Children's Home run by Suffolk County Council in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC037281 Inspector Rosie Davie Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Registered person Suffolk County Council Registered person address Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House Russell Road IPSWICH IP1 2BX Responsible individual Clifford Martin James Registered manager Serena Emberley Date of last inspection 18/09/2014 2 of 5 Inspection date 04/03/2015

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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 improved effectiveness .

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This inspection

Children in this home are making progress. All attend school and many continue to achieve 100% attendance. Staff proactively liaise with the range of schools attended by the children. They creatively and flexibly support them across the school day when needed. This means children benefit from agencies working hand in glove and this sets the scene for them to achieve their potential in education.

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This inspection

The children access a range of activities and play equipment. Staff have made improvements to the internal environment. A communal room has been impressively redecorated to provide additional child friendly space for them to play, read, practice piano or to use computers to do their homework.

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This inspection

Children who have left since the last inspection received emotional support to successfully manage the transition into foster care. This enables children to re- experience family living.

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This inspection

Managers have met, or have plans in place to meet the majority of the requirements and recommendations from the last full inspection. The work to strengthen the staff rota across weekends is complete and a new system comes into effect in March. This means that there will be a senior member of the team on shift every day.

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This inspection

Staff describe a supportive and approachable management team. Some staff receive regular formal supervision. However, this is not yet consistent and therefore falls short of regulatory requirements.

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This inspection

Social workers positively describe the progress children have made. One said: ’staff have worked really hard. My child is taking responsibility for his outbursts and these have been decreasing.’ Another said: ’All of the staff are incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable.’ 3 of 5 Family members visit the home. Those spoken to complemented staff and acknowledged the progress that their child is making. One parent said: 'we know that our child is safe and well looked after.’

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This inspection

Children do not go missing from this home. Physical intervention is used. A new system ensures that all staff and children receive a de brief. This enables all involved to learn from any incidents. Staff work positively with the psychologist linked to the home. They use consequences and incentives to encourage the children to take responsibility for their actions and to reward good behaviour. Managers and staff emphasise the importance of group living. They meet regularly with the children. This includes making time to talk about incidents which may impact upon the whole group. This helps the children to see the individual difference they can make and to invest in their placement.

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This inspection

The Registered Manager remains devoted and committed to achieving the best outcomes for children. Some young people who have moved on from this home appropriately contact staff to let them know how they are getting on. This helps staff to realise the significance of their work. 4 of 5

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Information about this children’s home

This home provides medium and long-term placements for up to seven young people who have emotional and or behavioural difficulties. The home is owned and operated by a local authority.

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

18/09/2014 Full good 12/03/2014 Interim good progress 22/01/2014 Full good 21/01/2013 Interim good progress

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure all staff receive appropriate and consistent supervision. (Regulation 27 (4) (a)) 26/06/2015 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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Reg. Requirement Due date

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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