Children's Home run by West Sussex County Council in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC037454 Inspection date 11/03/2014 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/10/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This service is a mixed gender children's home for young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by a local authority.

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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 full inspection in October 2013, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as outstanding with no requirements or recommendations made. The home demonstrates continued commitment to service development and improving outcomes for young people. A particular strength of the home is the strong consistent staff team and the willingness of the management team to take controlled risk to ensure young people have the skills they require to successfully live independently. This includes providing young people who are able to cope with the responsibility, keys to the front door and inviting friends for meals they are cooking independently.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive well planned and individualised care from a flexible and consistent staff team. Young people are extremely positive about the care they receive and there is a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in the home. There is major concern about an on-going issue of bullying within the home. The staff and managers are working proactively to address the issue, including separating the two young people involved until an alternative placement is identified for the perceived instigator. Observed interactions demonstrate caring and supportive relationships between young people and staff including highly individualised support to bring about the best possible outcomes for young people. Those who are at risk of being missing from care and further at risk from exploitation, are supported as effectively as possible through tenacious multiagency working and creative care planning. This has proven to be particularly effective and incidences of being missing have

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Progress

Staff maintain clear and consistent boundaries, enabling young people to positively manage their own behaviour and progress in line with their plans. The staff ratio ensures young people benefit from the support and attention they require and are able to access activities and enjoy new experiences. Recently young people and staff have been involved in an extreme assault course raising money for charity which they are proud of. The culture within the home celebrates individuality and young people receive high quality care and support based on their specific needs.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the home has progressed in many areas, including participating in a government based initiative to reflect good practice in children’s homes. All staff are involved in the project, which has only recently started. The results of which are anticipated to be very positive in the development of the service and an opportunity to share good practice. Young people are currently developing a ‘Guide to Care’ pack for young people living away from their family for the first time. Young people have also been sourcing and estimating the cost of their next holiday. This is helping to improve their budgeting and negotiation skills while ensuring they feel part of the decision making process within the home.

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Progress

Reports of independent monitoring visits give a fair reflection of the home and care young people receive. The organisation is preparing for changes in regulations in this area and sourcing an independent Regulation 33 visitor. Six monthly monitoring by managers demonstrates a good level of consultation with young people, staff and other significant people while effectively evaluating trends and patterns in at risk behaviour such as being missing and offending. There have been delays in Schedule 5 notifications reaching Ofsted. The Registered Manager recognises delays could be as a result of awaiting outcomes of investigations, but will amend reporting practices with immediate effect.

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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 system that ensures Ofsted are notified within 24 hours of the occurrence of significant events in accordance with Regulation 30. The system includes what to do where a notifiabe event arises at weekends. (NMS 24.1)

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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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