Children's Home run by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in Rotherham

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.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, the manager and responsible individual have made significant efforts to address the requirements set. The implementation of a robust system for reporting safeguarding issues has clearly defined the process. Additionally staff training around recording safeguarding incidents has strengthened staff understanding. No significant incidents have occurred since the last inspection; consequently, this new system is not yet tested. Knowledge now needs to transfer effectively into practice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The responsible individual works closely with the registered manager and he has good oversight of the home. Both managers have a good understanding of the strengths and areas for development in this setting. As a result, focused plans to progress are in place.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Internal quality assurance systems are good at challenging practice. The registered manager and responsible individual are swift to scrutinise issues that are raised. This ensures young people are safe and practice prioritises individual's wellbeing. Managers welcome further examination from the young inspector's team. This team of children from the local area carry out inspections of services. This group of young people effectively raise concerns from their own perspective, which managers quickly address. For example, at the last inspection they suggested a brochure in the entrance with details about the home would benefit visitors. This is now in place.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Some care plans are not up to date in line with young people’s needs. The home has implemented a new process for reviewing care planning. However, this process is not yet been embedded and requires further consideration to ensure clear management oversight.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A recent issue with internet access has at times limited young people's use of the computer. The registered manager’s efforts to address this have been successful. However, the home’s information technology system continues to present challenges for staff. For example, on occasions some staff cannot immediately retrieve information held in electronic form. Additionally, agency staff do not have access to electronic records. This potentially hinders vital access to information.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

New systems to promote consultation with young people about their care are in progress. Enthusiastic and motivated staff create innovative methods for young people to review their time here. Current projects include the use of emoji questionnaires and voice boards. Staff also encourage young people to express themselves through art. Ongoing development in this area will help provide a personalised feel to the home helping to enhance young people's sense of belonging. In addition, the creation of new photo collages promote young people's sense of value. It is a positive way to share their experiences and celebrate achievements.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to enjoy an excellent range of activities, such as visits to see the X Factor, meals out, and trips to the circus. One young person commented: ‘I like to go out on the minibus.' As a result, young people's life experiences and social skills improve.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Young people continue to make good progress in all areas of their development. Staff know young people well and their aspirations for them to achieve are good. Consequently, young people take small steps, which lead to big achievements. For example, one individual has let staff put the toothbrush in his mouth for the first time. One parent commented: `Staff there they are very good, he enjoys it, he enjoys staff.' Other young people improve their social skills and make friends. Another parent said: ‘He has made progress by making friends. This is new and this is really good. He can now spend time with peers; we are very pleased.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff work closely with other professionals such as schools, dieticians and social workers to ensure effective sharing of information. A social worker commented: ‘ They communicate well with me and they work well with me.’ Staff prioritise young people's education and health needs. They attend all relevant meetings. Consequently, young people receive a consistent approach to their care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no new young people admitted to this service since the last inspection. However, young people moving on benefit from a planned approach to their transition. Planning meetings ensure that effective strategies are in place to make sure changeover is as smooth as possible. Staff support individuals and their family by extending placements where necessary to help bridge any gaps during the move. This is supportive to the young person and their family helping to provide stability in a difficult time of change.

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Information about this children's home

This is a short breaks service run by the local authority, providing care and accommodation for young people with learning and physical disabilities. This service also has an emergency bed, which can be used for young people who currently access this service.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

11/12/2014 Interim sustained effectiveness

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 The registered person should be skilled in anticipating difficulties and reviewing incidents. They are proactively implementing lessons learned and sustaining good practice (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 55, paragraph 10.24). With particular reference to the registered manager consistently reflecting and analysing practice to ensure internal monitoring systems are embedded and plans demonstrate young people's progress.

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Recommendations

 Some records may be kept electronically (regulation 38) provided that this information can be easily accessed by anyone with legitimate need to view it and, if required be produced in a legible form (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 61, paragraph 14.2). With particular reference to access to electronic records for agency staff or alternatively providing paper copies of all necessary documentation.

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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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