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Unique reference number SC437069 Inspection date 20/03/2014 Inspector Amanda Ellis Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/01/2014 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This local authority service exists to provide a range of short break services for 6 children who have learning and physical disabilities. An outreach service is also provided by the staff team. The service is also registered with the Care Quality Commission.

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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 purpose of this inspection is to monitor the progress made since the last inspection. At the last inspection in January 2014, the overall effectiveness rating for the home was judged to be good. One requirement and one recommendation were set at the last inspection. Since this time, both actions have been comprehensively addressed. This illustrates the homes capacity to ensure continual improvement.

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Progress

Improved arrangements for fire drills mean that all staff and young people are aware of the procedures. The manager has approached this task wholeheartedly, which has meant young people have benefitted from a creative approach to fire safety. Consequently, staff are better able to predict the possible behaviours of young people in an emergency and have plans in place to effectively evacuate the home and support young people. The young people have benefited from a child-focused and educational approach to fire safety. They take part in regular practice drills and are awarded colourful certificates for their participation.

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Progress

Medication training has been delivered to the staff group, with on-going training on a range of specialist health care topics, such as gastronomy, epilepsy and emergency medication training. Additionally, staff complete a comprehensive workbook, which tests their knowledge of medication practice. This means young people benefit from a staff team with the relevant skills and competence to ensure safe medication and health care practice.

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Progress

A highly skilled and professional staff team look after young people. Staff understand the needs of the young people and are able to provide high standards of care at all times. There is excellent communication between the staff team. Staff teams plan their shifts with meticulous detail to ensure that all activities and visits are well planned and organised. Young people benefit from this planning as they enjoy a range of stimulating activities, both within and outside of the home, such as playing with the wide range of toys and sensory equipment: activity and exercise in their own playground and visits to places of interest.

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Progress

Regular consultation with parents and carers enables the home to promote the best quality of care for young people and ensures the planning of the short breaks is fully inclusive of the parents. One parent said, ' The staff communicate really well and I always felt totally welcomed. It has been a large part of our life.’ A foster carer said ‘As a carer I cannot praise them enough; they give the young person another perspective and quality of life. They work well with me and are exceptional at working together.’

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Progress

The young person’s guide to the service is available in different formats in order to meet individual’s communication needs, for example, picture format. As a result, young people are given information on what to expect about their care and how to contact Ofsted and their independent reviewing officer. This means young people have access to external agencies if they wish to make a complaint.

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Progress

The leadership and management arrangements of the home are comprehensive and proficient. The Registered Manager provides effective and meticulous leadership, which assures exceptionally high standards in care provision. He has detailed development plans in place, which provide a clear agenda of improvement with a focus on continually improved outcomes for young people.

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Progress

The effective operation of the home further benefits from rigorous monitoring arrangements. Extensive and detailed quality assurance systems are undertaken internally and by external visitors. The monitoring visits inform managers of potential shortfalls and ensure high standards of care maintained.

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Progress

No statutory requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this visit. In light of this and the number of positive developments in the home, the judgement at this inspection is that the service has made good progress.

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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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