Setting SC034168

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection in December 2015 three requirements were made. These have all been met. Young people’s safety is prioritised as staff ensure that all young people have a detailed and comprehensive risk assessment. Individual targets are regularly reviewed meaning that they are relevant to the needs of young people. No young person stays at the home for longer than a 17 day period ensuring that the home operates within its Statement of Purpose. Since the last inspection, the registered manager has retired. The new manager and staff have made various improvements to the home and young people are living in a well decorated and homely environment conducive to their needs. Young people continue to make excellent progress in all areas of their lives. In particular, young people consistently attend school and they make progress with their learning. In addition, young people attend all routine health appointments,

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

and they maintain good health. They also access specialist services such as the district nurse team to ensure they receive any necessary assistance. Young people’s communication skills continue to improve through inclusive communication techniques. For example, they understand essential day to day information such as online safety, information in their activity planners, weekly menus, calendar and weather, as all information is presented in accessible and meaningful ways, including the use of pictures, photos and posters. Inclusion and consultation remains a central ethos to the running of the home. Given the complex needs of young people, staff strive to involve them in all aspects of their care planning. Information, where needed, is presented pictorially commensurate with their needs and consequently young people feel involved in their day to day care. Confidence, responsibility and self-esteem increases. Young people contribute

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

to their review meetings, and information and feedback is discussed with them ensuring their involvement and understanding of discussions. Where young people have left the home, these have been planned moves and the staff are dedicated in ensuring placement transitions happen as smoothly as possible, minimising distress for young people. Independence planning remains a real strength of the home. Young people are involved with cooking, laundry, general day to day routines in the home, shopping, and budgeting all assisting their transition to young adulthood. Staff are tireless in ensuring young people play a role in society and have access to all community facilities. Young people enjoy trips out, attend local clubs, as well as relaxing at home. Staff have high expectations for each young person. Young people’s horizons are widened and they have opportunities to learn new skills and enjoy their lives. Social workers comment, ’since staying at the home, he is the happiest

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

he has ever been. He has achieved more than anyone thought he ever would’. The home has undergone a programme of redecoration with new carpets and painting throughout the building. A member of staff has painted a stunning wall memorial in the playroom to represent an entrance to an enchanted world. Young people were fully involved in the choosing of the colour schemes and buying the furnishings in the bedrooms. This ensures that that young people’s views are represented. Young people’s safety is continues to be prioritised through rigorous oversight by the manager. Risk management plans are regularly reviewed and revised with young people’s changing needs at the fore. Physical intervention is never employed, as staff know the young people well, and recognise their trigger points, meaning that a calmer atmosphere is enjoyed by all. The manager continues to lead a committed, enthusiastic team. Staff know the

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

young people exceptionally well, and work effectively together. They listen carefully to young people’s wishes and feelings, for example, where one young person expressed a preference to talk to another staff member, this was respected. Young people are reassured that adults listen to their views. A professional commented, ’Staff genuinely care about all the young people. Nothing is too much trouble’. The manager is a dynamic and proactive leader. He ensures that young people have everything in place to promote their welfare and continued progress. He plans ahead and where, for example, young people’s transition to adulthood is approaching, takes steps to liaise with all appropriate services to ensure young people’s progress and welfare is well planned.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The home provides short break care and accommodation for up to seven children with learning disabilities The home is operated by a local authority The home is fully equipped to meet the needs of the children using this short break service

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

27/02/2015 CH - Interim sustained effectiveness

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.6

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.6

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 .

p.6

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,

p.7

Information about this inspection

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

p.7

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.7

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.7