Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC368982 Inspection date 21/02/2014 Inspector Mark Ryder Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 14/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care and accommodation for up to three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. This is a privately owned 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 in November 2013, this home was judged as good. There was one statutory requirement and one recommendation made. The service has made considerable progress since this time. The previous requirement and recommendation have now been met.

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Progress

Young people continue to be safe living at this home. Policy, procedures and staff supervision provide a safe and welcoming environment. Young people comment that they like living here and that the staff support them to do well. For example, young people who have a history of school absences now all attend full time education.

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Progress

Staff are trained, competent and skilled in caring for young people with complex needs. Staff manage young people's behaviour with consistency and provide fair and appropriate boundaries. Young people respect the rules of the home and understand the consequences if they are not followed. The use of sanctions are reasonable and regularly reviewed by the Registered Manager. The use of physical restraint is used only when necessary; however, such intervention has significantly decreased over the last three months. Leaders and managers support their staff to work effectively with young people. Regular supervision, team meetings and annual appraisals provide opportunities for staff to discuss their work, including strategies in working with young people and areas of professional development.

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Progress

The health and safety of young people within this home is managed well. Regular checks on fire safety, portable appliances, gas and electrical installations promote a safer environment in which to live. This is an improvement since the last inspection.

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Progress

The diversity of backgrounds of young people who have previously or continue to be placed at this home, is respected by staff. Individual needs are understood and met by the staff.

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Progress

Leaders and managers have a good awareness of both their strengths and weaknesses within this home. A detailed development plan, with realistic timeframes, ensures that the service continuously improves. Young people play a valuable contribution to the future development of the home.

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Progress

There is regular review of practice and record keeping. Areas for improvement are identified and actioned on a monthly basis. All staff take responsibility in ensuring the home is well run. Internal review of the systems, practice and records by the leaders and managers of this home, provide staff with accurate, critical feedback to further develop the service. Monitoring is effective in raising standards within this home.

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Progress

As a result of this inspection no requirements or recommendations have been made.

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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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