Children's Home run by Horizon Care Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC062406 Inspection date 04/02/2013 Inspector Elizabeth Barrett Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 28/06/2012 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

This children's home is operated by a private company. It is located in a rural area on the outskirts of a large town and accommodates up to three young people. The home specialises in offering a service for young people with 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 good progress .

p.3

Progress

At the last inspection in June 2012 the overall quality rating of the service was judged as good with four recommendations made to improve the provision. This home has demonstrated its capacity to improve, because it has fully met all the recommendations it was set and is judged as making good progress at this inspection.

p.3

Progress

Very stable placements exist for young people in this home because of the longstanding, nurturing, and effective relationships they have with staff. This inspection found that young people make significant progress in relation to their educational attendance and attainment, work experience opportunities, family contacts, life skills, and general well-being. Staff utilise feedback and information from young people, their families, social workers and therapists, to shape the care and support provided to young people. As a result, young people make excellent progress to develop a positive identity and self-image, and to overcome emotional and behavioural difficulties. Since the last inspection the home has continued to develop processes to encourage young people to communicate their views. Young people are consulted about the running of the home through regular house meetings, and key working sessions.

p.3

Progress

Individual discussions review in-house care plans, and help to establish personalised targets and incentives. Progress for some young people is identified through their meaningful involvement in their statutory reviews. This means that young people are provided with opportunities to influence all aspects of their care and support. In addition, discussions between staff and young people have explored shared boundaries and routines, and behavioural expectations within the group living environment. Consequently, improvements to peer relationships are made, because young people benefit from increased opportunities to participate in positive group activities.

p.4

Progress

Following the last visit the home has ensured that all young people have been given the opportunity to meet with an independent advocate. This visit provided young people with advice and information on the children’s rights services available, should they wish to pursue individual issues or concerns. This ensures young people have access to external support and advice to promote personal choice, challenge decisions, and should they need to help them develop a clear understanding of their future arrangements.

p.4

Progress

Young people benefit from a service that provides flexible, quality care and support. Improvements made to the homes care-planning framework include the implementation of individualised health and education plans, and revised risk assessments and behaviour management plans. Consultation with other professionals is used to ensure that interagency working safeguards both young people and those they meet in the community. Young people have free time away from the home to help them develop appropriate friendships and relationships. Staff are aware of the risks young people may face when away from the home, and continue to support these arrangements, to enable them to grow in maturity and personal responsibility.

p.4

Progress

Monitoring and quality assurance processes are carried out regularly to support the development of the home. The home has a development plan in place which is currently being reviewed, in line with the Ofsted framework for inspection, and includes consultation with young people, staff, and other stakeholders. Areas for development are identified with clear resources and dates for completion. Managers and the staff team are motivated, organised and understand their roles and responsibilities. Recent training and development opportunities for staff include positive parenting, child sexual exploitation, building resilience and self-esteem, and understanding and applying cognitive behaviour approaches. The home has high aspirations for all young people in their care, and continually sets them challenging targets. As a result, young people successfully thrive as individuals.

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