Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Nottinghamshire

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Outstanding 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

Children and young people continue to receive an excellent standard of individualised care from a truly committed staff team. Staff work tenaciously to give them new opportunities, and to make their lives more enjoyable and comfortable.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the full inspection, children and young people have continued to enjoy a range of activities. One young person went to Birmingham for the weekend before Christmas and attended a pantomime, and another young person went to London for the weekend. This involved very detailed planning by staff to ensure they could meet both young people’s holistic needs while away. Both young people really enjoyed their trips.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children and young people are supported to be part of the wider community and engage in local groups. A number of young people were supported to take part in a county arts development group, which resulted in the group from the home performing in a show at the local theatre. They worked very hard with regular rehearsals to be able to appear in the show. This was a real achievement for all of them, which helps to build up their self-esteem. They had lots of fun during rehearsals and during the show.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Empowerment of children and young people remains a top priority, with staff working tenaciously and creatively to enable individuals to express their views and make informed choices. Children’s and young people’s communication skills improve, given their starting points. One young person has made real progress, and was recently able to complete a review booklet in preparation for her review meeting.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Admission to, and transition practices from, the home are based on individualised needs and are very good. This inspection identified excellent practice regarding the short–notice admission of a child with complex health needs and physical disabilities. The registered manager ensured she had sufficient information to assess if the home could meet the child’s needs. The admission process involved thorough planning, and staff working closely with the placing authority and a range of professionals, which were key factors in making the move as comfortable as possible for the child. A social worker made the following comment about a member of staff from the home, when they met to discuss and meet the child prior to his admission: ‘She was impressive with her information gathering.’ Staff received appropriate training to be able to meet the child’s health needs, and all the required equipment was in place prior to admission. As part of the settling in

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

period and the re-introduction of the child to his previous school, staff arranged for his classmates to visit him at the home. This is excellent practice. Staff are very good at providing practical, as well as emotional, support to young people in transition to adult services. A young person, who has lived at the home for a number of years, is preparing to move into adult services. Staff have ensured he is at the centre of decision making, and they have worked with his family, different agencies, as well as staff from the new home. The young person has had numerous visits to his new home, and has been out for a meal with the other young person living at the new home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Ofsted have received a number of notifications since the last inspection, which is unusual. A review of these, and further scrutiny during this inspection, demonstrate very good safeguarding practices. Staff are vigilant in observing children’s and young people’s behaviours, which is key for those who are unable to communicate verbally. Staff are very clear about their responsibilities, and any concerns about children’s and young people’s health and welfare are referred immediately to appropriate agencies, which helps to safeguard them.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management team continues to provide clear leadership and direction, while at the same time, involving all staff in the running of the home. Staff meetings have recently been used for staff to discuss and contribute to the home’s new development plan, which the registered manager has based on the quality standards and regulations. This inclusive management style helps staff to feel valued and helps them to develop their skills and knowledge.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered provider has taken action to improve the quality of the monthly visits carried out by the independent visitor. Recent reports sent to Ofsted demonstrate a more thorough approach and assessment of the care provided. This helps the management team to improve services, and enables the regulator to monitor the quality of care more effectively.

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Information about this children's home

This is a local authority children’s home. It provides residential care and short-break services for up to 16 children and young people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and complex health needs. The home’s statement of purpose indicates the age range will be between 10 and 18 years of age.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 Interim Sustained 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

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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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