Children's Home run by The Rose Road Association in Southampton

Unique reference number SC042446 Inspection date 18/03/2014 Inspector David Coulter Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/12/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The service offers short breaks for up to 12 children and young people with severe learning difficulties that may include physical disabilities and additional health problems. It is run by a registered charity which provides support and information services to children, young people and their carers throughout the area. The service is available to children and young people, of both sexes, aged between two years and 17 years. The unit consists of two residential areas, one of which is 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 home has seen significant change over the last year, including the appointment of a new registered manager and senior staff team. The new team have set about reviewing existing policies and working practices to ensure they are effectively meeting the often complex physical, social and emotional needs of the young people being referred. The professional development of staff is given a high priority and an extensive training programme ensures staff increase their knowledge and skills on an on-going basis.

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Progress

The service operates 7 days a week throughout the year and the high occupancy rate means that the demands on staff are constant. The well-motivated staff team are very resilient and sickness levels and absences are low. Agency staff are rarely used and any shortfalls are covered by a number of bank staff who are conversant with the operation of the unit. The stability within the staff team has led more consistency in the delivery of care. The small number of concerns and complaints that have arisen since the last inspection have been appropriately resolved.

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Progress

A number of children and young people who visit the unit can display challenging behaviour. Staff are clearly aware of the need to ensure the safety of all the young people in their care and the composition of each resident group is carefully monitored. The unit has a non-restraint policy and staff only intervene physically if it is felt an individual is putting themselves or others at risk. Staff successfully deploy a range of diversionary techniques to manage young people who get in agitated and anxious states. There is clear written guidance for staff on how each young person's behaviour should be managed. Appropriate staffing levels and effective supervision keep children and young people safe.

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Progress

The young people who recently transferred to the unit following the closure of a local short break nursing care service have settled and are attending regularly. Staff have worked extremely hard to allay the fears and apprehensions of parents who had reservations about accessing a non-medical respite service. Although the unit deploy specialist nursing staff at certain times during the week, parents are now confident in the support provided by unit staff.

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Progress

Each child and young person receives individualised care that addresses their specific care needs. Staff liaise effectively with school staff to identify areas of development that individuals can work on during their placements. Staff were able to report on the progress children and young people are making in developing greater independence by mastering practical tasks relating to dressing, eating and personal care. Evidence indicates individuals are responding positively to the attention they receive from staff and the stimulation they get from participating in a diverse range of social and recreational activities both within the unit and local community. The progress of each child and young person is carefully documented and appropriately shared with parents, teachers and social workers.

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Progress

A full tour of the premises indicated they were extremely clean, tidy and in good decorative order. The child friendly décor makes the unit a bright and visually stimulating environment. The unit has a range of specialist equipment, including height adjustable beds, that ensure young people with mobility difficulties can be moved and handled safely.

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Progress

The unit's progress, that was recognised at the last inspection, has continued. There are no actions or recommendations arising from this inspection.

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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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