Children's Home run by Surrey County Council in Surrey

Unique reference number SC040642 Inspection date 25/03/2014 Inspector Jennie Christopher 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 children's home is owned and managed by a local authority. It provides accommodation for up to seven young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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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 full inspection in December 2013, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good with one requirement and two recommendations made. The home demonstrates the ability to continually improve the quality of care provided. A particular strength of the home is ability to form positive relationships with hard to reach young people.

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Progress

At the last inspection the requirement set was to ensure the views of young people, their parents and partner agencies were reflected in managers monitoring of the home. In response the home gains feedback from all relevant family members and professionals during the review process and from monthly reviews of young people’s care. Young people are able to share their views at any time through house meetings and individual sessions. In addition they have input into their monthly reviews. The information is collated by the home manager to be included in their monitoring and evaluation of the service.

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Progress

The recommendations made at the last inspection have been met. Files for recently appointed staff contain a new front sheet that highlights that checks have been made to assess their suitability to work with young people. This includes confirmation that two references have been gained and telephone verification sought. The sanctions record has been consistently completed to demonstrate that young people have had their views sought in response to the measure used. The record links to other documents where more in-depth discussions with individuals are recorded.

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Progress

Young people continue to receive well planned and focused care in line with their assessed needs. The staff team is experienced and committed to improving outcomes for young people who are moving onto independence. Young people are positive about their care and experiences of living in the home. Observed interactions demonstrate that the staff team are skilled in effectively engaging young people who are anxious and worried about their next move, and they support them successfully to overcome barriers. The staff apply clear and consistent boundaries and encourage young people to make aspirational life choices. As a result, young people have gained skills to positively manage their own behaviour and succeed in education, employment and training.

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Progress

The ‘How Ya Gonna Live’ life skills programme has been updated to be more aspirational and interactive, ensuring young people have the skills required to live independently. In order to move into the independence flat within the home, a new application and interview process has been developed to reflect processes in the community. The culture within the home celebrates progression and achievement. As a result, young people recognise the progress they have made, no matter how small it may initially appear.

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Progress

Since the last inspection the former assistant manager has been appointed into the role of home manager. The manager is currently awaiting all required checks in order to progress their application to be registered with Ofsted. The manager has many plans for the future of the service, including formation of more independence flats. The building is undergoing redecoration and new windows have been installed, providing a warmer and more welcoming environment. The management team within the home have considered the impact of the new regulations on the service they provide to ensure they are compliant with them, including considering environmental and community risk assessments.

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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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