Children's home run by Cornwall Council in Cornwall

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Requires improvement 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

Following the previous inspection the registered manager created an action plan to address the shortfalls identified. Attention to this development planning has contributed to ensuring significant changes in practice and to the environment, which benefits children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children’s records have been reviewed and updated. They now provide clear and comprehensive information. This contributes to understanding the life of the child, the risks they present and how to care for them effectively. Development targets are well defined to advance progress for children. Children’s records are monitored on a regular basis and always prior to a child coming to stay in the home. This allows links to be made between targets, choices made by children and the activities planned so that they get maximum benefit from spending time here.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The night time monitoring of children is subject to risk assessment and discussions with parents. Any monitoring is now reviewed allowing changes to be made where risks are reduced. This avoids unnecessary intrusion and protects children’s rights to privacy and dignity. Records of any night time checks have been improved, making it possible to determine that children are getting the support they need.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff are now consistently producing reports for multi-agency planning and review meetings. Alongside a commentary about what the child has been achieving in the home there are lots of photographs. Reports demonstrate how the use of this short breaks service adds to the experiences and progress made by children. This format for reporting is meaningful to professionals, parents and most children. The report format is worthy of wider dissemination across other short breaks services.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Attention to the environment has seen communal areas and children’s bedrooms newly decorated and refurbished. These are much more cosy and homely. Unnecessary signs and information for staff has been removed from communal areas. Bathrooms which were previously stark and institutional looking now have additional fittings which bring them more in line with a domestic setting. Refurbishment is a work in progress and additional improvements are planned. These include new furniture which is on order for all the children’s bedrooms.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The voice of the child remains an important aspect in determining the care provided. The manager is reviewing consultation documents monthly and providing a summary of action taken following requests. There is a clear link between listening to children and acting on their wishes.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has audited all agency recruitment records and made sure those working in the home have full histories of employment and references on file. This demonstrates attention to safer recruitment practice and avoids unsuitable adults working with some of the most vulnerable children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff’s indiscriminate use of walkie talkies has stopped. Use in now subject to risk assessment, this avoids staff having to carry about these bulky and obtrusive machines. Similar risk assessments have been applied to the use of a bag which the duty officer used to carry at all times. Rescue medication is now kept in the office (or close at hand when out in the community) and can be accessed well within the timescales needed to care effectively for children.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In the short space of time since the previous inspection the manager and staff team have demonstrated commitment to improvements. Much has been achieved alongside continuing to provide a safe and supportive service which is valued by children, young people and their parents. A parent commented ‘my son loves coming there, the staff are brilliant, I wouldn’t leave him anywhere else and the recent changes made have added to his pleasure’.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides a short break for up to four children and/or young people who have learning difficulties. The home is managed and owned by the local authority.

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Information about this children's home

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Information about this children's home

07/12/2015 CH - Full Requires improvement

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Information about this children's home

18/03/2015 CH - Interim Sustained effectiveness

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Information about this children's home

28/03/2014 CH - Interim Satisfactory Progress

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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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