Old Rectory Cottage

Unique reference number SC429011 Inspection date 04/03/2014 Inspector Kenneth Smith Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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

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Brief description of the service

The service is run by a private organisation. The home is registered to provide medium to long-term care for up to three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Young people living in the home can attend a school also run by the provider and have access to in-house therapeutic support.

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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

Since its last inspection this home has continued to provide an effective and well- directed service to young people. The home has experienced some staffing shortages but managed these well and ensured this has not directly affected young people. One new staff member now works in the home and another is joining very soon. There are two further vacancies to fill and this is being addressed. Cover is provided by staff from the company's sister homes nearby. Young people raised no concerns regarding staffing during this visit.

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Progress

This home consistently provides a warm and nurturing environment to young people, including those who may put themselves at high risk through running away and through their subsequent behaviour. The relationships built between the registered manager, staff and young people in the home have had a positive impact on reducing and minimising those behaviours. Young people spoken with were entirely appreciative of the work of the staff. It was evident that excellent relationships underpinned the home and one young person articulated clearly how his behaviour has improved as a result of this. At the last inspection the inspector made one recommendation regarding supervision skills training. This has been implemented and staff who give supervision are supported to do this through training and their own supervision. Staff spoken with valued the supervision they are given in the home and it is well-directed, including

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Progress

challenging practice where this is needed.

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Progress

Since the last inspection there has been one addition to the group living in the home. This was carefully assessed prior to admission and the compatibility of young people and the homes skill in providing for the assessed needs are given very clear regard.

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Progress

Young people confirmed that they felt safe in the home. The staff have been instrumental in promoting the reduction of some risk-taking behaviours, and worked very closely with other agencies to maximise their collective effectiveness in keeping young people safe. The registered manager shares the detail of concerns for young people’s safety with placing authorities and others where relevant, and this has included considering other placements if the challenges presented appear out of place. It was noted that the attachments young people have made are strong and may be instrumental in breaking cycles of behaviour even when the behaviour remains fairly intransigent. The registered manager has been imaginative and proactive in meeting attachment needs, for example, through the use of personal pets that some young people have acquired since living in the home. The home is an explicitly nurturing and warm environment for young people and this is a

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Progress

considerable achievement with the challenges young people periodically present. Risk management practice is well-thought out and kept under review. The records for this were comprehensive and the registered manager welcomed feedback on how to further advance this. Staff are trained in behavioural management including physical intervention, but it was positively noted that this is very seldom used, indeed not at all since the last inspection.

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Progress

Young people are actively supported to attend and achieve in their education. This involves prompting, transporting and at times accompanying young people. On the day of this inspection two young people sat exams, and both are achieving well. Their tutor (who was in the home for part of this visit) was very positive about the support staff give to young people. The home does not currently provide young people with any internet access. This disadvantages them educationally and it is recommended that it is rectified.

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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

 provide the facilities needed to maximise educational achievement: specifically ensure that all young people whose education can be enhanced by internet access have it. (NMS 8.4)

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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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