Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Nottinghamshire

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

Children and young people continue to receive a good standard of individualised care from a committed and experienced staff team. The management team and the registered provider have addressed the requirements and recommendations made at the full inspection. Additionally, the management team has introduced some new systems, which have contributed to further improvements.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the last inspection, a requirement and a recommendation were made about recruitment checks, as the management team had not always followed their procedures. Discussions during this inspection with members of the management team demonstrate that they are clear about following their procedures. A review of a member of staff’s recruitment checks also confirmed that managers had followed appropriate procedures. The requirement and recommendation have been addressed, which helps to protect children and young people from the risk of harm.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Improvements have been made to the recording of complaints, which addresses the requirement made at the full inspection. Records now contain clear details of concerns raised. The improvements help the independent visitor and the regulator to monitor complaints.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Two requirements were made at the full inspection about procedures relating to allegations made against staff. The registered provider had failed to implement their own safeguarding procedures promptly and effectively, and there was a significant delay in notifying Ofsted. Responses received from the registered provider demonstrate that they have learnt from this particular incident, and they now understand that they need to act promptly, including notifying Ofsted. These requirements have been addressed, and help to protect children and young people from the risk of harm and abuse.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

At the full inspection it was identified that cot guards were being used for a child, without being risk assessed and consent being obtained from parents or the placing authority. A recommendation was made. Staff responded quickly to this shortfall, and contacted the occupational therapist, who carried out an assessment. As a result of this assessment, cot guards are no longer used, but alternative safety measures have been implemented. Staff are now clear about what is required in the event of a child or young person needing cot guards in the future. This addresses the recommendation made.

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children and young people continue to benefit from living at the home and receiving short breaks. They are happy and settled in the home. This is because they are cared for and supported by staff who are committed to improving their lives, and providing a range of opportunities. They have very good relationships with staff, which helps them feel safe and secure.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff review care plans and risk assessments regularly to identify any trends and patterns which affect children’s and young people’s behaviours and progress. They implement new programmes where necessary. For example, staff have recently produced a record for one child to record types of behaviour presented, which they use to analyse his behaviours. The same child is now able to go to the local shops with staff, and choose items and pay for them. This is real progress.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children and young people continue to enjoy a range of activities, including new activities, which provide enjoyment, as well as improve their health and emotional well-being. For example, some young people go walking regularly, which helps them to relax, as well as benefit from exercising. They are supported to choose different activities. A young person wanted to go to London to see the Changing of the Guard, and was supported by the registered manager to write to the Queen. The young person received a response from Buckingham Palace, with information about accessing the royal website and some leaflets. Another young person is going to France for his holidays with staff; he is going on a ferry, which is a new experience for him. Last autumn he flew to Glasgow with staff for a short break, which was his first time on an aeroplane. These are experiences children and young people are not always able to access, and demonstrate the commitment of

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

staff to improving their life opportunities.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is a clear commitment to continual improvement. Two members of the management team recently attended training, provided by an external organisation, on resilience. They are preparing to present the training to the whole staff team and implement the resilience framework; they have already started implementing some new systems. For example, they are in the process of setting up ’Wow boards’ for children and young people to display their individual achievements, no matter how large of small. This celebrates their successes and helps to build up their self-esteem.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Recent changes have been made to the role of shift leader to improve communication and ensure consistency. The role is being reviewed regularly. Staff confirmed that the changes have improved communication between all staff on shift, which helps to ensure children’s and young people’s needs are met. Improvements have been made to the environment. New windows have been fitted throughout the home. Funding has been agreed to set up a sensory room, and one room is being converted to a ‘wishes and feelings room’, which will be used for work with individuals, including key-work sessions.

p.3

Information about this children's home

This home is operated by the local authority. It provides a residential service for six children and young people, and a short-break service for six children and young people. All the children and young people have severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviours.

p.5

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.5

Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 Interim Improved Effectiveness

p.5

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