Children's Home run by The Amicus Community (Arundel) Ltd in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC449155 Inspector Keith Riley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person The Amicus Community Arundel Limited Registered person address The Amicus Community PO Box 79 Arundel West Sussex BN18 9XA Responsible individual Rebecca Susan Newton Registered manager Stewart Michael Thomson Date of last inspection 20/01/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 17/02/2015

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Previous inspection good progress Enforcement action since last inspection none

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This inspection

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

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This inspection

Young people have the opportunity to gain many new experiences, such as going to a music concert of their favourite band or participating in an outward bound activity. They build in self-confidence and talk enthusiastically of how they have conquered their fears, for example heights by riding down a 'zip wire'. Young people take an interest in their personal appearance and fitness. They express their identity through their choice of hair style and participate in healthy activities such as going to the gym.

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This inspection

There is excellent management and monitoring of the home. The leadership structure has been strengthened. The management team are aware of the imminent changes in regulation and statutory guidance. Reports required by regulation to be forwarded to Ofsted are sent at the required intervals. Medication records are well kept and checked for accuracy. There has been significant improvement in the detail recorded in any physical interventions. Presenting behaviours are clearly described to give the reader a clear picture why any physical intervention is required. There is meticulous analysis as to the underlying psychological reasons for behaviour. Excellent support structures and the opportunity to express difficult emotions in a safe environment mean that interventions are minimal. As well as the daily therapeutic work there is excellent partnership working with other professionals, such as a psychotherapist. Young people are able to self-regulate their emotions

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This inspection

Young people are able to have mature discussions about the group dynamics in the home and resolve any issues amicably. A young person said, 'We all get on well together'. There are close links with the sister home and important anniversaries are celebrated with all young people and staff within the community. They describe the other young people as being like siblings to them. Young people engage in friendly competitions while developing their independent and social skills, for example a 3 of 5 cooking competition.

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This inspection

There has been a successful recruitment drive. The induction process is very comprehensive. Induction includes several weeks 'shadow visits' in the home where the inductee is considered supernumerary to the staff team so best practice can be observed without any distractions. Staff describe it as the best induction they have ever had. New staff know how to raise the alarm and evacuate the home in the event of an emergency such as fire. Staff demonstrate their care and support for young people. They use their interest and skills to help young people pursue their interest, an example is teaching a young person how to play a guitar. Excellent attachments are formed, young people speak of how they miss their link worker when they are absent for any reason.

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This inspection

Attention is given to the environment to ensure young people live in a warm and inviting home. Since the last inspection there have been improvements in the décor and furnishings in a downstairs lounge.

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This inspection

No requirements or recommendations are made as a result of this inspection. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides four places for young people who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. It is one of two children's homes operated by the same private organisation. Young people living at the home attend the organisation's own school.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

20/01/2014 Interim good progress 05/07/2013 Full outstanding 19/02/2013 Full good Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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.

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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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