Children's Home run by Isle of Wight Council in Isle of Wight

Unique reference number SC395944 Inspector Jennie Christopher Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Isle of Wight Council Registered person address County Hall High Street NEWPORT Isle of Wight PO30 1UD Responsible individual Robert Winfield Registered manager Margaret Patricia Ann Hanney Date of last inspection 14/05/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 13/01/2015

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Previous inspection good Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

The home was last inspected in May 2014, where it was judged as good overall and outstanding in the quality of care provided. Staff continue to provide an excellent level of care for young people who live in the home or access the short breaks service. Young people appear happy and comfortable in their environment and, when asked, indicated they enjoyed their breaks. Those who live in the home were confident in their surroundings and staff ensured they were able to have time alone to relax after the activities of the day. Staff relationships with young people are warm, nurturing and based on an understanding of each individual’s needs. As a result, young people make progress while living in the home or during their stays.

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This inspection

Three young people have moved into the residential area since the last inspection with two moving on. One young person transitioned to adult services with a bespoke moving package in line with their needs. Another’s’ move was not planned, but was essential to meet their emotional wellbeing. Planning prior to young people moving into the home or accessing short breaks is excellent. Introductions are at the individuals pace. Those living in the home have mostly accessed short breaks prior to their placement. The staff and management team are thoughtful in how they will meet individual’s needs safely while considering the wider group. Records are clear and evaluative demonstrating individual progress in line with their agreed goals and targets. ‘My Life Skills’ charts reflect the learning process for young people learning new skills, and are regularly reviewed.

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This inspection

Staff are extremely skilled in creating a calm and nurturing environment where young people feel safe. They all talk positively about their roles and the support and training they benefit from. Consistency in approach to behaviour management results in limited use of restraint and directed access to soft play areas. Interventions focus on redirection and de-escalation. Young people have learned skills to take themselves to calm and quiet spaces when they are frustrated or upset. 3 of 5 Excellent evaluation of significant incidents, including with education and parents when appropriate, provides a reflective and consistent approach to care practice. The building is large and mostly well maintained, and provides easy access for all young people. In the short breaks area one bedroom has an electric shutter style blind. This is not fully assessed to determine whether all young people using that room require that level of security.

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This inspection

The suitably qualified Registered Manager has several years’ experience in children’s care services. She effectively leads the cohesive staff team. Staff are extremely confident in their roles and observed practice highlighted a skilled team who are mindful of individuals likes, dislikes and anxieties. Partnership working is entrenched in daily practice. Communication between families and other key professionals is consistent. A social worker commented on the ease of communication with the homes staff. External and manager's monitoring highlights areas for improvement and any significant trends and patterns. The development plan for the home and service links with the wider organisation, is monitored effectively by the Registered Manager and is updated regularly. The single recommendation made at the previous inspection has been met and all staff have either gained or are enrolled onto a suitable level 3 qualification. Notifications are timely in their arrival to those listed in

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Information about this children’s home

This children's home is a purpose-built facility owned and operated by a local council. It is registered to take up to 10 young people with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities between the ages of eight and 17 years.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

14/05/2014 Full good 07/11/2013 Interim good progress 30/04/2013 Full good 15/01/2013 Interim good progress

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Recommendations

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

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Recommendations

 implement a risk assessment as stated in Volume 5 (2.108), that considers the need to use shuttered windows to ensure safety and that the need to keep one child safe does not impose restrictions on another. (NMS 10.4) Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Recommendations

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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.

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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.

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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.

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