Children's Home run by Surrey County Council in Surrey

Unique reference number SC040628 Inspection date 25/03/2014 Inspector David Coulter Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 20/12/2013 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

The home is managed by the local authority providing care and accommodation for up to seven children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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 satisfactory progress .

p.3

Progress

The three recommendations arising from the key inspection have been appropriately addressed. The procedures for the appointment of staff now require references to be verified through telephone calls with referees. A new staff appraisal form has been developed and now includes provision for the comments of three young people. Although young people do not currently access all parts of the building, the restrictions are temporary and reflect the needs to ensure that all the current residents are kept safe.

p.3

Progress

Members of the well-motivated and experienced staff team are clearly 'child focused' and aware of the specific physical, social and emotional needs of each individual. Staff are aspirational for each young person and work alongside them to identify both short-term and long-term goals. Young people are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles by eating wisely and taking regular exercise. The health and well-being of each young person is monitored on an on-going basis. Young people are encouraged to remain active by participating in a range of social and recreational activities within the local community. Participation in such activities boosts individuals' self confidence and extends their social horizons beyond the home. The home operates within a set of behavioural boundaries that are consistently applied. Staff are successful in working alongside young people to address issues relating to anti-social and challenging behaviours. Positive behaviour is reinforced

p.3

Progress

with praise and encouragement. Sanctions and reparation tasks are used to address less serious misdemeanours. Physical interventions are infrequent and only ever used if it is felt a young person is putting themselves or others at risk.

p.4

Progress

Outcomes for young people are good and all are making progress in many aspects of their lives, including their education. Most young people arrive at the home following periods of disruption and uncertainty in their lives that has resulted in inconsistent schooling. As a consequence most have fallen behind their peers. Staff work closely with school and college staff to ensure young people achieve academic success. All the current residents have educational placements and attendance levels are excellent. The successes and achievements of all young people are recognised and celebrated.

p.4

Progress

There is an expectation that, during their placements, young people will acquire a range of social and life-skills that will equip them for moving on. Staff work alongside young people and provide opportunities for them to master key domestic skills such as cooking. Most of the current residents now take responsibility for keeping their rooms tidy and undertaking their own laundry. The home has a training flat and young people are given an opportunity to practice their independent living skills in a supportive environment before the end of their placements.

p.4

Progress

A tour of the premises found the home to be clean, tidy and in good decorative order. Although the spacious accommodation is generally well maintained, damage to walls on the top floor require attention.

p.4

Progress

Evidence indicates the home is continuing to provide good quality care to a group of young people with diverse social needs in a stimulating and nurturing environment.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.4

Recommendations

 ensure that repairs are made to make good the walls on the top floor (NMS 10.3).

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