Newlands

Unique reference number SC415347 Inspection date 30/01/2013 Inspector Louise Redfern Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 15/08/2012 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 registered to provide care and accommodation for three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is privately owned.

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

At the previous full inspection in August 2012, the overall effectiveness of the service was judged as good. Three requirements and three recommendations for improvement were set within the inspection report. Good progress has been made in addressing all of the requirements and recommendations.

p.3

Progress

The manager has made progress in consulting parents, young people and placing authorities as part of the regular monitoring of the home. The manager has devised questionnaires, which provide for formal feedback from professionals, including the placing authority. Young people’s views continue to be heard through daily conversations, key work sessions, young people meetings and in discussions with Regulation 33 visitors. This ensures that their views can support improvements in the home.

p.3

Progress

There is improved reporting of the effectiveness and consequence of the measure used within the sanctions record. As a result, the manager is effectively monitoring the imposed sanctions and evaluating the effectiveness of the measures taken to ensure young people are able to reflect and learn from their negative behaviours. Since the last inspection, the manager has ensured that each member of staff has a full work history on file. The amended children’s guide now includes the details of individual young people’s independent reviewing officers. Young people receive this information when they move into the placement.

p.3

Progress

The manager has implemented a policy regarding the use of door alarms in the home. This ensures that staff and young people have a clear understanding of when and how the alarms are used in the home. One young person commented ‘they help to keep me safe at night.’

p.4

Progress

Since the last inspection, there has been a reduction in the number of episodes resulting in physical restraint. The records now show clarity as to why a restraint took place. As a result, the records are clear and are not open to misinterpretation. The manager effectively monitors each episode of physical restraint to ensure that the action taken was appropriate.

p.4

Progress

Young people confirm they feel safe at the home and are generally positive about the quality of care. They spoke highly of the staff team and commented that they have opportunities to become involved in a number of community based activities. Young people and staff were observed spending positive and relaxed time together. Staff continue to be concerned for young people's welfare and develop positive relationships with them during their placements at the home.

p.4

Progress

Since the last inspection, increased stability within the staff team has resulted in young people being more settled in the home. Some young people have also built the amount of trust they have, resulting in positive time spent independently with their peers in the community, which given their individual starting point is a significant achievement.

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