Children's Home run by Coventry City Council in Coventry

Unique reference number SC414347 Inspection date 26/03/2013 Inspector Suzanne Hogben Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 16/08/2012 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides up to 12 week short-term placements for up to five children or young people. The service is operated 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

Significant progress is evident since the last full inspection, when the home was judged as good overall. Three requirements were set at that inspection and the Registered Manager has ensured that they have been met.

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Progress

The leadership and management in this home are of a high quality. Strong and effective relationships between staff and young people develop because the management structure and staff group are stable and consistent. Young people comment ‘The home is brilliant, I love it here. If you are feeling low they (staff) cheer you up, if you are stuck with something they help you.’ Another young person commented, ‘It is good staff spend time with you, I like it in here and wish I could stay for ever. Every one of the staff - so amazing, love them all. I can talk to staff about anything…’ Because of the strength of these relationships, young people feel confident in the staff and increase their emotional resilience and social confidence.

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Progress

There is great focus given to helping to improve outcomes for young people and as a result they are making significant progress. Staff demonstrate a strong commitment to including young people in the management of their own care. Consultation with young people is a priority and they are encouraged to participate fully in the plans made for them. Regular monitoring visits include discussion with young people and they also contribute to the Registered Manager’s monitoring of the home. In addition external project workers regularly attend the home to provide independent advocacy if needed.

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Progress

Physical intervention is rarely used and the introduction of a restorative justice system has led to less sanctions. When sanctions are given the staff ensure that young people understand the reason for the sanction and also record in detail the purpose, reason and time span of the sanction. A new log book designed for this purpose has encouraged more detail in recording. Details of sanctions are always proportionate and staff work hard to help young people understand about the consequences of their actions. As a short term home, young people often have no schooling on admission. However, staff are highly motivated to encourage participation in education and young people soon are able to become involved in either education or work experience.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the management team have reviewed and changed the recording of information about young people. The implementation of new systems demonstrates how the staff team work with young people and how they record their work which has significantly improved. A new file is now used which helps provide a clearer overview of young people in all aspects of their life. One team leader commented that the new forms and case file allow them to monitor shortfalls or concern better than previously. The team leader stated ‘The new systems have made staff more accountable and made us more professional. We were doing those things, but we haven’t always been able to show what we had done.’

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Progress

The staff team are very experienced in providing assessments of young people using their knowledge of the young people and their behaviours. The strong relationships which staff develop with young people aid social work staff in the planning of future care for young people. Staff feel able to fully participate in the assessments because of the quality training they receive, together with consistent and relevant supervision. Staff develop an understanding of young people in their care and as a result, they are able to provide a level of care which is individually suited to their needs.

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Progress

There are no requirements or recommendations set at this inspection.

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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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