Children's home run by Worcestershire County Council in Worcester

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 sustained effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Five requirements and two recommendations were made at the full inspection in December 2015.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This inspection found actions have been taken to meet all previous requirements and recommendations. The management team have undertaken thorough reviews and implemented timely new strategies which are now becoming embedded into the service’s day to day practice. Positive outcomes are already being observed. For example, parents and young people have increased opportunities to express their views about the service they receive and influence change and areas for development. Also significant work has been undertaken to improve the environment. A new kitchen has been fitted. The entrance hall, corridors and bedrooms have been redecorated. A wet room is in the process of being fitted. This work has been completed to a high standard and has returned the building to its former glory.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people with complex learning disabilities continue to make excellent progress. They look forward to and enjoy their stays. They make new friends and have positive relationships with staff. Planned strategies support them to achieve individual goals. For example, they increase their social opportunities and experience new activities. They become more independent by learning new personal and life skills.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are safe because staff promote their well-being at all times. They work proactively in partnership with parents and professionals to ensure the needs of all young people are consistently met. There have been no missing from care incidents, safeguarding referrals or complaints since the last inspection. Young people are sensitively supported to grow and flourish.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and staff team provide a consistently high quality service which they continue to develop in line with the home’s annual plan. This plan is well informed by the registered manager’s good quality assurance processes. She is dedicated to ensuring the service is child centred and continues to drive improvement. For example, although the service has not yet returned to providing a seven day service. She has changed the six days they do open to include weekends in response to the requests of parents and young people.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Where necessary the registered manager gives robust challenge to professional partners. Parent’s highly praise the dedication of the staff team and the invaluable service they and their children receive.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This service continues to be well managed by a professional and very experienced registered manager. She is effectively supported by a stable and highly motivated staff team. They ensure young people receive highly individualised care which is expertly tailored to their needs.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This children and young people’s short breaks unit is run by the county council’s children’s services department. It provides regular, planned short breaks for children and young people of school age who have moderate to severe learning disabilities and who present significantly challenging behaviour.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

25/03/2015 CH - Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

Recent inspection history

28/02/2014 CH - 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. 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

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.6

Information about this inspection

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