Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Somerset

Unique reference number SC465940 Inspector Janice Hawtin Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Priory Education Services Ltd Registered person address 5th Floor 80 Hammersmith Road London W14 8UD

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Responsible individual

Registered manager Michelle Louise Garstang Date of last inspection 22/10/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 27/01/2015

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Responsible individual

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 improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

Since the last inspection in October 2014 there has been sustained progress in developing care practice. Requirements and recommendations have been addressed and have contributed to this development.

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This inspection

Adequate precautions are taken against the risk of fire and regular checks of fire doors allow for any issues to be dealt with quickly. Young people using the first floor flat are further protected by a sprinkler system which will activate in the event of a fire.

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This inspection

Young people are supported to understand sexual behaviour and appropriate social and sexual relationships as part of independence planning. Two staff are nearing the end of a specialist course so that they are able to deliver this work and also provide guidance for other staff. The young people are working their way through an ASDAN independence programme which the home has purchased for each young person. ‘Towards Independence’ provides a framework of activities through which personal, social and independence skills can be developed. This detailed accredited programme is produced specifically for young people with learning difficulties and particular suits the young people living in this home in preparing them for and evidencing independent living skills.

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This inspection

A summary of safer recruitment checks are kept on the premises and more detailed records can be accessed at the organisations head office which is close by. No new staff have been recruited since the last inspection. The Registered Manager is fully aware of the need to ensure employment histories are detailed enough to avoid any gaps as part of safer recruitment practice. This avoids unsuitable adults working with vulnerable young people.

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This inspection

One young person has recently and successfully moved on from the home. Detailed 3 of 5 transition planning and work in partnership with adult service providers ensured a smooth and uncomplicated transition which led to the young person feeling at home in a new environment and settling quickly. Equal attention has been paid to planning for young people to move into the home. Staff are clear they are able to meet the needs of each young person before a placement is offered. They work closely with parents and other stakeholders to gather information, and in addition spend time with the young person in a variety of settings and alongside previous carers to gain an understanding of their needs. Staff undertake additional training where needed, recently accessing a specialist personal care course to provide for a young person. A parent made the following comment about her son ‘they really have a good idea of

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This inspection

his needs and that’s testament to how well they got to know him’.

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This inspection

The care provided continues to be child centred and responsive to the presenting needs of young people. In a short space of time young people make progress, including improvements to what has been a very limited diet, making friends and responding to the education provided. The attention and quality of care provided to young people reduces their anxiety which has a direct impact on improving their behaviour. These improvements have reported by the parent of one young person who go on home visits at the weekends, as there notable reduced conflict and improved relationships with siblings.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager and staff speak positively about young people and have high expectations for them. Staff feel supported in their work and are provided with the training to support their work and personal development needs.

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This inspection

The young person’s guide to the home is currently in a format which is not accessible to all young people because of their age, understanding and special communication needs. A recommendation has been made to address this so that all young people have the best possible opportunity to access a summary of the care and services provided. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home is owned by a private organisation. It is registered for the accommodation and care of seven young people, of either gender, with learning disabilities. Education provision can also be offered within the wider organisation.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

22/10/2014 Full good 19/02/2014 Full adequate

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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

 produce a guide to the home which is suitable and considers the age and understanding of young people living in the home (NMS 13.4) 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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