Children's Home run by Blackford Education (schools) Ltd in Somerset

Unique reference number SC045096 Inspection date 25/02/2014 Inspector Linda Bond Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/07/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is owned by a private limited company. It is registered to care for three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Care packages usually include the provision of education at the company school.

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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

In July 2013 the home was judged as outstanding. No requirements or recommendations were made. Since then the home has continued to grow and develop, and provide a good quality of care with safeguarding being central to its ethos and principals.

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Progress

Young people feel safe, and continue to benefit from living in a home that is safe, warm and in the main homely. A stable, compassionate and dedicated staff team place an importance on young people achieving positive outcomes. All young people have their identity and individuality celebrated, and their successes, for example awards and certificates are proudly demonstrated throughout the home. As a result young people are developing a sense of pride and achievement. However, during the course of the inspection it was noted that some parts of the home require tidying and re-decorating. In addition some of the young people's bedrooms had insufficient furniture and were in need of being organised.

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Progress

The practice of providing educational opportunities for the young people has remained unchanged. All young people attend school 100%. Educational reports and discussions with staff evidence the progress young people are making within school. In addition there is a seamless link between school and the home, thereby providing continuity in approach and support for young people. All young people engage in regular health checks, are registered with the necessary health services and records indicate positive health outcomes.

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Progress

Young people are continuing to socialise, with support, and independently, with other young people and family. This results in safely planned events outside of school hours when young people engage with others, develop social skills and have fun, for example, youth club, skate park, bowling and a holiday to Disneyland America.

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Progress

Young people are routinely consulted with, fully involved in their placement plans, and involved in decision making. For example, choosing the home they live in, and planning healthy meals and activities. The home ensures that their contribution to their placement plan is tailored to the individual and focuses on clear, measurable outcomes. Young people also appreciate the guidance, encouragement and help they receive from staff. Placing authorities benefit from frequent communication, which enables them to efficiently monitor the quality of each placement.

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Progress

Senior management keep up to date with new legislation and practice developments and share these with staff to improve the quality of service. Staff are motivated, well organised and clearly understand their roles and the expectations placed upon them. There is a commitment to providing a high quality service and all staff are vigorously working towards improving outcomes. The management team consistently communicate high expectations to staff. However, during the course of this inspection a number of shortfalls were identified. These relate to a point in time when the registered manager was absent, and, they were in respect of the condition in parts of the home, a young person not practicing a fire drill, and administration shortfalls. An action plan has been put in place and the registered manager has demonstrated a real commitment to address them.

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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 arrangements are in place to ensure appropriate management of the home when the registered manager is absent (NMS 21.5)  ensure the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated. Avoidable hazards are removed as is consistent with a domestic setting. Risk reduction does not lead to an institutional feel (NMS 10.3)  ensure there is an emergency escape plan that all staff and young people are familiar with and have practiced so they know what to do in an emergency NMS 10.9)

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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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