Children's Home run by Surrey County Council in Surrey

Unique reference number SC040638 Inspection date 11/02/2013 Inspector Gavin Thomas Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 07/03/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is one of eight local authority children's homes and caters for six young people of either gender from 12 to 17 years of age. The home supports children and young people who present emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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

The home was given a 'good progress' rating at the interim inspection in March 2012. One recommendation was made to provide a more homely and comfortable environment and to ensure that the home is well maintained. Good progress is being made in addressing this recommendation. All designated fire doors are being replaced, soft furnishings are replaced and the home is in the process of being redecorated. The work completed to date is improving the homeliness, appearance and safety of the premises.

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Progress

The home became inoperable in July 2012 as part of an organisational review; the Registered Manager and the staff team were redeployed at that time with a view to the staff team returning when the home becomes operable again. At that time, the Registered Manager was also responsible for two of the local authority's children's homes. This home will now have its own Registered Manager. In November 2012, an interim manager was appointed to oversee the restructuring of the home including: the regrouping of the staff team including the recruitment of additional staff, overseeing the refurbishment of the premises, liaison with relevant professionals about future placements for young people and setting up internal processes and systems. The interim manager is currently registered as manager for another of the local authority's children's homes and will return to her substantive post once a new manager has been appointed and in place.

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Progress

Arrangements for recruiting a new manager are well underway and Ofsted is aware of these arrangements. Significant work is also being done in developing the staff team in readiness for when the home reopens including team building and training events. The interim manager is currently consulting with external professionals and agencies in preparation for accepting young people. This includes arrangements for reinstating health-related services and education. The premises has also been redesigned to provide enhanced provisions for study, independence training and recreation facilities.

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Progress

At the time of this inspection, the home was not ready for accepting young people because of the final stages of redecorating and other work being done to improve the fabric of the building. However, the interim manager is working with relevant professionals to achieve a proposed timeline for completion. The intention is, that on completion of the building work, young people's assessments and admissions will be staggered. This is to ensure that young people are given proper time to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings and to establish relationships with their peers and the staff team.

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Progress

All required forms of documentation are in place including: a revised Statement of Purpose, a revised children's guide, and records required by regulation. In addition, health and safety, and fire risk assessments are in place and services checks on appliances are up to date.

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Progress

The home has been closed for seven months. The registered provider indicated that the home will not be operational for two months from the date of this inspection. Should the home decide to accept new placements they are required to inform Ofsted of their intention before they do so.

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Progress

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

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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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