Children's home run by Oracle Care Limited in Central Bedfordshire

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 .

p.2

young people since the most recent full inspection

At the full inspection in August 2015 three recommendations were raised. These have been addressed in full and there is a wealth of evidence to support this. A new workforce development plan for each member of staff supports their career progression and promotion. Staff feel very positive about training and development. This encourages retention of staff, the plans build on their knowledge and utilises individual strengths. The link between staff development and career progress encourages individual professional development.

p.2

young people since the most recent full inspection

The homes records have changed to an electronic system that continues to evolve. Staff have received training to use this system alongside report writing training. This has resulted in staff recording that demonstrates appropriate language and terminology. Reports sampled are clear and concise. This aids managerial monitoring and supports the involvement of young people in contributing to their records. Young people are increasingly included and involved in care planning. This encourages young people to reflect on their progress and understand why they are accommodated. Young people are supported to prepare evidence for their reviews. They are encouraged to voice their opinions at young people’s meeting and requests are taken forward to staff meetings. Additionally they are invited to attend staff meetings during holiday times. Young people openly express their views and actively plan their care with staff. This empowers them and encourages

p.2

young people since the most recent full inspection

them to take responsibility regarding their future plans.

p.2

young people since the most recent full inspection

The home is consistently settled and stable. Young people make extremely good progress in all areas of development from the point of moving in. Education is integral to their daily lives and young people have high aspirations and ambition. Placements are well matched and transitional work is planned well. A recent transition has worked out well with a successful follow on placement and further education provision. Staff are preparing another young person for transition by supporting application of independent payments. Staff teach budget management and contain young people’s anxieties through key worker sessions.

p.2

young people since the most recent full inspection

There has been one restraint in the last year that evolved during an incident that resulted in an allegation being made about a member of staff. This was investigated under the guidance of the Local Authority designated officer. The manager has demonstrated a robust and detailed investigation. Staff fully supported the young person to express their views of the incident which has been fully resolved. The investigation is detailed and shows lessons learned and training needs identified. This reduces the likelihood of further incidents. There have been three complaints from young people. These have all been followed up and responded to in line with the complaints and representations policy. Young people are encouraged and supported to voice their views. They do so in the knowledge that they will be listened to. There has been one notification in the last year. The home have had no police involvement and no young people going missing from the home. Young people are

p.2

young people since the most recent full inspection

not at risk of sexual exploitation and are supported by good risk assessments to reduce the risks specific to them. Feedback from social workers and parents is very positive citing the home as significant in helping young people make positive change and prepare them for more independent living. Leadership of the home is good. The manager is highly focused on young people’s needs and strongly advocates for them. She is fully involved in the day to day routines of the home. This supports rigorous monitoring of staff practice and their record keeping. There is a determined ambition and drive to improve this home. This is demonstrated in a realistic and detailed review of care detailing how the home continues to develop and improve outcomes for young people. These improvements are evident in the measurement of young people’s progress.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This home is registered to provide care and accommodation for three young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. A private organisation owns and operates the provision.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

16/03/2015 Interim Sustained Effectiveness

p.4

Recent inspection history

13/01/2014 Interim Satisfactory Progress

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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. set out in 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 .

p.5

Information about this inspection

inspects to 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

p.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6

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

p.6