Children's Home run by Grace Care Limited in Nottingham

Unique reference number SC436818 Inspection date 04/03/2014 Inspector Katarina Djordjevic Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 23/08/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The children's home is run by a private company. It can accommodate up to three children with learning disabilities.

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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 August 2013 the overall quality rating for the service was judged as adequate. Four requirements and two recommendations were made. The home has made good progress since the last inspection. The Registered Manager and her team have worked hard to address the requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection, all of which have been addressed. This demonstrates the staff team’s commitment and ability to improve the quality of care and life opportunities for young people. Additionally, the Registered Manager has prepared well for the changes in the children’s homes regulations.

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Progress

At the last inspection a requirement was made to produce the children’s guide in a form appropriate to the understanding and communication needs of young people. The Registered Manager has purchased a package which enables the home to produce documents in symbol form. The children’s guide has been reproduced and is now in a format that is more suitable for young people with communication difficulties. As a result, young people have greater opportunities to understand what the home provides and what it is like to live there.

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Progress

A requirement was made to ensure that all allegations made by young people were reported in line with the home’s safeguarding procedures. This now happens and the home has worked very closely with social workers and the local authority designated officer where allegations have been made. As a result, the protection of young people from the risk of harm and abuse has improved and this includes young people who have a history of making allegations. Additionally, Ofsted are now notified of any allegations made against staff which enables inspectors to monitor the quality of care and that care practices are safe.

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Progress

Young people’s wellbeing is further protected as care plans and risk assessments identify where young people have a history of making allegations. The risk assessments give very clear details of actions staff must take in the event of an allegation being made.

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Progress

The recording of any concerns raised by young people and parents are now routinely recorded as required. Records demonstrate that all concerns and complaints are dealt with promptly and that complainants are informed of the outcome of the investigations. This improvement helps to monitor practices, the quality of care and identify any patterns or trends. As a result, young people are better protected from the risk of harm and abuse.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive a good level of individualised care and support from a committed and caring staff team. Staff have an in-depth knowledge of young people’s needs. Staff seek to maximise a young person’s potential for social and educational growth and development by working collaboratively with other agencies such as education, health and the police. As a result, young people are making good progress in all areas. Young people’s ability to communicate their needs and choices has been further enhanced by the acquisition of a communication aid which is routinely used.

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Progress

Young people’s health has improved since the last inspection. Young people are now eating healthier foods and are taking a lot more exercise. Young people’s physical health needs have also improved. This is because staff have worked closely with health professionals and implemented individual programmes within the home to improve young people’s health. Young people are proud of these achievements.

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Progress

Young people's behaviour continues to improve which means that they are able to engage in a wider range of activities within the community. This is helping them to develop social skills in preparation for adulthood. This has also resulted in increased contact with their families which is important for young people’s emotional wellbeing.

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Progress

There is a range of quality assurance monitoring systems within the home which help to ensure young people’s needs are being met. Monthly visits by an independent person continue and a copy of the reports sent to Ofsted. However, these reports identify that there is no consultation with young people either by communication or by observing practice within the home. Additionally, there is no evidence of consultation with placing authorities or young people’s families. As a result, key stakeholder’s views and suggestions are not obtained. This is of particular importance where young people have limited communication skills. One requirement has been made regarding consultation with young people, their families and placing authorities as part of the monthly monitoring visits.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) interview, with their consent and in private, such of the children accommodated there, their parents, relatives and persons working at the home as appears necessary in order to form an opinion of the standard of care provided in the home. (Regulation 33 (4) (a)) 30/04/2014

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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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