Children's Home run by Pathway Care Solutions Ltd 04004053 in Nottingham

Unique reference number SC029504 Inspection date 11/03/2013 Inspector Catherine Honey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 01/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This is a home that provides for young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is registered to accommodate up to four children and young people. It is run by a private company.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress .

p.3

Progress

At the last inspection in August 2012, the home's overall effectiveness was judged as good, with outstanding quality of care and leadership and management. One requirement was made which has been met. The home was asked to supply a copy of its Statement of Purpose to Ofsted; this has been received. The home has successfully identified and addressed areas for improvement and has continued to develop. One recommendation is made.

p.3

Progress

The manager carries out comprehensive monitoring of the quality of care at the home. Any shortfalls or areas for development identified through this monitoring are acted upon. This demonstrates the home's capacity to develop and improve. Young people, parents and stakeholders are consulted as part of the monitoring and action is taken as a result. For example, a young person raised a query about meal planning at the home and a key working session with the Registered Manager gave the young person the opportunity to discuss their concern. This demonstrates how young people are listened to.

p.3

Progress

The home's development plan has recently been revised. One of the targets for the forthcoming year is to increase young people's awareness of equality and diversity, as part of this young people and staff have recently been to visit a Gurdwara. Young people describe the visit as interesting and have suggested other places of worship and religions they would like to know more about. Initiatives such as this help young people gain a rich variety of experiences.

p.3

Progress

All young people remain in education or further education placements and achieve good attendance. Some young people have been able to take their exams and, in conjunction with their social workers and staff, are considering their next steps such as moving on to independence or remaining at the home. Young people are able to reflect on how they have developed since living at the home. For example, young people can describe changes in their behaviour and how they now try to stay calm in difficult situations. They can see how their behaviour has improved; by maintaining positive behaviour they increase their options for their future.

p.4

Progress

There have been some changes in staffing since the last inspection. New members of staff benefit from a comprehensive induction period in which they receive training in first aid, physical intervention and safeguarding amongst others. Staff also benefit from frequent supervision during their probation period. New members of staff are confident and demonstrate a good understanding of safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures meaning young people are cared for by appropriately skilled and knowledgeable staff.

p.4

Progress

There is an electronic monitoring device that sounds an alarm in an office when a person moves through the hallway. Staff find this useful in knowing the whereabouts of young people, particularly during the night time. The sensor is occasionally used during the daytime when staff and young people are using different parts of the house. Permission for the use of the alarm has been sought from social workers or parents. However, a policy regarding the use of the system was not available, to ensure that young people's privacy is not affected by improper use of the system.

p.4

Recommendations

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

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure where specific measures, including electronic devices, are used to monitor children, there is a written policy that sets out how they should be used, how they promote the welfare of children, how children will be informed of their use, how legitimate privacy of children will be protected and how children will be protected from potential abuse of such measures. (NMS 10.5)

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5