Children's Home run by Care Focus Limited in Suffolk

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

Young people make progress because they are able to develop safe and caring relationships with staff who understand their needs and value their opinions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has addressed the requirements raised at the last inspection. Recording of incidents is monitored closely and managerial oversight has improved. Each member of staff receives regular supervision. External monitoring is regular and provides the manager with an important opportunity to reflect on issues and challenges in the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some young people have been living in the home for a period of months and their progress remains steady. Education is an accurate indicator of this. All young people go to the on-site school with very high rates of attendance and good engagement in lessons. Some are taking academic exams and receive careers advice with a view to planning their future. Staff and managers support this through daily routines in the home which are organised round the school day. Young people know what is expected of them and if someone new joins the home, they find this structure supportive and simple to follow. Consequently, young people’s confidence improves.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from developing relationships with staff who are empathetic and insightful about their behaviour. Staff and managers monitor daily progress and promote good interaction. They are creative about encouraging young people to be calm and relaxed. For instance, they have all recently taken up knitting with great enthusiasm and can be seen sitting together during breaks. One member of staff said: ’They have learnt to be calm together. They are comfortable in themselves and don’t need to be the centre of attention.’ While some young people are still challenging on occasion, the number of negative incidents has dropped significantly. Young people are aware of this improvement. One wrote: ’If it wasn’t for staff, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I love and respect you with all my heart.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some young people are placed at a considerable distance from their families. Staff and managers are particularly sensitive to the distress that this can bring. They advocate vigorously with placing authorities to plan contact and will go the extra mile to support arrangements even on Christmas day. The mother of one young person said: ’It was brilliant. I knew it would be alright because staff were with him. They made all the difference.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff and managers are committed to working in partnership and professionals from placing authorities speak highly of the regular monthly reports which detail individual progress. Some young people can feel powerless and confused about the future. Staff appreciate this and are very assertive in ensuring that placing authorities confirm arrangements. Consequently, young people feel listened to and learn to trust that staff will promote their interests.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management team work with senior staff from the company to monitor the quality of care in the home, identify strengths and areas for development. After a number of changes, managers are confident about their ability to develop the staff team and provide positive care for young people.

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Information about this children's home

This home is one of a small group of homes run by an independent provider. It offers care for up to 4 children and young people. Education is available within the setting. Young people have direct access to therapy as part of the services offered to them by the company.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

10/03/2015 Interim Improved Effectiveness

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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

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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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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