Children's Home run by Blackford Education (schools) Ltd in Somerset

Unique reference number SC045096 Inspection date 18/02/2013 Inspector Janice Hawtin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/11/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is owned by a private limited company. It is registered to care for three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Care packages usually include the provision of education at the company school.

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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 full inspection in November 2013, the overall rating was judged to be good in all areas. One requirement and one recommendation were made to further improve the quality of care provided. While there have been some improvements these have yet to be fully addressed and continue until resolved. The home continues to provide a good quality and effective service which can evidence improved outcomes for children.

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Progress

The format for Regulation 34 monitoring has now been reviewed and improved. This now includes recording outcomes following consideration and analysis of patterns and trends. This helps in identifying potential development opportunities and in action planning to improve the service to children. Provision for consultation with children, their parents and other stakeholders as part of this review process is still being considered by the Registered Manager and within the wider organisation.

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Progress

Although, one child has a carefully considered and individualised reward scheme in place to support behaviour management and personal development. Reward schemes are not currently in place for all children to support clear and fair behaviour management strategies.

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Progress

There have been some recent changes to the staff team. Children who have moved from one home to another within the organisation continue to be supported by the same key members of the staff team, who move with them. These staffing arrangements support smooth transitions, consistency of care and meaningful attachments for children. Decisions to move children are carefully planned and based on their social and environmental needs, children confirm that they are pleased with the arrangements. One child confirmed that they are pleased to be close to a town centre while still having easy access to open countryside where they like to walk and explore. Children continue to enjoy a wide and varied range of activities. A careful balance is struck between allowing children to watch television or play computer games and engaging them in physical activities out in the community. A current favourite is being out and about on ‘trick’ scooters.

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Progress

Independence planning is formalised and monitoring against detailed age related milestones. This provides evidence of the continuous development of social, emotional and practical skills. Consequently care planning and review can be carefully focused on identified need, and progress children towards their full potential. All children now benefit from full-time attendance at the organisation’s school whereas historically the majority had educational achievement and/or attendance issues. One child reported that his mum is ‘pleased with how well he is doing’.

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Progress

There have been some improvements in training available to staff. Safeguarding training is now provided termly for staff and the format has been amended to include testing of knowledge. This ensures staff know how to respond appropriately to protect children from harm.

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Progress

The home continues to provide a child friendly environment and individualised care to benefit children.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) demonstrate in reports provided under Regulation 34 how the system established for monitoring improves the quality of care provided and how it provides for consultation with children, their parents and placing authorities. (Regulation 34 (1)(b)&(3)) 31/03/2013

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 ensure that rewards for behaviour are clear, fair and understood by children. In particular ensure that all children are able to earn rewards. (NMS 3.8)

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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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