Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC036737 Inspection date 05/03/2013 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 18/10/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a local authority children's home providing residential and short break services for 16 children with physical disabilities and complex health care needs.

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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 last full inspection in October 2012, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged as outstanding. The purpose of this inspection is to monitor the progress made since the last inspection. Two recommendations were made as a result of the last inspection. This visit found that both of these shortfalls have been satisfactorily addressed. In addressing these, the manager has enhanced some areas of care for young people. One requirement has been made at this inspection; however the impact on young people’s welfare is minimal. As a result, and in light of the number of positive developments, the judgement made is that the service is making good progress.

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Progress

Staff continue to provide exceptional care for young people with extremely complex needs. A recommendation was made at the last visit to ensure staff receive regular supervision. The manager has responded actively to this recommendation. All staff have received monthly supervision since the last visit. In addition to this, each individual member of staff was asked to complete a questionnaire about their thoughts and experiences of their supervision. The result of this shows that staff feel supported in their role and that their supervision is meaningful and effective. One individual stated, ‘It was child focused, and gave me the opportunity to discuss new ideas and ways of promoting them.’ Another member of staff stated, ‘I feel listened to and respected for my ideas and concerns.’ As a result of the support they receive, staff are able to improve their practice in order to enhance the quality of care for

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Progress

The young person’s welcome booklet is available in different formats in order to meet individual’s communication needs, for example, picture format. It has been updated to meet the recommendation made at the last inspection. As a result, young people are given information on how to contact Ofsted, the Children’s Rights Director and their independent reviewing officer. This means young people have access to external agencies if they wish to make a complaint.

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Progress

Young people enjoy positive and constructive relationships with a staff team who are extremely competent in their roles. As a result, they are able to offer unique care to individuals with complex needs. Young people are encouraged to make choices in every part of their daily care, as far as their capabilities will allow. For example, the activities they take part in each day. There are an abundance of recreational resources available for young people within the home. Each unit has a well- equipped sensory room, a well-furnished lounge, an art room and play room. There is also a cinema room where young people can enjoy watching films in comfort. As a result, young people have an array of opportunities to experience, while in turn, developing social, practical and communication skills.

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Progress

The main focus of development for the home since the last inspection has been around evolving communication practices. The manager and staff have liaised with parents and schools in order to develop communication plans for individuals. This ensures consistency in developing young people’s ability to communicate, and the ability of staff to facilitate this. In ensuring young people can communicate effectively within their individual limitations; their opportunities for consultation and exercising choice are enriched. As a result, young people have been involved in developing ideas for the redecoration of rooms and have been able to express their views and opinions.

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Progress

A number of new staff have been recruited since the last inspection. Recruitment procedures are robust in ensuring safe practice; however while the majority of staff have a record of their full employment history on file, the minority do not. A requirement has been made as a result of this. However, the risk of impact on young people is reduced through an otherwise thorough system of ensuring Criminal Records Bureau checks are completed, and references are verified by the manager prior to the commencement of their employment. These practices ensure the risk of unsuitable people working with young people is minimised. Nonetheless, this is limited to some degree by the shortfall identified above.

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Progress

Staff training and development is a particular strength of the home. The manager has a dynamic plan in place which focuses on particular areas staff have identified as requiring further training. One area the manager is keen to develop is key working. Workshops have been devised for staff to outline the role, responsibilities and expectations of a keyworker. Dates have been scheduled for these to take place in the near future. Action plans are put into place following the training which allows the manager to monitor staffs' practice and progress in specific areas.

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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) ensure a full employment history, together with a satisfactory written explanation of any gaps in employment is available for every member of staff. (Regulation 26 Schedule 2 (6)) 15/04/2013

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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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