Children's Home run by North East Lincolnshire Council in North East Lincolnshire

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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no new admissions or young people leaving. There are three resident young people. The home has the necessary equipment and adaptions to meet the young peoples’ complex physical needs. Young people now benefit from a rise and fall bath, with one staff member reporting that a young person, ‘Enjoys his bath so much that we also end up soaking wet.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Despite the adaptions, the home maintains the feel of a comfortable family home with each bedroom decorated in line with the young peoples’ wishes. There are montages throughout the home with photographs of children enjoying activities. Following a risk assessment, the home has acquired two guinea pigs, which not only adds to the homely feel, but offers learning experiences to the young people. One new staff member said, ‘It is a great, lovely family atmosphere and the kids are so happy.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Family and friends visit the home which makes contact a more natural and enjoyable experience. One young person had his 16 th birthday party at the home with a number of his relatives attending. The many photographs taken give the opportunity of positive memories for the whole family. Time spent by the manager in developing relationships with another young person’s parent, enabled her to go home for Christmas Day and also attend her mother’s wedding.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All young people continue to make progress. One young person was keen to report that she was now ‘dry at night’ and another was observed making a drink for herself. These are significant achievements for these young people and are as a result of their individual independence programmes.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team work with the young people to help them develop self-care skills and improve behaviours. This enables them to enjoy outside activities so they can lead as full and active a life as possible. The manager is keen that they reach their full potential and spoke of how, ’Transition has to start as early as possible.’ The manager has met the good practice recommendation from the last inspection; in that the statement of purpose is no longer generic and provides specific details about the home. An example is that the home reports being committed to the creative use of recreational and sporting activities and recognises that exposure to new and challenging activities, such as sport, outdoor activities, creative art and drama can broaden the children’s outlook on life and give positive expressions to negative feelings and fears.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A Memory and Achievements book outlines progress, achievements and memories for the young people with many photographs included. These include details about a young person’s fundraising efforts, the young people attending an art day and a dance workshop.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people express themselves through the use of photographs, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) cards together with the staff maintaining a Complaints and Comments book. This captures their everyday views, wishes and feelings. Two young people also have an independent advocate. There have not been any complaints.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The young people have the opportunity to meet others and socialise. One young person now goes swimming weekly which gives him enjoyment as well as helping him physically. Another young person has developed and maintained her religious beliefs. As they attend schools in the local area, they are able to have school friends visit the home.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There is now a full staff team in place. Given their need for intimate personal care, the young people benefit from having a stable and committed team of link workers. This is particularly important for one young person who struggles with change. The staff team can recognise a change in behaviour to understand the young peoples’ needs, with one staff member reporting, ‘He claps more when he is happy.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The smiles and laughter of the young people demonstrate that they feel safe and happy. They are relaxed with the skilled and nurturing staff team who have a good understanding of their needs. Following training, the manager has introduced the Signs of Safety model to ensure the protection of the young people. One parent stated that her daughter is ‘safe here’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home now uses 95% non-processed food, which offers many health benefits. Although food preparation is more time consuming, the staff are committed to providing a healthy balanced diet for the young people. Since its introduction, the young people have had less bowel difficulties, which has resulted in a reduction in medication.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

After many months, the tenacious manager has obtained bank accounts for each young person. They are also now in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for their mobility needs. This demonstrates that the manager and staff team are effective advocates for the young people in their care.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were no requirements raised at the last inspection. No further areas for improvement have been identified at this inspection.

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Information about this children's home

This is a local authority long-stay children’s home. It is registered to provide care to three young people of either gender with physical and learning disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

16/03/2015 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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