Children's Home run by Institute of Integrated Systemic Therapy in Norfolk

Unique reference number SC065792 Inspection date 14/02/2013 Inspector Deirdra Keating Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/09/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is owned by a registered charity. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is a therapeutic community based on an Integrated Systemic Therapy model.

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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 adequate at the full inspection in September 2012. The manager has made good progress in addressing the requirements and recommendations raised during the inspection. Additionally, an internal review of the service has been carried out to ensure that identified shortfalls are fully addressed. This has led to an improvement in the quality of care provided for young people.

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Progress

There have been several incidents of physical restraint since the last inspection. Restraint is used as a last resort, to prevent injury to young people, their peers and staff. The improvements in recording restraint include detail of the effectiveness of methods used and debriefing with young people and staff involved. Consideration is given to whether a different approach could be used in the future. The detailed reporting and monitoring provides an extra safeguard for young people.

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Progress

The manager has completed a review about the quality of care compiling monthly monitoring and feedback from service users. This has enabled parents and professionals to raise points about how they experience the service. Senior managers are proactive and focused on driving improvement and raising the outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The manager and senior management team oversee the monitoring of records. This ensures that staff are consistent in their approach and their subsequent recording of any incidents. This promotes consistency of care for young people.

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Progress

There has been an improvement in the accessibility of staff training. The home has a senior manager trained in the moderation of vocational training. This means that all staff who are not trained to the required level either have started or are booked to start work-based training courses. Safeguarding training is regularly provided and new staff undergo induction about how to manage any allegations or concerns. Safeguarding is given a high priority within the home, ensuring young people's welfare is fully safeguarded. Overall, staff receive the guidance and training they need to work effectively with the young people in the home.

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Progress

The home provides a safe and homely environment with large surrounding gardens and good links to the rural countryside. This provides a safe environment in which young people benefit from outdoor activities. Staff provide transport and support the use of public transport to enable young people to develop their hobbies and interests outside the home. Young people take part in varied activities promoting a range of opportunities and giving them the chance to realise their potential.

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Progress

The staff advocate well for the young people in the home. Despite barriers faced by individuals in their educational placements, staff have been tenacious and all young people are now in education and attending well. There have been some significant changes in both staff and young people in the last year. Throughout this time, staff continue to provide a stable, nurturing environment in which young people's needs are met.

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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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