Children's Home run by West Sussex County Council in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC037454 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Registered person West Sussex County Council Registered person address West Sussex County Council, Director of Social Services County Hall, Tower Street CHICHESTER West Sussex PO19 1QT Responsible individual Annie MacIver Registered manager Julian Conrad Skeates Date of last inspection 11/03/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 16/12/2014

p.1

Previous inspection good progress Enforcement action since last inspection none

p.2

This inspection

This home was judged outstanding at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

p.2

This inspection

The home was last inspected in March 2014, where it was judged to be making good progress. Staff continue to make a positive difference to lives of young people living in the home. A young person’s mother commented that their child’s behaviour was ‘1000% improved' since living in the home. Staff form and continuously nurture positive relationships with individuals, resulting in young people making good progress, often in short periods of time. Young people comment positively about the home and their relationships with staff. Those who have moved maintain strong links with staff through structured outreach support and are secure in the knowledge that they can call on the home for support, often many years after they have left.

p.2

This inspection

There is excellent planning prior to young people moving into the home. The staff and management team are thoughtful in how they will meet individual’s needs safely, and will often provide placements for those who have struggled elsewhere. Records are clear in evaluating young people’s progress, including a significant reduction in missing and offending since reseing in the home. When moving on, individuals benefit from clear, well planned transitions to ensure they are ready for their move to independence. A young person who was moving out on the day of inspection commented that they were looking forward to their move; they were ‘not scared and felt ready’.

p.2

This inspection

Staff are skilled in creating a nurturing environment where young people feel safe. Consistency in approach and to behaviour management leads to limited use of restraint, with recorded inventions focusing on de-escalation and guiding away rather than holding. Sanctions are fair and proportionate and young people and staff understand the home rules and agreed consequences. Excellent evaluation of significant incidents leads provides a reflective approach to practice in response to anxiety or distress. 3 of 5 The suitably qualified and experienced Registered Manager effectively leads the enthusiastic staff team. Staff are confident in their roles and key workers well informed on the needs and progress of their key child. Partnership working is entrenched in daily practice. Communication between family and key professionals is consistent and agreements effectively recorded. External and managers monitoring

p.2

This inspection

highlights areas for improvement and any significant trends and patterns. The homes development plan reflects external and internal monitoring. Plans are clear and time limited reflecting improvements for both the fabric of the building and care experience for young people. Complaints are responded to swiftly and resolved to the complainants satisfaction. The single recommendation made in the previous inspection report has been met. Notifications are timely in their arrival to those listed in Schedule 5. 4 of 5

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This service is a mixed gender children's home for young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is operated by a local authority.

p.4

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

11/03/2014 Interim good progress 03/10/2013 Full outstanding 27/03/2013 Interim good progress 03/07/2012 Full outstanding

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 the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated. This is with specific regard to replacing damaged work surfaces in the kitchen. (NMS 10.3) Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.4

Recommendations

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.5

What inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspections we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children’s homes: framework for inspection.

p.5

Information 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

Information about this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the framework of inspection for children's homes.

p.5