Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Southampton

Unique reference number SC407790 Inspection date 17/01/2014 Inspector David Coulter Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a private children's home that is part of a national organisation and provides care and accommodation for five young people who have emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties and attend the associated residential special school.

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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

The home achieved a good judgement at the last inspection and there was one recommendation which related to redecoration and refurbishment. Communal areas have now been redecorated and new furniture is being introduced. The focus of the redecoration programme has now moved to other areas including the bedrooms. Young people have been consulted over the changes and all have established the colour schemes for their own rooms. The changes are helping create a more homely environment.

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Progress

The home has experienced a difficult period since the last inspection. Changes to the composition of the resident group in December had a significant effect on the operation of the home. A number of new friendships and alliances were formed between residents that were not in their best interest. Some young people started putting themselves at risk by becoming involved in self-destructive and anti-social activities. Staffing levels were adjusted in response to the needs of the young people at that time. Although staff were successful in engaging with them and made them aware of the likely consequences of their actions, they were less successful in curbing their criminal behaviour. Throughout this period staff tried to ensure young people were safe in the local community by determining where they were going and establishing who they were associating with. Good lines of communication were established with the local police. Staff are confident that young people will adopt a

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Progress

more socially acceptable lifestyle that does not subject them to risk.

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Progress

The home is currently operating well and outcomes for the residents are good. All are involved in education or training and attendance levels are good. Some young people are preparing to return to their home community following completion of their education. In preparation staff are helping them to develop a range of independent living skills. Young people are living full and active lives and are able to pursue their own interests and hobbies within the local area. Young people are involved in decision making within the home and can exercise choice over many aspects of their lives.

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Progress

The home operates with a team of enthusiastic staff who are keen to increase their knowledge and skills by accessing regular training opportunities. In spite of the many challenges and difficulties staff have recently faced, morale remains good.

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Progress

There are no actions or recommendations arising from this inspections.

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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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