Children's Home run by Archways Care Limited in Worcestershire

Unique reference number SC383941 Inspection date 21/01/2014 Inspector Martha Nethaway Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a privately owned children's home for four young people 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 good progress .

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Progress

At the last full inspection visit in June 2013 the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good. The home was set three recommendations and these have been met. The home has improved the written recruitment records, especially related to internal staff promotion. Staffing ratios have increased with the appointment of new staff. The home has improved how staff induction, probation and appraisal is organised. Leaders and managers now have a continual cycle of on-going training and appraisal throughout the year. All these positive actions show a good commitment to continuous improvement.

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Progress

Progress since the last inspection is good. Young people remain settled. There is positive progress being made by the young people living at the home. There are many strong elements, such as education. Staff are very committed to working hard with young people. Young people are attending school or further work related placements. They achieve well because their educational experience and outcomes are prioritised. Staff use creative and initiative ways to engage young people. As a result, young people’s experience of work related employment and education are positive. One young person commented, ‘When I leave here I will work with horses. I have been able to develop this while living here.’ Young people are safe and feel safe in the home. Young people do not go missing from the home. Staff accredited this to the good priority given to young people’s safety and welfare. Young people behave well and show care and consideration for

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Progress

each other and staff. Young people learn important social skills, such as thinking and acting with respect for themselves and others. The atmosphere within the home is warm and nurturing.

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Progress

Young people enjoy taking part in a wide range of recreational activities. One young person commented, ‘I play rugby weekly.’ Another young person commented, ‘I spend all the time I can with my horses.’ Consequently, young people get intrinsic enjoyment from these activities. Young people’s level of confidence in their independence skills is good. Older young people prepare and cook simple meals. Older young people have a clear desire to be independent.

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Progress

Young people’s consultation and ability to engage is good. Young people take part in ‘house meetings’. They regularly discuss meals, activities and many topics about fairness. This allows young people to make an effective contribution to the care they receive.

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Progress

The home has in place a good quality assurance programme. Leaders and managers are progressing well with the home’s development plan. The home has concentrated on improvements with staffing levels at the home. Extra staff have been recruited. The home has not admitted any new young people. This is because the current young people’s needs are well matched and compatible. This allows the home to run smoothly to meet the specific needs of the young people.

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Progress

As a result of this visit, the home has been asked to amend and change the quality assurance report submitted to Ofsted. This is because it does not yet evaluate how trends and patterns are being tracked to lead to further improvement. The Registered Manager has already begun to address this issue. This is a minor short fall and has no direct bearing on the good outcomes and quality of care that young people achieve.

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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 the system for monitoring the matters set out in schedule 6 and improving the quality of care, with particular reference to identifying patterns and trends to lead to improvement. (Regulation 34 (1(b)) 28/02/2014

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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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