Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Herefordshire

Unique reference number SC062223 Inspection date 04/03/2014 Inspector Suzanne Young Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 20/06/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This children's home can provide care and accommodation for up to seven young people who have emotional or behavioural difficulties. The home is owned by a private limited company. On the same site as the home is an independent school run by the provider, which young people from the home may attend.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress .

p.3

Progress

The home was judged as good at the last full inspection which took place in June 2013. The home has addressed the requirement and two recommendations made as a result of the last inspection. The restraint log has been revised to detail de- escalation techniques and staff members have received training in appropriate safe- care practice. The home has also submitted their child protection procedures to the Local Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCB) and to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for child protection for consideration and comment as recommended.

p.3

Progress

Progress since the previous inspection is good. The home demonstrates continued improvement in the outcomes for young people living in the home and in their quality of care. All young people are attending school. They are progressing well in their education and their attendance levels are good. Young people, who previously have experienced difficulties in education, are now attending school on a regular basis. This is because staff work closely with young people using positive rewards to promote attendance at school. Young people’s behaviour is also well managed by staff. They develop relationships built on trust and respect. As a result, young people’s behaviour has improved. For example, instances when young people go missing from the home have significantly reduced. The use of restraint and the imposing of sanctions have also reduced.

p.3

Progress

Young people speak positively about the home. They are relaxed and comfortable with staff. They feel safe and do not identify bullying as an issue. Safeguarding is given a priority in the home. All staff have regular safeguarding training and are aware of current safeguarding issues, such as, internet safety and child sexual exploitation.

p.4

Progress

The manager has a development plan which ensures continued improvement in the quality of care given to young people. This is being implemented well and involves young people in the development of the home. For example, they are actively involved in decisions regarding activities and have suggested an incentive system for the use of the home's x-box.

p.4

Progress

There have been two complaints made by young people since the last inspection. The home has dealt with these appropriately and in a timely fashion. All young people feel staff act swiftly in response to any concerns they may have, although, they have not always received written feedback from a complaint. As a result a recommendation has been made to ensure the manager gives prompt written feedback to young people following a complaint.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure children and young people receive prompt feedback on any concerns they raise. (NMS 1.6)

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5