Children's Home run by Essex County Council in Essex

Unique reference number SC044975 Inspection date 11/03/2014 Inspector Natalie Burton Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 19/09/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home provides respite care and accommodation for up to 12 children with disabilities or learning difficulties and with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The children are cared for in three separate flats. The home is managed 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

This home was judged as good at the last inspection in September 2013. Since that time the manager has addressed the two requirements and one recommendation that were raised. This home has continued to make good progress, which has led to positive outcomes for children and young people.

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Progress

The service has recruited and appointed staff since the last inspection. This has resulted in the majority of staff on rota each day, having sufficient experience to meet the needs of the children and young people. In addition, some staff are working on enhancing their skills through undertaking additional courses such as supervision and management courses. The manager has implemented a monitoring system for staff training during their induction. This includes discussions in supervision with staff to support their learning and training development. As a result children and young people are cared for by a well-trained and supported staff team.

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Progress

The service has ensured that all maintenance to the home is completed as planned. For example, new carpets are currently being fitted within the correct timescales in order that staff can plan appropriate activities and care whilst work is completed. In addition, the manager has implemented risk assessments for children and young people when on trips out of the home. For example, staff who take them swimming, must be able to swim themselves and they must not loose visual contact. This ensures that any potential risks to children and young people’s safety is identified and strategies implemented to reduce the risk.

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Progress

The home provides a welcoming and homely environment. This is because bedrooms have been provided with new curtains and blinds and, where possible, they have colour co-ordinated the room. However, it was noted during the inspection, that an area in one of the gardens was untidy. For example, there were cigarette ends on the floor. While children and young people are not currently accessing this section of garden, this does not provide a consistently clean environment for children and young people.

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Progress

Some children and young people spoke positively of their care and said they were happy staying at the home. Observations during the inspection noted warm and respectful relationships and engagement between staff and children and young people. This is supported by a parent you said ‘It is all about what my child wants, they are clear it is his life’ and ‘‘Staff treat children as individuals.’ A professional reported that the service is ‘Prevalent in developing plans and offering key skills’.

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Progress

Children and young people have made progress in this home. Some have made progress in their self-care skills, confidence and social skills. Others have reduced their challenging and aggressive behaviour. This is because staff liaise with parents and other professionals, to ensure that the package provided to children and young people is consistent and meets their individual needs. Children and young people are regularly consulted on the care they receive and encouraged to make choices. As a result children and young people feel listened to.

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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

 ensure the home is well maintained, in particular with regard to keeping a tidy garden area. (NMS 10.3)

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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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