Children's Home run by SureCare Residential Ltd in Essex

Unique reference number SC384018 Inspection date 05/03/2014 Inspector Susan Southey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 07/11/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is owned by a small private organisation. It is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to four young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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 inspection in November 2013 the home was judged as adequate One requirement and one recommendation were made. Since this time the Registered Manager has addressed both actions, enhancing the safeguarding of young people. This demonstrates the desire to make improvements to the service.

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Progress

Young people recently placed at the home say they have settled well and feel safe. Staff promote relationship building, structuring the day to allow for more group activities. Staff consult with young people to establish their interests to facilitate common activities. This gives young people opportunities to develop positive relationships with staff and their peers. The young people have increased integration with the local community and make a positive contribution. They have visited the RSPCA for dog walking and have participated in school fete's. This supports young people's sense of achievement and belonging in the neighbourhood.

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Progress

Staff evidence increased awareness of appropriate missing from home practices to keep young people safe. The Registered Manager gives staff clear written guidance on missing from home protocols, agreed by the local police. There are good relationships with the local police and this supports interagency working to assist the safe return of young people when they leave the home without permission. Furthermore, it meets the requirement made at the last inspection.

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Progress

Managers have introduced new admission policies for placing authorities referring young people to the service. The directors, in partnership with the Registered Manager, evaluate information given by placing authorities. This helps managers establish if the service can appropriately meet the young peoples’ needs. Generally, placements are planned, however when emergency admissions do take place, information is obtained from placing authorities to assess suitability. Furthermore, the Registered Manager liaises with social workers to ensure that placement-planning meetings take place within 72 hours of admission. This demonstrates improved admission processes which assess the suitability of the placement for young people and meets the recommendation made at the full 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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