Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for children’s home: SC036732 1 SC036732 Registered provider: Nottinghamshire County Council Interim inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

This local authority children’s home provides short breaks for up to eight children with learning disabilities and associated challenging behaviour.

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Information about this children’s home

The manager is suitably experienced and qualified.

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Inspection date: 21 March 2022

Date of last inspection: 16 November 2021

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Inspection date: 21 March 2022

Judgement at last inspection: requires improvement to be good

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Inspection date: 21 March 2022

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC036732 2

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

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

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children continue to have positive experiences and make progress during their short stays. At the last inspection, a number of requirements and a recommendation were made. All have been met.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Managers and staff have reviewed and updated each child’s individual risk assessment. Comprehensive risk assessments and ‘All about me’ booklets now contain all the relevant information staff need to understand children’s needs and to identify risks. There is clear guidance for staff about how to respond to the assessed risks. As a result of this change, staff are better equipped to manage and respond to children’s needs and children are safer.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Management monitoring has improved considerably. The experienced registered manager, who is supported by three assistant managers and a senior manager, has strengthened systems. Management monitoring tools, such as quality assurance processes, are now more streamlined and effective. The management team is now more frequently out of the office and interacting with staff and children. This aids their knowledge of children and helps them understand the strengths and areas for development of the staff team.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

One-to-one supervision now has a greater emphasis on reflective practice. Management monitoring is also aided by improved monthly independent visitor reports. The manager describes these visits as being a ‘critical friend’. While these changes are still in their infancy and further work is needed to embed them, they have provided the manager with a better understanding of the functioning of the home. The manager is in a better position to reflect on the strengths and areas for further development in her service. Managers at all levels are committed to service improvement.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The accuracy of the physical-intervention records has improved. In addition, children now have the opportunity to talk to staff about their experience of being restrained after it has happened. This enables them to discuss any support they may need following incidents. If a child does not use verbal communication, staff try to ascertain their views in other ways. This might include observations of the child to consider their wishes and feelings and if any changes in practice are needed. This means that children have the opportunity to express their feelings, as well as aiding staff learning and reflection following an incident. Staff try to understand the reasons for the behaviour to prevent reoccurrence. Inspection report for children’s home: SC036732 3 The home’s location of premises assessment now identifies potential risks for children in the local area. There has been consultation with the local police officer,

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

and the manager plans to consult with more local stakeholders at a forthcoming community meeting. The effectiveness of this assessment has improved.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

These developments have encouraged the team to do better and have improved day-to-day working practices. Most staff gave positive feedback. Some staff have identified areas for improvement, indicating there is still some work to do around listening to staff and to improving staff morale.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children continue to benefit from the extensive outdoor area which is well-equipped with sensory and play equipment. Since the last inspection, efforts have been made to provide brighter and more personalised bedrooms for children. However, some areas of the home look tired and are in need of repair. This detracts from the homely, nurturing atmosphere that staff try to create. A full survey of the property has been undertaken and a maintenance plan is in place. This service continues to provide a valuable and well-regarded service to children and their families. Inspection report for children’s home: SC036732 4

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

16/11/2021 Full Requires improvement to be good 16/04/2019 Full Good 17/04/2018 Full Good 07/08/2017 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC036732 5

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Recommendation

 The registered person should ensure that the children’s home is a nurturing and supportive environment that meets the needs of the children. They will, in most cases, be homely, domestic environments. The registered person should seek as far as possible to maintain a domestic rather than ‘institutional’ impression, and ensure that the décor in the home is improved. (‘Guide to Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, page 15, paragraph 3.9)

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Information about this inspection

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

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, 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’. Inspection report for children’s home: SC036732 6

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Children’s home details

Registered provider: Nottinghamshire County Council

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: Nottinghamshire County Council, County Hall, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 7QP

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Inspector

Catherine Honey, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC036732 7 to 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, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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