Newlands

Unique reference number SC415347 Inspection date 03/02/2014 Inspector Julian Mason Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 27/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is privately owned.

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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 was judged as adequate overall at the last full inspection in June 2013 and the four requirements made as a result of this visit have all been actioned. The home’s Statement of Purpose has been revised and an updated copy has now been sent to Ofsted. Young people are now experiencing improved care and support from a more stable and permanent staff team who are sufficient in number to meet individual needs. The Registered Manager now has procedures in place to notify all relevant agencies of any significant events that occur to ensure young people’s welfare and safety is promoted.

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Progress

Young people’s safety and welfare continues to be prioritised and promoted. Relationships and attachments between staff and young people have improved and are constructive and helpful. Poor or unsafe behaviour is managed in a way that offers different ways of behaving that are more socially acceptable and less risky. Staff have a greater focus on young people’s successes and positive behaviours to encourage and help them sustain good social interactions. For example, the Registered Manager has introduced an ‘achievements file’ to assist the staff team in terms of their focus on providing verbal praise and positive feedback. The home’s records show a greater balance between positive and negative measures of control. Close monitoring of these arrangements has enabled and informed improvements that have benefited young people.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive a flexible programme of care, education and support that promotes their personal development and growth. For example, young people’s arrangements for education have been adjusted to lessen the impact of attending two different school sites. Young people’s engagement in therapy has improved and they can now use a newly dedicated meeting room for this purpose. Staff continue to listen to young people and what they have to say about the care and support they receive. This information is clearly reflected across a number of the home’s records, such as daily logs and specific consultation records. Young people feel listened to and staff evidence their practice well to ensure views, wishes and feelings are promoted and shared in a way that helps shape and improve the service.

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Progress

The Registered Manager and external managers continue to have a regular cycle of quality assurance activities that produces a detailed range of information about the outcomes being achieved for each young person. This includes regular external monitoring visits as well as internal audits of specific areas of service delivery. Managers are well informed about successes as well as areas that the home need to develop or strengthen.

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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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