Children's home run by Kent County Council in Maidstone

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged good at the last full inspection. At this interim inspection, Ofsted judges that it has improved effectiveness.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed. Supervisions are in line with the statement of purpose and supervision policy, including for the acting registered manager. The supervision form has been reviewed to ensure more comprehensive discussions regarding a range of topics. Children and young people’s well-being and safety remain at the top of the agenda. No recommendations or requirements were made at this inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Meticulous goal planning allows children and young people to make measurable success. Targets are set in small steps to ensure that they can learn new skills at their pace. One young person has improved her speech through staff’s encouragement and perseverance. She has enjoyed karaoke sessions which enhance her verbal communication through singing. Another young person achieved a target to use a spoon and has transferred this skill to all cutlery. Children and young people’s achievements are celebrated. Achievement charts are used as a visual reminder for staff and children to reflect upon.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff are knowledgeable about children and young people’s needs and enjoy working with them. Observations of children, young people and staff demonstrate calm, friendly, fun interactions. The views of children and young people are valued by staff. Regular meetings ensure that they have a say in the running of the service. A range of communication aids are used to ensure that all children and young people have a say. Staff act upon their views. For example, children and young people wanted a photographic collage displayed on the wall to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the home, and this was visible at the inspection.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Comprehensive admission planning ensures that children and young people are looked after by staff who know how to care for them. Regularly reviewed dependency ratings mean that staffing levels keep young people safe and are tailored to their specific needs. Clearly written care plans and risk assessments inform staff about strategies to use to reduce challenging behaviours. Physical interventions are rare. Staff are able to de-escalate incidents due to their excellent knowledge of the children and young people. Staff work closely with social workers and teachers to ensure a successful transition to residential school and adult placements. The registered manager is undertaking a project to improve young people’s experience of the move to adult placements, as part of her development plan. Young people are encouraged to develop independence skills. For example, one young person can now wash his own clothes. Staff work with children and young people to increase their self-care skills.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

A parent reported, ‘My son’s personal care skills have increased as a result of the work that staff have put in. He can now do more for himself at home.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff promote children and young people’s confidence in social situations by offering a range of activities within the community. Trips to Colchester Zoo and Legoland were a great success. A range of resources are enjoyed by children and young people within the home, including a Jacuzzi, sensory room and new outdoor chalkboards.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and staff work positively with parents, who update their children and young person’s care plans at the beginning of each stay. They appreciate the service. One parent said, ‘My son was reluctant to try new foods. The staff were proactive in introducing him to new tastes. All the staff are absolutely fantastic.’ Another parent reported, ‘All the staff have a very positive attitude. They focus on his achievements.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Innovative multidisciplinary working promotes good relationships within the community. Initiatives such as trainee police officers undertaking work placements build on positive relationships. One police officer said, ‘The centre’s multi-agency approach to safeguarding highlights the overlap that each agency has in the protection and support of the child.’ Staff have effective links with social workers. A social worker reported, ‘We get regular feedback on children’s progress. The children enjoy going to the service.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager is a strong leader who supports the staff to work to a high standard of care. There is an extensive training programme available for all staff. All staff have the level 3 qualification or are enrolled on the course. They have the skills and experience to provide an exceptional service. The registered manager is innovative, and uses internal and external monitoring to improve the children and young people’s experience continually.

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Information about this children's home

This county council service is a purpose built short break unit for six young people with learning and/or physical disabilities.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 24/02/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 06/10/2015 Full Good 03/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness 05/11/2014 Full Outstanding

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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 ‘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 0300 123 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, work- based 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

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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