Children's Home, Residential special school run by Kisimul Group Limited in Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC034241 Inspection date 27/03/2014 Inspector Judith Longden Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Residential special school (>295 days/year)

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Date of last inspection 28/01/2014 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

The school is one of three owned by the company and is registered as a children's home. The school provides placements of various lengths for children and young people with severe learning disabilities, autism and challenging behaviour. The senior school is situated a few miles away.

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Brief description of the service

The school provides residential accommodation for 49 young people. Education is provided in a separate building situated on site.

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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

This home was judged as outstanding at the last full inspection in January 2014. There were no requirements or recommendations made as a result of that inspection. In the short time since the last inspection the home has demonstrated continued improvement in the outcomes and quality of care for young people. The leadership of the home remains very strong and the Registered Manager continually strives for progress.

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Progress

Young people enjoy a wide range of exciting and challenging activities. These include day trips and outings as well as regular club activities. Young people participate in clubs such as sailing, understanding culture and diversity, and gardening. A new photography club has been established which provides an educational and creative project for young people. All young people are able to access this club and equipment is provided that is appropriate to the needs of the individual, for example a larger camera is available for young people who find it difficult to hold objects. Young people are encouraged to take photographs in the local community. This provides opportunities for social interaction with the community.

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Progress

Young people are consulted about the home and their individual care and are able to express their views using various communication methods. For example, young people have chosen the new equipment for the gymnasium and are currently being consulted about new playground equipment. Young people complete regular questionnaires about their care, and what they like and dislike about the home. This ensures they are involved in their care and the running of the home. The home has made improvements to the planning and objectives documentation and this now provides greater evidence of the progress young people make towards their objectives.

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Progress

The home is improving access to advocacy services for young people. The Registered Manager has established a programme of visits by local advocates involving regular group work and individual sessions for young people. This enables young people to access support on a regular basis from adults with whom they have established a relationship. This is in addition to the continued support from the advocacy helpline.

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Progress

The Registered Manager has worked closely with health and safety personnel to ensure buildings and facilities are as secure and safe as possible. This has resulted in the installation of an audible alarm on one of the buildings to alert staff to visitors. This ensures young people remain safe.

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Progress

No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of 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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