Children's Home run by Bristol City Council in Bristol

Unique reference number SC034211 Inspection date 28/01/2014 Inspector Peter Harrell Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 07/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is one of a number of children's homes operated by a city council. It provides care and accommodation for up to five young people who have emotional and/or behaviour difficulties. This home is described as an 'admissions unit' where the intention is to move young people on to more suitable care and accommodation, such as a return to their parental home, identified foster placement, preparation for independent living, or a long-term children's home.

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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 the home was judged to be good overall with two requirements and two recommendations for improvement being made.

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Progress

At this inspection, the Registered Manager and staff team demonstrate a continued commitment to improving the quality of care and achieving positive outcomes for young people. Young people progress well. All the requirements and recommendations made at the previous inspection have been met. There is one recommendation resulting from this interim inspection.

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Progress

Young people demonstrate that they are provided with a range of choices and actively participate and feedback their views and feelings to their key workers; the Registered Manager ensures that culturally appropriate food is on the menu at the home and this is chosen by young people and discussed in individual keywork sessions and residents meetings. There has been a dramatic reduction in incidents of young people going missing or absent without authority. The duration in which young people are absent has also reduced. Additionally, there is clearer evidence of several discussions taking place with young people when these incidents occur.

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Progress

However, the protocol document between the service, as a local authority children's home, and the police has still not been updated and at the time of the inspection the Registered Manager was referring to a relatively old document. It is therefore recommended that this is updated, in order to reflect recent legislative and practice developments which are in place to safeguard the welfare and minimise the vulnerability of missing young people.

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Progress

Young people speak positively about the care they receive and say they can raise issues with members of staff. The rapport between managers, staff and young people is one which is both respectful and nurturing. Staff are enthusiastic about their care of young people and there is a commitment to provide a high quality service. Staff support the educational needs of young people and support young people in several aspects of their lives which helps promote their future independence.

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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 that if a child is absent from the home and their whereabouts is not known, the home's procedures are compatible with and have regard to current Runaway and Missing from Home and Care (RMFHC) protocols and procedures maintained and managed by the police or by the local authority for the area where the home is located (NMS 5.6).

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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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