Children's Home run by Suffolk County Council in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC037256 Inspection date 25/02/2013 Inspector Deirdra Keating Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 31/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home provides care and accommodation for seven young people from the age of 11 to 18 years old. The home looks after young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is owned by the local authority.

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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 good at the full inspection in August 2012. Good progress has been made in addressing the requirements and recommendations raised during the inspection. This has led to continued improvement in the quality of care provided for young people.

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Progress

The manager and staff have worked hard to improve the general maintenance and decor of the home. Bedrooms have new curtains, blinds, mattresses and carpets. Staff support young people to keep bedrooms to an agreed level of cleanliness and tidiness on a daily basis. The bedrooms appear fresh and homely while reflecting each young person's personality and preferences. Communal areas are clean and maintained. Young people like the décor and often entertain friends and family at the home. They are relaxed and comfortable with their environment and treat the house as they would their own home.

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Progress

The manager has completed a review of care outlining plans for development and encompassing feedback from all stakeholders. There are regular external monitoring visits and advocates’ visits to the home which provide an extra safeguard for young people.

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Progress

The recommendations raised were in relation to the procedure and underlying policies for the administration of medication and smoking on the site. The home now upholds its intention to maintain a non-smoking site. Clearer guidance for medication administration has been issued and monitored monthly. This means that any errors are highlighted and records are checked. This ensures that medication administration is better focussed upon meeting young people's health needs.

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Progress

There have been no incidents of physical restraint since the last inspection, very few sanctions and only one unauthorised absence. Despite some significant challenges faced by individuals, young people's behaviour is commendable. Good relationships with staff have provided strong emotional support and good continuity of care. This demonstrates the positive impact and stability that the home provides for young people.

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Progress

Young people say they are happy living in the home and they feel safe. The home is relatively large and remains full. There have been some changes within the dynamics of the peer group. However, young people feel that staff always advocate for them. They explain that they feel readily able to make their feelings known. A number of ' I want you to know forms' demonstrate this alongside the proactive response taken by the manager to address concerns raised. This encourages young people to share their personal feelings in the knowledge that that staff will listen and act. This promotes a culture of open communication and encourages young people to feel secure in the knowledge that their views are valued.

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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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