Children's Home run by North Yorkshire Council in North Yorkshire

Unique reference number SC034189 Inspection date 17/01/2014 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority children's home offers care and accommodation for six children who experience 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 inspection in June 2013, the overall effectiveness rating of the home was good. The home has made good progress since the last inspection. Young people seen at the time of the inspection were confident talking with both staff and visitors.

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Progress

One requirement and one recommendation were made at last inspection. Both have been fully met. However, one further recommendation has been made as a result of this inspection. In addition, the home also has a new Registered Manager in post.

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Progress

The requirement was to ensure that where sanctions are used to help young people modify their behaviour, the effectiveness of the measure used is fully recorded. The home’s manager has reviewed the sanction records and this information is now included within the documentation. Recording the effectiveness of any sanction helps staff to determine the most effective measures that can be used to help young people modify their behaviour.

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Progress

The recommendation raised at the last inspection was to ensure that staff are provided with regular formal supervision. The home’s manager has carried out an evaluation of the supervision process within the home and has introduced clear lines of responsibility for deputies and senior residential workers, which includes their role in the supervision of all staff. One staff member spoken to at the time of the inspection said, ‘I feel a lot happier here now. We have guidelines and structure and everyone knows what is expected of them.’ This means that staff at the home is supported to do their jobs and know who they can turn to if they need advice or assistance.

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Progress

The new recommendation is in relation to home’s internal environment. Within the building several radiator covers have been damaged or partly removed. This does not help to provide young people with a comfortable and homely environment.

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Progress

The home has made further progress in a number of areas. The home’s manager has undertaken a comprehensive review of all policies, procedures and work practice. Each young person’s risk assessment has been re-written and regular reviews of risk assessments are carried out. Additionally, each young person’s development plan has also been comprehensively reviewed. This helps young people to know what is expected of them and provides them with clear structure and boundaries. There has also been some improvement in young people attending education. This will help to ensure young people have the best possible life chances and can achieve their maximum potential.

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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 the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated. (NMS 10.3)

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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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