Children's Home run by Castle Homes Care Limited in Telford and Wrekin

Unique reference number SC020545 Inspection date 08/02/2013 Inspector Susan Mullin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/09/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to five young people of either gender with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is privately owned and the organisation operates other children’s homes in the area.

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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 which took place in September 2012. No statutory requirements or recommendations were made at the last inspection. The home continues to maintain outstanding standards, promote improvement and provide excellent outcomes for young people.

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Progress

Young people continue to develop good self-esteem and grow in confidence as a result of the strong and meaningful relationships and attachments they build with staff. Their views are listened to and their individuality and identities are valued and celebrated. One young person said: 'I really like living here, the staff help me with my homework and give me praise when I do something well.’

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Progress

Young people report confidence in being able to discuss any concerns with the staff team. One young person reported that they can speak with staff at any time and know they will be taken seriously. Young people know how to make complaints and can access additional support from independent visitors. There have been no complaints from any source since the last inspection. Staff continue to find ways to enhance young people's lives, as confirmed by the feedback from one external professional: 'The young person has made significant effort to improve his life and I believe that this is as a direct result of the positive influence he is exposed to through the staff. He has been provided with valuable skills and knowledge which he can hopefully continue to take forward.’

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Progress

Young people, in line with their age and capabilities, undertake an independent living programme in the home. As a result, they achieve greater self-reliance and learn the necessary skills to prepare them for their transition into adulthood.

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Progress

The home provides a comfortable and spacious environment in which young people are settled and purposefully occupied. Young people say that they are happy living in the home and that they feel safe. They regularly access a varied range of opportunities in conjunction with their hobbies and interests. They confidently and competently manage their own free time and enjoy contact with families and friends in line with their placement plan.

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Progress

Safeguarding continues to be at the forefront of practice. Staff are skilled at protecting young people from the risk of harm, while at the same time enabling them to take controlled risks. As a result, young people learn ways of how to keep themselves safe. Young people’s behaviour also continues to improve because they are fully involved in identifying ways to address and manage their negative behaviours. Young people identify and are proud of the significant improvements in their behaviour. One young person said: 'The staff have helped me control my temper and now I do not get so upset and out of control. They have helped me to find ways to calm myself down and I hardly ever get into trouble now.’

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Progress

Young people's attendance in educational provisions is very good. From their starting points, young people make good progress and move on to further education placements. Young people have aspirations and ambitions for their futures, supported by the dedicated staff team. Young people report a great sense of pride in their educational achievements and state clear goals for their own futures. Close and regular communication between the staff team and education providers further ensures that young people receive the support they need to achieve and progress. One young person said: 'Since I have been in the home and going to school, my reading and writing have really improved.’

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Progress

Quality assurance systems within the home continue to be robust and effective. This ensures young people receive the care and support they need, and where shortfalls are identified these are addressed promptly. The manager has produced a development plan, which demonstrates that she is looking to further improve the service. The home is operating in accordance with its conditions of registration and the registered persons remain fit for registration.

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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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