Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC036732 Inspection date 18/02/2014 Inspector Judith Longden Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 01/10/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is run by the local authority and is registered to provide short breaks for a maximum of eight children who have a learning disability.

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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

This home was judged as good at the last full inspection in October 2013. Since that time the home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and the outcomes for young people. The home has addressed and met the two requirements and one recommendation made at the previous inspection.

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Progress

A requirement was made to ensure the building is kept in good structural repair and maintained appropriately. This was specifically in relation to a bedroom and the sensory room that required extensive repair. The structural work and repairs have been completed and both rooms decorated. Young people have had a significant input into the décor, furnishings and equipment in the sensory room and this now offers a larger and more welcoming space and a wider range of activities.

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Progress

In addition the home was required to hold regular fire drills and record any issues or actions resulting from the evacuation practice. The home carries out a number of health and safety and fire safety checks to ensure all equipment is effective. Drills are held every six months and young people are supported to evacuate the building. Records of the drills are maintained which identify the names of young people and staff who have taken part and any actions required. This means young people and staff are aware of the procedure to be followed in case of fire.

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Progress

A recommendation was made to ensure old log books and records are stored appropriately. This has been met. The home has archived a number of old records and improved the filing system for current documents. This means records are stored securely and accessible when required.

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Progress

Young people and staff enjoy very good relationships. Staff are aware of the individual needs of young people accessing the short breaks. This enables staff to identify any concerns and address any issues before they escalate into an incident. As a result, there are few incidents and the use of physical intervention is rare.

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Progress

Young people continue to be involved in the running of the home. Young people's meetings cover topics such as the redecoration and equipment in the sensory room, the activities young people would like to do and the plans for the garden. Young people participate using various communication methods such as photographs, magazine pictures, symbols and drawings. This means all young people have the opportunity to participate and share their views.

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Progress

Young people enjoy a range of activities including some they would not usually have the opportunity to enjoy. Young people go swimming, horse riding, bowling and enjoy walks in country parks and forests. Activities in the home include painting, baking and use of the computer. As a result young people develop skills and experience new challenges. A member of staff said, 'what is nice here is that as well as learning new skills, socialising, doing different activities, learning independence, the bottom line is young people have fun.'

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Progress

The manager continues to develop the provision and is increasing the range of complementary services provided. These include services such as family support, training for parents and outreach support sessions in the family home. This means the home is able to meet a wide range of needs for young people and their families.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection.

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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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