Children's Home run by Bristol City Council in Bristol

Unique reference number SC034184 Inspection date 04/03/2014 Inspector Diana Waters Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 15/10/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This home is one of a number of children's homes operated by a local authority. The home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people of either sex with emotional and behavioural difficulties and/or learning disabilities. The purpose of the home is to provide young people with life and social skills to enable independent living.

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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 satisfactory progress .

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Progress

The overall effectiveness of this service was judged as adequate in October 2013. Two requirements were made at this inspection and the home has addressed them. This inspection identifies that progress for the service has been satisfactory and two recommendations have been made; for the home to encourage the young people to take responsibility for their behaviour, in a way that is appropriate to their age and abilities and to ensure that an up to date missing persons protocol is in place.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, the staff have improved the home with new carpets and wallpaper, the living areas have been suitable furnished and maintained, the garden area has been cleared and replanted, broken furniture and fallen branches have been removed and the maintenance continues. This has created a welcoming environment and a homely ambience. However graffiti by the young people in their own bedrooms and on their doors creates an unwelcoming impression, although this does not extend to communal areas of the home. The staff team continue to work with young people to express their views in more appropriate ways.

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Progress

Challenging behaviour exhibited by young people continues and staff remain resilient and positive in dealing with these situations. Staffing is appropriate in number to meet the changing needs of young people. Staff are strongly committed to move young people towards independence in a planned manner and continue to provide support as young people experience change. Young people confirm they have developed trusting relationships with many staff who provide good role models. Staff are supportive of each other and express enthusiasm and commitment about promoting positive outcomes for the young people.

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Progress

The service is mindful of the impact of new admissions and is not currently admitting other young people. Undesirable behaviour has consequences for young people who engage in criminal activity and who fail to benefit from further education or employment. The staff focus on relationships to effect small changes and encourage engagement with the specialist services who regularly engage their young people. A recommendation is made to encourage young people to take responsibility for their behaviour and to promote positive behaviour.

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Progress

There have been no complaints recorded since the last inspection and young people were observed by the inspector to express to staff any immediate minor concerns they experience. The home reports amenable relationships in the neighbourhood

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Progress

Procedures are in place for young people who go missing or are absent from the home without permission. The protocol document between the service and the police has not yet been updated to reflect recent legislative and practice developments. It is recommended that this is acted upon to safeguard the welfare and minimise the vulnerability of missing young people.

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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

 encourage young people to take responsibility for their behaviour, in a way that is appropriate to their age and abilities (NMS 3.6)  ensure that if a child is absent from the home and their whereabouts is not known, the home's procedures are compatible with and have regard to current Runaway and Missing from Home and Care (RMFHC) protocols and procedures maintained and managed by the police or by the local authority for the area where the home is located (NMS 5.6)

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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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