Children's Home run by Suffolk County Council in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC037256 Inspection date 13/03/2014 Inspector Deirdra Keating Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 17/12/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home provides care and accommodation for seven young people from the age of 11 to 18 years old. The home looks after young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is owned by the 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

The home was judged as good overall at the full inspection in December 2013. Following the full inspection, the manager has addressed the three requirements raised. Additionally, she has facilitated further improvements that have enhanced the quality of care for young people.

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Progress

The manager has updated the children's guide. The guide provides young people who are new to the home with detailed information. The information accurately reflects the facilities the home offers; the quality rating of the home, staffing of the home and the basic house rules. This helps young people know what to expect from the home.

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Progress

The manager has ensured that staff personnel files have been reviewed and updated. Each file includes all required information that was not present at the full inspection. This requirement has been fully addressed; all staff files are complete and meet the regulatory requirements.

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Progress

The independent monitoring of the home has been adapted to encompass regular consultation with parents. Changes to the monitoring process ensure that parents have opportunities to provide feedback about the home. The independent visitor ensures that she regularly includes parents views about the quality of care provided in the home. This feedback supports the managerial monitoring processes, helping the home respond to the views of service users.

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Progress

There has been a major reduction in young people's risk taking behaviour. Staff are proactive and resourceful in promoting young people's safety and welfare. The numbers of incidents have significantly reduced. The staff work well with outside agencies and external professionals to anticipate risks to individuals, minimise these, and keep young people safe.

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Progress

The staff team share a determination to deliver the best service for every young person. The collective approach is central to individuals. Core group meetings provide a concentrated focus on individuals to measure their progress and the goals they have achieved.

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Progress

The management structure works well; staff highlight the positive impact of senior staff who are open to suggestions and ideas from staff. The culture of the staff team has evolved; there is a new energy and creativity within the team. Good systems measure young people's success and progress, clearly demonstrating the value of living at the home.

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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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