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

Unique reference number SC472102 Inspector Jennie Christopher 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 Responsible individual Helen Sharpe Registered manager Lisa Jane Moores Date of last inspection 08/10/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 18/02/2015

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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 October 2014, where it was judged as good in all areas. Staff continue to provide a consistently good level of care for all young people. They form nurturing relationships with individuals; ensuring young people make some good progress. Young people talk positively about the home and their relationships with staff. Observed interactions highlight staff’s understanding of individual’s needs and a sensitive approach to care. Young people who have moved on maintain links with the home through telephone calls.

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This inspection

Planning prior to young people moving into the home is thorough and in line with the individual’s needs. Young people, parents and significant others are afforded the opportunity to visit as often as needed in order to provide a smooth transition. The staff and management team are considerate in how they will meet young people's needs individually and as part of the group. Young people’s views are sought and acted upon in relation to the care they receive. Two individuals are currently involved in transition to other homes within the organisation which are more suitable to meet their changing needs. A young person reflected that the home had helped them, and now it was time to move in with a more suitable peer group.

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This inspection

Records are clear, but do not fully reflect young people’s progress. The recently appointed manager is reviewing records to ensure they provide an evaluative account of young people's time in the home. Staff are able to highlight areas of improvement for individuals, such as being able communicate with an increased number of staff and significant improvement in engagement in education. Health needs for individuals are met to a good standard, including responses to emotional distress and emergency situations. However, health and wellbeing plans require updating to highlight current need and progress individuals have made.

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This inspection

Staff are skilled in creating a calm environment where young people feel safe. Young 3 of 5 people were observed unselfconsciously dancing in the grounds, with staff encouraging their commitment to exercise, while having fun. Young people said they feel safe in the home and interactions demonstrate how comfortable they feel with staff. Young people very rarely leave the grounds without permission. Where this could happen, risk assessments are not explicitly clear on the action staff should take.

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This inspection

Consistency in approach to behaviour management has led to a reduction in incidents that require restraint. Recorded inventions focus on de-escalation and redirection rather than holding. Sanctions are fair and proportionate and in line with young people’s needs and understanding. The current focus on allowing individuals to express themselves provides a reflective approach to practice in response to anxiety or distress. Records of sanctions and restraints are not always fully completed however, and young people’s views are not recorded, including when they decline to comment.

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This inspection

The recently appointed home manager is enthusiastic and is seeking to provide the best quality care and environment for young people. They guide the staff team effectively while evaluating the changes required within the service. Staff are confident in their roles, including those recently appointed. They feel well supported and that they have the training they require to undertake their roles. Staff are well informed on the needs of individuals and care plans for young people. Joint working is embedded in the home. Increased liaison with education ensures plans are consistent and approaches to individuals needs are coordinated. Regular communication between family and key professionals provides further consistency. External and manager’s monitoring highlights areas for improvement in care practice and within the fabric of the building. The manager recognises some areas in the home require modernisation and redecoration to provide a more homely feel.

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Information about this children’s home

This home provides residential provision for young people with autism. It is located on a large wooded site and has a linked school and a separate EBD school in close proximity.

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Information about this children’s home

The home consists of two separate buildings, one of which is further subdivided into two living groups. One of the three living groups is currently designated for young people with Prader Willi Syndrome. All but one of the current young people attend the on-site school.

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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

 ensure were any sanctions, disciplinary measures or restraint are used, children are encouraged to have their views recorded in the records kept by the home, including indicating when they decline to share their views (NMS 3.18)  ensure staff know and implement the home’s policy in relation to children going missing and their role in implementing that policy. (NMS 5.2)  promote children's individual health and emotional needs through more focussed daily recording (NMS 6.1)  provide a homely environment; with specific regard to the plastic covering on bannisters and some soft furnishings (NMS 10.3)  ensure entries in records are legible, clearly expressed, non-stigmatising and distinguish as far as possible between fact, opinion and third party information. (NMS 22.4) 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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