Children's Home, Residential special school run by Hesley Services Limited in Doncaster

Unique reference number SC035687 Inspection date 06/12/2013 Inspector Ann-Marie Born Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 20/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This provision is a residential special school and is owned by a private organisation. The school can offer accommodation for up to 46 children and young people between the ages of eight years to 19 years. Children and young people have severe learning difficulties and complex needs, including autism. The residential accommodation is registered and inspected as a children's home by Ofsted.

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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

This home was judged as good at the previous full inspection in June 2013. Following this interim inspection, this home is judged to be making good progress and has successfully addressed the shortfall outlined in the previous recommendation. No breaches of regulations or shortfalls in meeting the national minimum standards are identified as a result of this inspection.

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Progress

Improved external monitoring visits appropriately audit case records and now include consultation with parents and external stakeholders. This effectively contributes to continued development and improved outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The introduction of the 'Monday to Friday' staff rota to meet the identified, specific needs of individual young people provides continuity of support and this has had a substantial impact on their development. This inclusive, innovative practice effectively allows young people to fully participate in all school and leisure activities. As a result, young people feel valued and are empowered to make significant progress from their starting points. A parent commented; 'she gets in the shower every morning and every night and she’s come on loads with that. She never used to be like that. Her writing is amazing now, her speech is unbelievable. Now you can actually get a full sentence out of her. It’s the best thing we’ve done for her, we said we wouldn’t let her but we should have done it earlier. She’s happy'.

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Progress

Young people further benefit from the inception of the 'Youth Council'. All young people are provided with information about the council in formats they can readily understand and are encouraged to share their views on all aspects of their care. The young people who sit on the council learn how to negotiate on behalf of their peers. This effectively builds confidence and enhances self-esteem and feelings of self- worth while promoting inclusion. Young people take great pride in having their suggestions accepted to benefit all; for example, by the placing of a stage in the middle of the sensory garden.

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Progress

The standard of care in the home and outcomes for young people remain consistently high. The motivation of the enthusiastic, committed management and staff team is driving forward continuous improvement. This level of motivation ensures young people are provided with a safe, caring and stimulating environment in which to grow and achieve in their emotional and physical well-being. Another parent stated; 'it’s perfect, I wouldn’t change a thing. I couldn’t have wished for a better place to send her. She does something different every night and goes on trips. She gets a chance to do what she couldn’t do at home. Even if we won a million pound we couldn’t do what these have done'.

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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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