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 judges that it has sustained effectiveness .

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

All children admitted to the home have their needs properly assessed in consultation with families, schools and health professionals. Placement plans clearly detail how these needs are to be met. Admissions are gradual and incremental. This allows children to become familiar with the home and the staff, and prepares them for living away from home. This also allows the staff to adapt their care plans to meet the specific needs and preferences of individual children. One placing authority social worker commented: ‘The home was thorough in its preparation for this placement. The placement plan was made in consultation with family, the school and the health professionals. She really enjoys going there.’ Young people benefit from stable, long-term stays at the home. Young people who leave the home are supported to prepare for this change. To support this, the staff meet with the future care providers and establish a clear understanding of the

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

needs of individual young people, and how these needs can best be met. One placing authority social worker commented, ‘Excellent communication from the home that really helped her with the transition.’ The quality of care that is provided by the home is monitored effectively by the manager; this is done in consultation with all key stakeholders. The manager and staff act upon and implement recommendations that arise from this monitoring. This both develops and improves the service to the benefit of the children and young people living in the home. Families and children benefit from this short stay service and children enjoy living in the home. One parent commented, ‘I was impressed with the high standard of care. They were particularly good with her complex health needs. She really enjoys being there.’ The manager and the staff work in effective partnership with families and fellow professionals, who say that communication is good; this supports joint working

p.2

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

and leads to good-quality care for children and young people. The home has successfully met the requirement made at the previous inspection; as a result, risk assessments now provide clear instructions for staff regarding the way in which risks are to be managed.

p.2

Information about this children’s home

The home is registered as a children’s home providing short breaks for children who have physical and learning difficulties. The home is owned and managed by a local authority and the majority of children accommodated are from the same area.

p.3

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 28/09/2016 Full Good 03/03/2016 Interim Declined in effectiveness 23/06/2015 Full Good 28/01/2015 Interim Declined in effectiveness

p.3

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.4

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.4

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.4

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.5

Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.5

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.5

Information about this inspection

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

p.5