Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC036737 Inspection date 24/03/2014 Inspector Judith Longden Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 15/01/2014 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

p.2

Brief description of the service

This is a local authority children's home providing residential and short break services for 16 children with physical disabilities and complex health care needs.

p.3

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.

p.3

Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making good progress .

p.3

Progress

This home was judged as outstanding at the last full inspection in January 2014. There were no requirements or recommendations made. In the short time since that inspection the home has demonstrated exceptional improvement in the quality of care and the outcomes for young people.

p.3

Progress

A particular strength of the home is the motivated manager and staff team who are committed to providing a quality service and promoting positive outcomes for young people. The manager regularly consults with parents through surveys, questionnaires and open day events. Parents’ views are taken seriously and a number of suggestions, such as the development of an outside soft play room, have been promptly implemented.

p.3

Progress

Young people enjoy a range of new facilities in the home and garden. These include: a pamper room providing hair dressing; nail art; dressing up; and relaxation activities. Outside developments include a 'planting station' where young people can prepare plants for the raised beds in the garden. A number of bird boxes and feeding stations are located in the garden and a camera system links these to a television so young people can watch the birds feeding and nesting. New sensory toys and equipment have also been installed in the garden such as drums and wind chimes. These facilities improve the environment for young people and provide opportunities for them to develop new skills and experience new sensations.

p.3

Progress

Young people are consulted about their care and are able to express their views. A review booklet has been developed that enables young people to share their views on subjects such as the important people in their life, their hopes and dreams and their likes and dislikes. This ensures they are involved in their care. The home has made improvements to the planning documentation and this now provides greater evidence of the progress young people make towards their objectives.

p.4

Progress

Young people are encouraged to socialise with other young people from local schools and community groups. The manager supports local groups to access the home's facilities and share activities, and this provides further opportunities for socialisation. One parent commented that the thing their child liked best about coming to the home was the opportunity to be with other children.

p.4

Progress

A new independence programme has been implemented within the home. This provides a weekend experience for the more able young people to enjoy a range of activities and learn new skills. Young people are involved in the planning of the weekend and evaluate what they have learnt at its conclusion. As a result, young people are increasingly involved in decision-making, enjoying new experiences and learning new skills.

p.4

Progress

No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5