Children's Home run by Oracle Care Limited in Staffordshire

Unique reference number SC066912 Inspection date 31/03/2014 Inspector Mark Ryder Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/10/2013 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Brief description of the service

This privately owned home provides accommodation for up to two young people. The home caters for young people who may display emotional or 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 inspection, in October 2013, this home was judged as good. There was one statutory requirement and three recommendations made. The home has made good progress since this visit; the requirement and recommendations have now all been met.

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Progress

Young people continue to be well cared for and supported. Despite recent challenging and aggressive behaviour, the staff have shown professionalism and resilience in their work with young people with complex needs. The staff continue to receive a high level of quality support from the leaders and mangers of this home.

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Progress

Monitoring has been strengthened and developed recently. Internal reviews of recording and practice have led to improvements, and as a result the home is more effective and better able to keep young people safe. The Registered Manager has very good oversight of all records and is able to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the home.

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Progress

Inter-agency working is effective through communication with partner agencies to further support and promote young people's welfare. For example, the local police visit informally to see the young people and staff. This helps young people to understand that staff do not work in isolation to other organisations and that there are consequences to behaviour which can harm others.

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Progress

Young people's views are sought and taken into account as part of daily routine. Resident meetings are seen as a regular and important event that supports young people to openly express their wishes, feelings and concerns. Young people are able to say how they are feeling and are listened to.

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Progress

The use of door alarms has ceased following a review of the level of risk within the home. Therefore, young people presently do not have any restrictions on normal movement within the house as the risk has been assessed as low. This is an improvement since the last inspection.

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Progress

Reviews of the arrangements for each young person in placement are held within agreed timescales. The records of these meetings are on file. This means that the staff team can work with young people on the recommendations made from one meeting to another. Young people are asked for their views and are informed of any significant decision affecting their lives.

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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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