Coniston House

Unique reference number SC379123 Inspection date 27/03/2013 Inspector Susan Mullin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 20/12/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home offers placements for up to five young people who may have a combination of mental health, psychological, emotional or complex care needs that present challenging behaviour. The service is designed to offer medium- to long-term care placements.

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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 December 2012 the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good and two statutory requirements were made. The home has made good progress since the last inspection and continues to improve the quality of care practices within the service.

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Progress

The home now has an up-to-date Statement of Purpose, which includes a current list of the staff working in the home. All young people and staff have taken part in an evening fire drill. This keeps young people as safe as possible as well as protecting the staff who work there.

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Progress

Young people are making good progress in the home with individualised and consistent support and care from the staff team. As a result, they are forming and sustaining positive attachments with staff and make good progress in developing emotional resilience. Young people enjoy healthy lifestyles by engaging in lots of outdoor activities and day trips out. As a result, young people engage in positive social interaction with both peers and staff in the local community, which increases their self-confidence and self-esteem.

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Progress

At the time of the inspection two young people were over the age of compulsory school attendance. Staff are proactive in finding them a work placement, which suits each individual behaviours and capabilities. One young person is hoping to be home schooled and currently staff are organising this. Regular communication between the staff team and education providers further ensures that young people receive the support they need to achieve and progress.

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Progress

Young people say that they are happy living in the home and feel safe. Staff are skilled at protecting young people from the risk of harm, while at the same time enabling them to take controlled risks in preparation for their next stages of life. Young people confirmed that they felt respected and valued, which helps them to grow in confidence and trust.

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Progress

Young people’s behaviour continues to improve as they are fully involved in identifying ways to address and manage their behaviours. Staff are skilled and are strong advocates in challenging barriers which may hinder young people’s progress and their future prospects. This involves collaborative working with social workers, families and other relevant professionals. As a result, young people are able to forge new and meaningful relationships with people who are significant to them.

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Progress

Empowerment of young people continues to be high on the home's agenda. Systems and practices actively enable young people to have a say in the running of the home and in the planning of their futures. Young people's meetings are held regularly and provide a forum where their requests and suggestions have been listened to and acted upon. Consequently, young people feel listened to and gain a real sense of belonging.

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Progress

Young people benefit from a stable and experienced staff team. Staff turnover is low and morale is high. A member of staff said, 'We have a good team of staff here and we all work hard together to make a difference for young people.' All staff are fully trained and receive regular supervision from a senior member of staff.

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Progress

The home provides a comfortable and spacious environment in which young people are settled. The Registered Manager undertakes regular reviews and monitoring of the home. Detailed reports produced ensure that there is a focus on key areas and actions needed. The monthly regulation 33 monitoring visits and reports contain detailed information and set recommendations for improvement. The Registered Manager ensures that all recommendations made from these visits are acted on in a timely manner. The home is operating in accordance with its conditions of registration and the registered persons remain fit for registration.

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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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