Children's Home run by Kedleston (Wood Grove Childcare) Limited in Essex

Unique reference number SC423453 Inspection date 11/02/2013 Inspector Susan Southey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 11/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately owned children's home is registered to accommodate three boys with emotional or behavioural difficulties. Education is provided through the home's independent school and local education authority provision, when possible.

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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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

At the last inspection in October the home was judged as outstanding with no requirements or recommendations made. Since the inspection a number of changes have taken place in the organisation. This has resulted in an unsettling time for young people. However, it has been managed well and further improvements have been made to the service. Therefore, the outcomes for young people remains unchanged.

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Progress

Young people have experienced the departure of the Registered Manager who is currently on an extended secondment. The impact of his absence is reduced as a manager currently working for the organisation has made an application to be the Registered Manager. This individual is well known to the young people and they have built an established positive relationship. Young people have faced further uncertainty with the loss of their staff team. Following the closure of another service run by the organisation, selection interviews took place. This has resulted in staff from the other provision being re-deployed at the home. Young people have managed the changes well. Although missing the previous staff most young people have been positive. One young person praised the new regime and how it has improved the quality of care. An example given was that staff are on duty longer and this results in more opportunities to engage in activities with them.

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Progress

Young people attend school regularly and young people who have completed statutory education attend college. Furthermore, young people have work placements to support employment when they move on to independent living.

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Progress

Improvements have been made to support young people who are approaching adulthood. Comprehensive independence programmes are in place. This enables young people to learn skills they will need in adult life. Young people build portfolios that demonstrate they are able to undertake tasks such as opening bank accounts, seeking work and making housing applications. When young people leave the service they take the document with them for reference and to evidence their life skills competence. Young people who are supported to become self-sufficient have greater chance of success when they live on their own.

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Progress

The home has rented an allotment which is managed by young people. This enables young people to make a positive contribution to the home. Furthermore, it promotes good health, encouraging physical exercise and healthy eating.

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Progress

Young people are encouraged to have a voice and be involved in decision making. Community meetings have been established to give young people opportunities to create their own agenda. This supports young people to have their views heard. Additionally, this forum also gives young people the power to nominate staff for awards if they believe a staff member has made a positive contribution to their lives. Young people have raised self-esteem when their wishes are heard and they are enabled to make a positive contribution in matters that affect their lives.

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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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