Children's Home, Residential special school run by Rowden House School Limited in Herefordshire

Unique reference number SC035625 Inspection date 21/02/2013 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 25/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This service is a privately registered children's home that also provides education on site for up to 30 young people with special educational needs. The service comprises of seven separate residential homes.

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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

At the time of the last full inspection in October 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged as good. Two recommendations were made as a result of that inspection. Since this time the home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The home has addressed the recommendations raised at the previous inspection. Entries in records are now consistently legible, clear and distinguish fact from opinion. The home contributes to the development of each child's care plan, specifically the transition plan for 'eligible' care leavers. Staff pursue plans and endeavour to work collaboratively with the young person's social worker in implementing this plan.

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Progress

The home provides care to meet the needs of young people who have a learning disability, significant health needs, associated physical disabilities and sensory impairment. This home continues to provide individualised quality care, with a clear commitment to delivering positive outcomes for young people. Young people benefit from an environment designed to meet the needs of young people who have a diverse range of specific needs. The interior and exterior of the buildings are of a high specification and provides secure and safe accommodation. The interior of the homes are personalised, with high standards of décor and furnishings.

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Progress

The environment provides a range of stimulating indoor and outdoor activities. This enables young people to engage in active play and more passive play. The resources are wide ranging and meet the needs of the young people. This means young people are able to experience a wide range of leisure and learning activities which promote their development, health and enjoyment.

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Progress

A key strength of this home is the professionalism and commitment of the managers and staff in enabling young people with learning disabilities and complex needs to reach their full potential. Young people thrive because the staff team and managers are knowledgeable, experienced and highly skilled.

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Progress

The home continues to work positively and communicates well with parents, families and professionals. Proactive work ensures that young people benefit from having their needs and welfare closely monitored and reviewed. One parent commented ‘They fully meet his needs. As a parent who has a child with a disability it is really hard to let go and let other people care for your child. I have full confidence in them to meet all of his needs.’ Another parent stated ‘The staff really care for the young people. They all seem happy in their work, which benefits the young people.’

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Progress

Equality and diversity continues to be integrated within all work with young people. All young people benefit from detailed attention to their individual needs. The provision of care embraces diversity and ensures specific individual needs are fully met. The service provision recognises the young people as individuals and strives to ensure that they receive equality of opportunity. Young people benefit from the promotion of positive views of diversity and disability.

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Progress

The management and leadership of the home are robust, effective and consistent. Regular monitoring and quality assurance checks ensure children and young people are safe and secure. The Registered Manager ensures continuous improvement in the delivery of care to young people through implementing monthly management plans.

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Progress

The home has made good progress since the last inspection. No statutory requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this visit.

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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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