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

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the 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

Since the last inspection, the manager and staff team have continued to focus on ensuring the young people remain settled and happy in their home. The staff team have in the main remained unchanged, and the one new member of staff has been safely recruited and is progressing through their probation period. As a result young people have received consistency in their care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In the short period of time since the previous inspection the manager has worked hard to address the recommendations made. While they have not yet fully been met, finance has been ring fenced to begin the refurbishment, young people have been included and consulted with, and the development plan has clear actions and timescales.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team are passionate about promoting good outcomes for young people and as a team work with external professionals to ensure this is achieved. For example, advice has been taken on the appropriate use of lighting and colours for young people with autism. The young people’s well-being and safety is not compromised because these recommendations have not yet been completed. The manager is confident that work will begin soon and looks forward to reporting on how the improvements have positively impacted on the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager understands and implements the ethos detailed in the statement of purpose. He provides the staff team with strong and effective leadership, and rigorously monitors the practice of the staff and the outcomes of the young people. By developing and using a range of tools the manager has improved the quality of care and young people’s outcomes continue to improve. In particular the manager has been instrumental in creating a behaviour management protocol that is being used within the home. Consequently the manager is able to report a significant reduction in the use of sanctions and physical intervention. The learning from using this protocol is being shared with other managers, and staff have an increased confidence in the support they give the young people.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Furthermore the manager, staff team and independent visitor regularly consult with professionals and family members who are involved in the care of each young person. This ensures their views feelings and wishes are incorporated in the auditing of the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager appreciates the value and importance of staff receiving regular supervision and encourages staff to take responsibility for developing their practice. Records point to supervision continuing to take place regularly, and highlights how learning opportunities are made available. As a result young people are being cared for by a team that remain current and up to date with research and practice. The manager’s enthusiasm for learning is welcomed and appreciated by the staff. Staff spoke positively about the manager, saying ‘he’s great’, and ‘I love the staff team here’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from being supported and cared for by a staff team that are compassionate, warm and dedicated. Staff communicate well with the young people and understand each young person’s communication style. They know the young people well and are proactive in how they work with the young people to reduce their anxieties, worries and stresses. As a result each young person has made good progress in the short time since the previous inspection. For example, one young person has increased their unsupervised time in the community, and another young person is managing their personal care more independently. Staff said a parent was amazed by the progress their son had made when he spent time at home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people regularly attend school, college and work experiences. In addition they access a good number of activities outside of school; these include swimming and horse riding. Those young people that are transitioning to adulthood are supported to learn how to cook and take responsibility for a budget. A number of well-kept records chart the progress each young person makes. For example, the young people have grown in confidence, make responsible decisions and take pride in their achievements.

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Information about this children's home

The home is owned by a private organisation. It is registered for the accommodation and care of seven young people, of either gender, with learning disabilities. Education provision can also be offered within the wider organisation

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

27/01/2015 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure the children's home should seek as far as possible to maintain a domestic rather than 'institutional' impression. In particular the use of lighting and interior decoration. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15, paragraph 3.9)  Ensure the children's guide is provided in an accessible format and explained to each child to make sure they understand it. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 24, paragraph 4.21)

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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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