Children's home run by Essex County Council in Chelmsford

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged as outstanding 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 children continue to benefit from their short stays at the home. Their parents consider these breaks as crucial in helping them keep the family together. The mother of one child said, ‘It has saved the family from falling apart.’ On occasion, some of the children are accommodated for longer periods. The staff and the managers plan these episodes meticulously, working alongside statutory agencies, social workers and parents. The children’s interests are protected as a result of these clear arrangements.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The children have very little sense of danger and cannot keep themselves safe. Consequently, the staff and managers ensure that they provide a safe environment, where they have to identify and manage potential risks. For instance, each child has a personal evacuation plan in the event of an emergency. The staff and the children participate in regular fire drills both during the day and at night. The registered manager has worked with the local fire service to agree on particular procedures, to meet the specialist needs of the children. The protocol for dispensing medication has been reviewed and streamlined so that the staff can focus on the task without risk of distraction. Each child has a detailed risk assessment in which individual behaviours are assessed and balanced with a management strategy. There is a consistent emphasis on vigilance and knowing where each child is at all times. This comprehensive approach means that the

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff and the managers see themselves as part of a team, working alongside the families, schools and the health professionals. Care plans are up to date and extremely detailed. There is a frequent reference in the care plans to the wishes and feelings of parents. For instance, some of the parents have requested that the staff follow exactly the child’s bedtime routine at home. In other cases, the staff from the home have liaised with the child’s school to build a child’s communication skills. The staff and managers want the children to reach their potential and are skilled in helping them express their feelings and make choices. The children benefit from this purposeful and positive attitude.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The staff focus helps the children to develop a level of independence. Each child has specific goals around their personal routines. The children know how to ask for help or a comforting hug. The constant flow of information between the parents and the staff confirms the progress that the children make but emphasises the need for constant supervision. For instance, the mobility of some children has improved significantly. This is celebrated, but the registered manager reminded staff to be watchful: ‘He is faster than you think. He is able to weight bear now and walk for as long as he likes.’

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management team assesses the quality of the service, using data about the progress of individual children against their goals. All the children attend school, and the staff attend reviews and other planning meetings whenever possible. Feedback from external health professionals and social workers is very positive. The staff and the managers are very proud of what they have achieved, but also appreciate that this is difficult and demanding work. They place a priority on staff receiving regular, recorded supervision and ongoing training, along with weekly staffing meetings. As a consequence of this rigorous managerial oversight, the staff develop their professional skills and confidence. The children benefit from being looked after by staff who are valued themselves.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The management team encourages the staff to advocate for the children and to promote innovative practice. Significant events are dealt with promptly but also are used as an opportunity to review and update practice. This dynamic view of the service underpins a consistent drive for improvement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The parents confirm that the staff and the managers understand that this is an important provision for the whole family. The parents leave their children with staff whom they trust, and the children enjoy their breaks. The mother of one child said:

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The main thing is that she loves it. At weekends, she gets her case out and wants to take it to the car. It is such a home from home. For instance, they allow her to help in the kitchen under supervision.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

On occasion, the management team negotiates for the children to use community resources such as the swimming pool at a nearby school. Photos of the event are displayed in the home. The staff look happy, and the children look thrilled.

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Information about this children’s home

This home is run by the local authority and provides short breaks for children who have disabilities. It is registered to provide respite care for eight children who have learning disabilities and who may also have additional physical and health needs.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement 07/11/2016 Full Outstanding 18/02/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness 14/10/2015 Full Good 12/03/2015 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 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 whom 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, work- based 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

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

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