events.

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Progress

Education is a priority in the home. Staff provide a structured day for those young people who are currently unable to attend their allocated school placement. They work closely with the organisations' education co-ordinator to ensure that periods of exclusion do not have a detrimental effect on the educational progress young people make. Therefore, young people are able to continue their learning. Young people are encouraged to develop their hobbies and interests, and when appropriate, these are included in ‘in-house’ education timetables. As a result, young people benefit from a stimulating approach to encouraging learning opportunities.

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Progress

Staff say they are supported in their role by an enthusiastic and motivated Registered Manager. They confirm that they receive regular, meaningful and informative supervision. The manager facilitates team meetings that promote the on- going self-evaluation of practice, knowledge and skills. For example, regular quizzes have been introduced to encourage staff to broaden their understanding of promoting positive outcome 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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