Children's home run by Sheffield City Council in Sheffield

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

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 . Children and young people routinely benefit from attending their short breaks and continuously gain new experiences. For example, a group of children and young people went trampolining and others went on a bike ride with the aid of adapted equipment. This ensures inclusion for all. Children and young people continue to achieve and staff are ambitious for them to make progress in small but significant ways. For example, one young person has been supported to drink independently. Another child’s aim is to do more messy play and try new activities. Children’s and young people’s views are highly valued and staff use a variety of methods to communicate and capture these. One young person uses their communication aid to email the home’s independent visitor about their wishes and

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

feelings. One child said: ‘I like to play with sensory toys. Coming to [home] makes me smile. I enjoy cuddles.’ Another child liked bouncing, so the manager purchased an indoor mini trampoline. Children and young people continue to experience a smooth admission into the short-break service. This process supports a multi-agency, multiple-setting review of the needs of children and young people. In addition, communication with parents and carers is a top priority. Where able, children and young people also contribute to the admission documents, thus providing a clearer assessment of their needs. Since the last inspection, the manager has developed the children’s guide; new pictures have been added to help children and young people familiarise themselves with the home. Children and young people are safe at the home during their short breaks because they are supervised when in the home and community. With these levels of

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

supervision and effective procedures, risk of incidents of going missing and exploitation of this vulnerable group is minimised. In addition, children and young people have been given information about how to keep themselves safe. This is delivered in an imaginative and resourceful way to enable children and young people to understand that their body belongs to them. Children’s and young people’s health needs are routinely met. The procedure for the administration of medication has been reviewed, and additional safety checks have been added. This includes a photo of the child or young person to further ensure that they receive the correct medication to meet their complex medical needs. Children and young people are supported by staff that are experienced and skilled. Staff undertake additional training to further their knowledge and specialist understanding. For example, staff have attended training specifically commissioned

p.2

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

by the Autistic Society. Children and young people are supported to transition from the service. One young person has a clear plan which is enabling her to move to another short-break service. Staff are dedicated to the planning of this move and have facilitated a number of visits to the new facility. In addition, staff have created a visual plan for this young person to help her understand her plans and to encourage her involvement. The manager is continually reviewing practice to improve the service and this impacts positively on the children and young people. The manager invites guest speakers to further educate and inform the staff team. A recent speaker provided information around transitions. This has strengthened the support that is offered to children and young people and their parents and carers. The registered manager has met all of the recommendations raised at the last inspection. The new outside play equipment, including three sensory pieces, has

p.3

The effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of

been added for the children and young people to enjoy. No requirements or recommendations were made during this interim inspection.

p.3

Information about this children’s home

This is a local authority short-break service. It can accommodate up to six children who have profound physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

p.4

Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

p.4

Recent inspection history

17/02/2016 Interim Improved effectiveness

p.4

Recent inspection history

24/03/2015 Interim Sustained effectiveness

p.4

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.5

Information about this inspection

Inspectors 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 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. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the

p.5

Information about this inspection

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 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.5

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,

p.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6

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.6

Information about this inspection

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

p.6