Children's Home run by Keys Group Progressive Care & Education Limited in Southampton

children and young people since the most recent full 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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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager is demonstrating exceptional leadership. She places children at the centre of practice. An example is swapping her office and the games room so children enjoy a much more comfortable environment. She inspires her team to provide the best quality care. She is robust in challenging any concerns about poor performance. Other professionals describe her as inspirational. Staff say they feel valued and she is generous in her praise. She makes them feel appreciated. Parents describe her communication as excellent. The organisation have recognised her leadership skills and awarded her manager of the year.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a culture of excellence. Staff aspire to give children the best possible short breaks or bridging experience. They feel free to challenge their peers and discuss practice with the Registered Manager, who listens carefully. She takes swift and robust action, in agreement with other professionals, if any safeguarding concerns arise. Responses are robust and proportionate, keeping everyone safe while she follows the necessary procedures. There is learning that informs practice, such as making morning and evening routines more succinct and reviewing the words used when communicating with a child with communication difficulties.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been improvements to the environment, such as the refitting of bathrooms to a high standard. One significant investment is the provision of a hot tub. Children have tremendous fun while benefiting from the health advantages. The manager ensures its use is underpinned by a thorough risk assessment so all children, who want to, can use it.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager has responded effectively to the previous recommendations. Health professionals now approve and sign all health protocols, for example, a paediatric diabetes nurse specialist signed the relevant management plan. The manager has developed a system to monitor incidents more thoroughly. There is much simpler recording processes and excellent cross- referencing. Records are accurate. She identifies trends. Practice is informed. She has appointed team leaders who deputise in her absence. She ensures they are available for management duties when she is not in the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager listens and responds to the views of the independent visitor. She welcomes inspection and professional challenge to improve the service. An example is the strengthening of the protocols for medication prescribed ‘as and when required’. Staff are clear when the presenting issues indicate a child needs their medication. Another example is improvement to formal supervision. The Registered Manager has developed a system so all staff, whether full-time, part- time, bank or on probation, have the right supervision at the right time. Staff have the right support in a timely fashion.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children have a strong voice. Staff have consulted extremely well with children, some with severe communication difficulties, since the last inspection. There is excellent practice such as using the language of their favourite cartoon character to communicate. Children asked for a hot tub and got one. Staff painted the lounge a particular colour at their request. They painted a mural of characters on the wall of the new games room that the children asked for. They provided various equipment, such as a new play-station, television in a bedroom and more footballs.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children have a wonderful experience in the home and make excellent progress; a child was able to tolerate a haircut without any prompts, a child’s diet improved significantly, a child’s personal care improved considerably. There is excellent practice, for example, a child enjoyed a meal prepared for him so much that staff added the preparation of this particular meal to the independence targets. A placing social worker said, ‘(Name of child)’s behaviour improved since attending. He is settled, happy and responds well to staff. There has not been an incident since attending’. Another social worker commented, ‘Every time I visit he has developed a new skill.’ A parent said, ‘(Name of child) sees it as a home from home, she feels safe and secure and is able to gain some independence’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager gives safeguarding top priority. She has introduced a fire drill practice matrix. This ensure all children who access the service experience a trial evacuation. Specialists, such as experts in autism, inform personal emergency evacuation plans. Other professionals, such as a clinical psychologist, contribute to behaviour management plans. Proactive and reactive strategies are in place. Staff document any incidents meticulously. The Registered Manager identifies triggers to avoid a recurrence.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Parents and other professionals speak most positively of the staff and their relationships with the children. They describe the care provided as ‘brilliant, amazing and supportive.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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Information about this children's home

This home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to eight young people, with learning and/or physical difficulties, on a short break or bridging placement. It is privately owned by a large organisation. It is one of three homes in the nearby locality owned by the same company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

02/01/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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Recent inspection history

07/01/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory 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 (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection 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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This 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 Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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