Children's Home run by Cambian Childcare Limited in Devon

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the previous inspection the registered manager accepted an opportunity to oversee several homes in the South West and the deputy manager took on the management role. He provides a high standard of care to children who continue to feel safe and valued.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children’s progress is evident. Notably their increased ability to recognise and understand their own emotional state. They are able to communicate their needs and frustrations more effectively. In addition they recognise the feelings and needs of others. A child who was almost unable to communicate without becoming violent and aggressive is now much calmer. Violent incidents are significantly reduced. A professional stakeholder commented ‘the staff’s understanding of behaviour is second to none, they understand barriers to learning and if there is anything they can do to help, they’ll be here, they’re really are amazing’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Recent improvements include the introduction of more effective monitoring system. Analysis of these reports by the manager allows him to understand and take appropriate action in avoiding further difficulties and/or incidents for children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children’s records have been reviewed and updated. Care plans are clearer and the information needed by staff is more precise and concise. Development plans within the wider organisation include a review and update of the recording policy, and the format for keeping children’s records.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Innovative practice continues. The manager has established counselling, therapy and emotional support for a parent to enable important contact to be reinstated for a child. This is after many years of separation. A social worker commented ’ the staff do some great work, it’s never about taking the easy option, but they consider what is best for the child, and whatever it takes’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children continue in education and make progress despite ongoing personal and social difficulties. Staff have a good understanding of how a child’s circumstances and educational history can impact on their progress. This doesn’t stop them from having high expectations and aspirations for children. The manager is not afraid or reluctant to challenge educators where he feels their service falls below what is ideal. A headmaster reported ‘the manager is quite challenging when he thinks we haven’t got things right, I admire his determination’. A wide and varied range of activities continues to support children’s emotional and social development as well as build confidence and self-esteem. Alongside regular attendance at clubs and the use of community facilities children have also benefited from the installation of a large trampoline in the garden. One child was keen to show off his skills including performing double somersaults with ease.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the previous inspection three staff including the registered manager and two staff who were keyworkers to children have left. This creates some emerging concerns around consistency of staffing. Particularly for children who have attachment and loss difficulties. Staff have moved from homes within the wider organisation to work here. Formal induction and probation arrangements for such staff are not in place as part of a workforce development plan.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A previous recommendation to improve the garden has been difficult to achieve because of persistent rainfall over the last few months. There are also signs of wear and tear in the home and safety film applied to windows is making it impossible to clean them effectively. While these shortfalls don’t appear to be having an impact on children a recommendation about the environment has been repeated until these issues are fully resolved.

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Information about this children's home

The home is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to 2 children who may present with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

10/03/2015 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 that all areas of the home including the gardens provide a homely and well maintained domestic environment (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 15, paragraph 3.9)  ensure that the registered person demonstrates every effort to achieve consistency of staffing so that children's attachments are not overly disrupted (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 51, paragraph 10.1)  ensure that the workforce plan includes the processes, and agreed timescales for staff to achieve induction, and probation. In particularly for staff who have moved from other children's homes within the organisation. (The Guide to the Quality Standards, page 53, paragraph 10.8)

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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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