Children's Home run by Surrey County Council in Surrey

Unique reference number SC040638 Inspection date 20/02/2014 Inspector Kenneth Smith Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/09/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is a local authority children's homes which may accommodate up to six young people of either gender. The home supports children and young people who present emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Brief description of the service

At the time of this inspection two young people were resident in the 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

Over the last twelve months this home has undergone considerable change. At the time of the last inspection the newly appointed manager had been in post only briefly. He is now registered and has begun to implement practices linked to a significant change to the Statement of Purpose of the home. It no longer centres upon 'semi-independence' and now aims primarily to provide a 'safe and nurturing environment' and puts attachment theory at the centre of this. The changes this has prompted have included significant de-institutionalisation of the environment (e.g. the removal of many locks, the introduction of more homely aspects in corridors and one young person decorating her own room) and more child-centred approaches. Activities arranged by and with staff are now clearly structured into each week. Additionally admission of younger children (the previous minimum age was 14) may occur.

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Progress

It was notable that the staff team were on-board with the changes occurring and throughout the inspection the excellent relationships between staff and young people were evident through observation and discussion with all parties.

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Progress

At the previous inspection three requirements and three recommendations were made: these have all been implemented. The updated Statement of Purpose covers the wider age range now provided for; the young people’s files contain up-to-date information and the manager proactively seeks review updates if there is a delay; and all serious incidents are correctly notified to Ofsted. Since the last inspection the manager has ensured that information about advice and advocacy available to young people is accessible to them (on the young people's notice board); sanctions records record young people's views about these when they are given (although the take-up rate is quite low); and individual risk assessments have been updated. It was noted that activity and environmental risk assessments are not in place. This will clarify the function of remaining institutional practices (e.g. locking away sharp knives) where

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Progress

they are needed, and support staff through guidance in taking young people on any adventurous outings.

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Progress

Young people currently accommodated in the home are making significant progress. Behaviour has been challenging over the course of this inspection period, but a change to the dynamic of the group has helped the remaining two young people to settle well and benefit from the strong relationships with staff. Episode of missing have now greatly reduced, as has substance misuse. Through the periods of difficult behaviour careful consideration was given and action taken to manage young people’s safety. Young people have good attendance and progress in education including mainstream school in one instance. Young people feel well cared for by staff, and clearly enjoy living in their current home life. Since the last inspection one young person has left the home and moved into a situation of greater independence.

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Progress

The progress made by the home is substantial and a warm and nurturing ethos has been established. It is also noted that occupancy is currently very low and the challenge to managers will be to sustain this when more children are accommodated.

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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

 implement a proportionate approach to risk assessment include the documentary assessment of any significant risks to be countered in the environment and through activities. (NMS 4.5)

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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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