Children's Home run by Blue Mountain Homes Ltd in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC047978 Inspection date 08/10/2013 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/05/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home, owned by a company, provides care and accommodation for up to four young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. There is also a school on site where young people can access education if this is appropriate to their needs. The home is set within a 14-acre site which contains a small working farm, also owned by the company.

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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

This home was judged as adequate at the last inspection in May 2013. Since that time, the manager has addressed all three of the requirements. The home has continued to make satisfactory progress.

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Progress

The manager has ensured the delivery of safeguarding training to all staff. In addition, all staff now benefit from regular supervision. This means they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and professional support to enable them to meet the individual needs of the young people. This means that young people receive sound and safe care.

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Progress

Young people now receive independence planning. This is addressed through planned sessions of written work and associated practical tasks. Some tasks are undertaken with staff support and others independently. These plans are individualised, according to the needs, age and understanding of the young people. This means young people benefit from effective preparation, which will aid them in their transition into independence.

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Progress

Records and case files of young people have improved, in so far as ensuring professionals and staff sign and date documents. This means it is easier to identify who has written and reviewed records and when the records next need to be reviewed.

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Progress

Young people, with a range of complex behavioural and emotional issues progress and develop in the home. Some young people require high levels of staff support and supervision. This provides young people with the physical security and safety necessary to manage their behaviours. The wider social and therapeutic team work in an empathic manner to enable young people to understand and eventually reduce the incidents of behaviours, such as self-harming. This means, over time, some young people progress to reduce harmful behaviours and can engage in college and activities without staff supervision.

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Progress

Care planning, risk assessments and behaviour management plans are individualised and comprehensive. Young people benefit from care that is responsive to their changing needs. This provides staff with clarity to enable effective support to young people.

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Progress

Young people say that they generally feel safe and benefit from good attachments with staff. They report no bullying, despite a recent altercation that led to police intervention. Young people were encouraged to reflect on their behaviours and a restorative approach implemented.

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Progress

Levels of missing from care episodes have reduced. The home has good protocols and procedures to follow should young people go missing. These are implemented appropriately, which promotes the safety of young people

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Progress

The provider has made improvements to the home. This includes new floor covering and carpets in communal areas and a new bathroom, these improvements make some parts of the home look fresher. However further maintenance and decoration of the interior is still required due to damage caused by young people and general wear and tear. Examples include some badly damaged double-glazing panels; living room furniture appearing worn and in need of replacement and damage to plaster work and décor. Additionally, some areas of the home do not present as routinely cleaned, with evidence of dirt in communal areas. This does not help young people to value the home they live in.

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Progress

Young people receive a guide, which contains information on their care, advocacy, and the details of people they contact if they wish to raise a concern. They understand what to expect from the care they receive. They expressed that they know how to make a complaint. However, the absence of consultation, such as young person’s meetings, means young people do not feel involved in the day-to-day running of the home. As a result, young people do not feel they are listened to or their opinions are valued.

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Progress

There is clear commitment from the management and staff team within the home to improve outcomes. The Registered Manager understands what needs to be done to raise the standards of care for young people.

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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 that all parts of the children's home used by children are kept clean and reasonably decorated and maintained. (Regulation 31 (2) (e)) 29/11/2013

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Recommendations

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

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Recommendations

 ensure all children communicate their views on all aspects of their care and support, with particular regard to young person's meetings. (NMS 1.3)

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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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