Children's Home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC042950 Inspection date 17/03/2014 Inspector Tracy Murty Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 05/07/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The home is a six-bedded children's home run by a local authority. It caters for young people who present 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 full inspection of this home in July 2013, the overall effectiveness judgement was good with four recommendations being made. The Registered Manager has ensured that all four recommendations have been fully met and the home has demonstrated continued improvement in the quality of care and outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The home is very well maintained, decorated and furnished throughout. Young people live in a large detached house, with large and well maintained gardens surrounding it. Young people have been able to personalise their rooms and have been consulted about changes to the internal décor. Photographs of young people engaged in various activities with the staff are on prominent display and promote a homely and welcoming feel to the home.

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Progress

Young people benefit from having clear and detailed placement plans in place. These clearly set out the aims and objectives for them and reflect the achievements of young people over time. This has included identifying and arranging activities such as horse riding. Young people are supported by staff to regularly review their placement plans and to make comments on them. This reflects the commitment of the staff team to include and involve young people in all aspects of the care provided to them.

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Progress

Young people feel well supported in preparing them to move on to adult life. The Registered Manager has worked closely with involved agencies, including leaving care services, to produce an independent living skills assessment pack. Where appropriate this is being used with young people to assist them in preparing for their eventual move to independence. One young person who has already moved to independence praised the staff for the on-going support they have provided. This young person stated 'It was not easy to leave here and move into my own place, but the staff have been great. I can pop in for a coffee and they still help me with forms and other things.'

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Progress

Where sanctions, disciplinary measures or restraint are used, staff ensure that young people's views are considered and recorded on all relevant records. Young people demonstrate a clear awareness of the reasons for any such measures being used and are able to express their views and feelings on each occasion.

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Progress

Young people engage well in educational provision with the full support of the staff team. The Registered Manager has ensured that for those young people who are not currently attending formal education alternative arrangements have been put in place. This promotes young people's engagement in education and prevents them from falling behind in their studies. Some young people are predicted to attain A-C grades in their final examinations and have acted as ambassadors for their schools nationally. From their starting points, young people achieve very well in relation to their educational performance and have aspirations for their futures, supported by the very committed staff team.

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Progress

Young people enjoy a wide range of social activities whilst living in this home. One young person stated 'We were out doing something every day during the recent holidays. There is always something good to do here.' Activities include attendance at local gyms, horse riding and swimming. Young people were instrumental in identifying a static caravan which the home has since purchased. Young people now enjoy regular stays there with staff during holiday periods. This demonstrates the staff team's commitment to listening to young people and acting on their wishes wherever possible.

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Progress

Young people report feeling safe living in this home and believe that the staff keep them safe. Risk assessments reflect their individual and complex needs and are regularly reviewed and updated. Individual risk assessments refer to potential hazards for young people, but a more detailed environmental risk assessment would be beneficial, for example in relation to the external areas, including the garden and the close proximity of the railway line

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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 that risk assessments of the whole children's home environment are carried out, to identify any potential sources of harm to the children are recorded in writing and regularly reviewed. This is with particular reference to the railway tracks to the rear of the home. (NMS 10.8)

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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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