Children's Home run by Grace Care Limited in Nottingham

Unique reference number SC436818 Inspection date 18/02/2013 Inspector Rebecca Sharp Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 27/09/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The children's home is run by a private company. It can accommodate up to three children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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

The home has not provided accommodation to young people since its registration in August 2011. This inspection focuses on whether the children's home meets its statutory requirements in order to maintain its registration and is ready to accept placements.

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Progress

The manager has recruited a number of staff since the home's registration. Unfortunately, a number have left since the last inspection as no formal start date could be given due to the uncertainty of admissions. However, there is a core number of staff who can provide adequate levels of care for an imminent referral. The manager has begun a further process of recruitment to ensure a full complement of staff is in place in line with the number of young people admitted. The manager ensures staff receive consistent support through regular supervision. There is a thorough induction training package in place for new starters. Mandatory training courses have been sourced from external training providers. These have been put into place by the manager with the aim of equipping new staff with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills and experience in preparation for the admission of young people. The recruitment process of the home is in line with safer recruitment practices. Staff

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Progress

files include all appropriate information, including references and confirmation of any gaps in employment. These have been verified by the manager at the interview stage. These procedures have reduced the risks of unsuitable adults working with the young people.

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Progress

The manager has established links with a range of local agencies in order to provide external support for young people; for example, a national advocacy service and the local looked after children police officer. This ensures young people have access to appropriate services according to their needs.

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Progress

The communal areas of the home have been decorated and furnished to a high standard, although elements of bedroom furnishing remain incomplete. All health and safety checks have been completed and the manager has recently reviewed the environmental risk assessment for the home ensuring all areas are safe and free from hazards.

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Progress

The management team is highly focused and committed to ensuring effective preparation for the service. There is a comprehensive development plan in place which sets out clear and attainable objectives in order to ensure high quality of care is provided for young people. Monthly monitoring of the home shows steady progress and development of the home with regards recruitment and bidding for tenders with local authorities. This monitoring is sent into Ofsted as required.

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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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