Children's home in Gloucester

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

The new interim manager has been in post for four months and in this short period of time has made a number of improvements including addressing all the requirements made at the last inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff’s effective joint working with schools is ensuring that young people’s learning and achievements are maximised. This is reflected in the excellent work by the manager and staff in securing a young person, who had been out of education, a placement which suits his educational needs. The young person’s social development is effectively promoted through opportunities to engage in his chosen interests and activities, such as the Princes Trust programme. This provides him with greater opportunities to make new friends, develop confidence, and test future career options.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no significant incidents, missing episodes or complaints since the last inspection. Young people have benefitted greatly from having friends stay overnight. This has been very well risk assessed and ensures that the young people maintain and sustain their friendships in the wider community.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people are physically fit and their emotional well-being is improving. This is because staff make sure they attend regular appointments with the dentist and opticians. When young people refuse to go to appointments, staff persist until they attend. One young person benefited immensely from this approach. After months of refusing to attend the dentist, he eventually agreed to attend and is having a brace fitted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Positive behaviour is encouraged through a successful praise and rewards system. Young people are constantly commended for making good progress with their behaviour and achievements. This is clearly demonstrated in the home’s behaviour management records which demonstrate that effective rewards far outweigh proportionate sanctions.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff have established strong bonds with young people. They show them genuine warmth and interest in all that they do. Consequently, young people feel valued and cared for, which enhances their confidence and self-esteem. Staff and young people regularly enjoy playing tennis, golf and meals out.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people benefit from being cared for by a stable and well-supported team. Staff receive regular supervision and attend structured team meetings. This provides them with good opportunities to reflect on their practice, share their ideas and support one another. Staff consistently report feeling supported, happy and content in their work. This is evident from the good standard of care provided within the home. A staff member commented ‘we have a strong team with a very strong manager and the stability means that much better care is being provided.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager has very good leadership qualities. She demonstrates commitment to those in her care and has a good oversight of day-to-day running of the home. The manager is readily accessible to staff and young people for consultation, advice and support. She has a ‘hands on’ approach which enables her to evaluate staff practice and quickly address issues or concerns as and when they arise. This ensures that young people’s interests and welfare are at the very heart of the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people live in a very comfortable and well-furnished home. The house has been re-decorated and new furnishings have been purchased since the last inspection. Young people receive high levels of nurturing from the adults who care for them. This is also reflected in the décor and feel of the home.

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Information about this children's home

This private children’s home accommodates up to two young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

21/07/2015 CH - Full Requires improvement

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Recent inspection history

01/07/2014 CH - Interim improved effectiveness

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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

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

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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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