Children's home run by Quarriers in Inverclyde

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 improved effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The home has progressed as a result of the commitment that is shown by the team and the registered manager’s motivation to ensure that outcomes for young people are the best they can be. The registered manager supports change and empowers the staff to develop and enhance their practice through training and reflection. For example, in pairs, staff are tasked with researching an area of knowledge, and then they give a presentation to the rest of the team. This is carried out in a safe, non- judgemental environment that promotes the confidence of the participants; furthermore, it is a process that can lead to improvements in the care that is provided for young people. One member of staff said: ‘We are constantly trying to improve the service.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Over the last five months, there has been a significant reduction in the number of accidents and incidents in the home. The registered manager confirmed that the staff team is doing work on reflective practice in order to identify the rationale behind the reduction. This demonstrates the home’s commitment to improve through a learning environment, enhancing the short-break experience for young people. The young people are supported in their education through the work carried out with their schools. A staff member from a school said: ‘They are very good at working with the team around the child. They are constantly changing, looking towards making things better. We are invited along for visits to the home.’ The home works in partnership with other agencies to improve outcomes for young people. Through this approach they are helped and supported to reach their full potential.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager and her staff continue to work closely with parents and carers, who appreciate the support they provide to them as well as the good care they provide to the children. One parent said about their child: ‘He was at first unsettled, but now he loves it. He gets on great with staff. The service provides us with a break and it is a lovely break for him.’ The home facilitates a monthly parents’ group, which is an opportunity for parents to meet together. The registered manager said: ‘We encourage and promote the atmosphere of approachability.’ The home has demonstrated its strong commitment to the young people by providing fantastic parties, such as a Halloween party, and staff are already planning for Christmas. Such events are not only enjoyable experiences, but they also provide opportunities for fundraising. The young people’s parents and families, as well as the staff, attend the events and willingly contribute so that

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

improvements can be made to the service. Young people therefore benefit in the long-term from experiencing fun and excitement with their families in a safe, nurturing environment, while their well-being and social skills are promoted.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The registered manager has ensured that she remains assertive in challenging other agencies so that information is provided in a timely manner. There are numerous examples of staff proactively and respectively requesting minutes of meetings they have attended within a reasonable timescale.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There are good and appropriate staffing ratios to support safe care, given the complex needs of the young people. The additional medical requirements of young people who can access short-breaks are supported through an exceptional system that reduces the likelihood of any mistakes in the administration of medication, which in turn minimises the risk of harm. Staff are well trained and maintain high levels of monitoring and auditing to sustain the standards that are in place and to meet the expectations of the management team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The physical aspects of the home have been improved. Young people are provided with a range of toys in the house, while externally they have a well-resourced play area. In addition, they also have a games room that is separate from the main building. The bedrooms are individualised in consultation with the young people. The recommendation from the last inspection was to consider the addition of locks to bedroom doors in order to provide young people with the choice to create greater privacy if they so choose. However, a consultation was carried out with parents and carers, and the overwhelming opinion was not to introduce locks. The registered manager, in consultation with staff, parents and young people, is exploring alternative measures to improve young people’s privacy. This shows that the wishes and feelings of young people and their parents are respected and valued.

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides short-break accommodation for up to four children who have learning disabilities. It is operated by a charity.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 06/09/2016 Full Good 30/03/2016 Interim Sustained effectiveness 09/09/2015 Full Good 17/03/2015 Interim Declined in 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 that 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 children looked after 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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