Children's Home run by Crusoe Care Limited in East Sussex

Unique reference number SC434573 Inspection date 04/02/2014 Inspector Liz Driver Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 02/10/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This is a privately children's owned home for two young people who have emotional or behavioural problems. There is a satellite unit which also has spaces for two young people who have emotional or behavioural problems. The satellite unit is used to provide young people with a semi-independent living experience.

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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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

At the last inspection in October 2013, the home was judged as being good with one requirement and three recommendations made. The setting now has sound procedures in place to ensure all appropriate agencies are notified of incidents as stated in the Children's Homes Regulations.

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Progress

The setting has reviewed and made improvements to policies and procedures since the last inspection, such as the recording of fire evacuation drills and physical interventions. Records now clearly show the effectiveness of fire drills carried out which means effectiveness is now questioned and recorded. This provides improved health and safety for both staff and young people. Records also include the effectiveness of, and feedback from, the young people if a physical intervention is carried out.

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Progress

A more robust lone working policy with procedures is now in place, although currently there are no incidents of such; this ensures staff and young people are suitably protected and cared for. Reports of the settings’ monitoring of practices and improvements made to the quality of care are now submitted to HMCI, Ofsted.

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Progress

This registration comprises of two units. One is a bungalow which is very well maintained, is in very good decorative order and suitably located. The other is a flat which provides adequate accommodation and is less suitably located and functional. ( TINA SHEPHERD: Does this need a recommendation? Discussed with inspector who does not feel that a recommendation is required due to changes that the provision is making.) The company has acknowledged the need to relocate and has a medium term plan in place to relocate to nearby modern premises.

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Progress

Staff have undertaken refresher training on child protection and safeguarding to ensure young people's protection is promoted. Training and awareness of child sexual exploitation has also been addressed since the last inspection.

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Progress

The home continues to promote young people's outcomes to a good standard. In particular, the home has ensured very close liaison with schools that the young people attend and will advocate for young people; this ensures they receive the best and most appropriate educational placement. Attendance at school is positively promoted with attendance levels ranging from very good to satisfactory. The setting works closely with agencies to ensure young people receive an education that is appropriate for them.

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Progress

The management of young people with unauthorised absences is satisfactory. Staff members liaise with local agencies, such as the police missing person's co coordinator and the young person's social worker, to ensure correct management strategies are in place. Young people who come to the service with a previous history of unauthorised absences have made satisfactory progress as they do return each evening and keep in contact with staff.

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Progress

The staff provide young people with a homely experience. Young people continue to receive consistent and clear boundaries and support. Relationships between young people and staff are nurturing.

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Progress

The two units are managed by one Registered Manager who is supported by a head of care and a stable staff team. The company has drawn up an action plan to address the recent changes to the Children's Homes Regulations and are currently working through them.

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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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