Children's home run by Somerset Council in Somerset

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 .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff team continues to provide a safe and nurturing home for young people with complex needs. Feedback from parents and professional stakeholders is positive. A parent described the environment as ‘really homely’ adding that she found the staff ‘very supportive’. The manager is aware of the strengths and weakness of the home. Development needs and plans are recorded on a large white board in the main office. All staff contribute and plans are reviewed monthly. Continuous developments benefit young people. The physical environment continues to be improved. The staff carefully consider and personalise the living accommodation prior to each young person coming to stay. This approach demonstrates an understanding of young people’s needs and a commitment to making them feel valued, welcome, and at home. Bathrooms have been updated, one now has a popular Disney film theme (Nemo). A member of staff has created a sensory garden, and information and signs for young people

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

have been updated to make them more meaningful. Following one incident identified at the previous inspection staff are now clear about their responsibility to inform all stakeholders when appropriate and without delay, should a significant incident occur. The situation was exceptional and is unlikely to be repeated. Staff recruitment is ongoing. Delay with this process is not having a discernible impact on the young people as the short breaks service is not currently operating at full capacity. Staff are flexible about working additional hours and swopping shifts if needed to provide consistency for young people. Since the previous inspection young people have new record books for staff to document their progress. Goals for development are reviewed monthly to make sure young people are progressing and any targets remain achievable. Additional records include feedback from, and observations of, young people to gain a better

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

understanding of their likes and dislikes. Staff’s consideration of these aspects when planning stays for young people, enhances their experiences and comfort. A young person with autism finds comfort and enjoys the sensory experiences, of spending some time sitting under and playing with a foil blanket. Staff make sure one is available for each stay. The staff team continues to work in close partnership with a local school which provides a community resource centre for children with complex needs. Good use is made of the lending library to provide an extensive and variable range of specialty toys and sensory equipment for young people. Additional computers and access to the local authority electronic records has improved staff’s access to information about young people. This information helps the manager to assess the suitability of the home for young people who are referred, and/or to inform care planning.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A record sheet containing information about the employment history of the most recently appointed member of staff is not available in the home as required. This shortfall is not in line with the work the manager has done to improve staff recruitment records and evidence safer recruitment. The manager took immediate action to resolve this oversight which appeared to be a records retention rather than a safer recruitment issue. The manager and staff continue to care well for young people with complex needs and more recently a young person with additional behavioural problems. Praise, reassurance and distraction are used by staff to manage difficult behaviour. Young people are and feel safe. There is some unnecessary delay in the timeliness of independent monitoring reports being provided to Ofsted. Reports produced within four days of an independent monitoring visit can take up to another three weeks to reach Ofsted.

p.3

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The manager agreed this does not make best use of a system designed to provide additional quality assurance and regulatory oversight of the care provided.

p.3

Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to two children who may have learning and/or physical disabilities. It has specialist facilities to provide for children with complex care needs. The home is owned and managed by a local government authority.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

19/03/2015 CH - Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  Ensure, as set out in regulations 31-33 the registered person is responsible for maintaining good employment practice. In particular, they must ensure that recruitment information contains a record which explains gaps in employment histories. (The Guide to the Quality Standards Page 61, paragraph 13.1)

p.5

Recommendations

 Ensure that best use is made of independent monitoring of the home. In particular, ensure that Regulation 44 reports are provided to Ofsted as soon as possible following a monitoring visit. (The Guide to the Quality Standards page 55 paragraph 10.24)

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