Children's home run by West Sussex County Council

Inspection report for children’s home: SC037447 1 SC037447 Registered provider: West Sussex County Council Full inspection Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this children’s home

The home provides care for up to 16 children aged between five and 18 years with learning disabilities. This is a local authority home that provides short- and long-stay accommodation. There has been a reduction in the number of children receiving short breaks due to the extensive renovation of the children’s accommodation.

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Information about this children’s home

A suitably qualified manager has been registered with Ofsted since March 2007.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The children’s home provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the children’s home contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people who need help, protection and care.

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outstanding

Date of last inspection: 28 February 2023

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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outstanding

Enforcement action since last inspection: none Inspection report for children’s home: SC037447 2

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Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

28/02/2023 Full Good 14/04/2021 Full Outstanding 02/09/2019 Full Outstanding 07/01/2019 Full Good Inspection report for children’s home: SC037447 3

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outstanding

Children are making significant and sustained progress in all areas of their lives. The support from the dedicated staff means that children have built on their relationships with others. For some children, their family relationships have blossomed.

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outstanding

Children living or staying at the home have learning disabilities alongside some complex healthcare needs. The staff are vigilant about children’s health. They spot any changes in children’s health and seek appropriate medical advice when this may be needed. As children’s needs change, staff are provided with training and support. This ensures that they can continue to care for the children exceptionally well.

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outstanding

The views, wishes and feelings of the children are paramount and influence their care. Staff constantly seek to expand children’s communication skills to help them to share their views and express themselves. Thoughtful and meticulous care planning processes combine children’s goals, aspirations and views. This enables the children to make fantastic progress and have the best possible outcomes.

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outstanding

Children who are approaching adulthood are supported by staff to learn the skills that they need to be more independent. For example, they learn how to catch a bus and how to do their own shopping and laundry. This ensures that the children are prepared for the next stage of their life. One child was supported to move in to an adult care home. The staff and registered manager ensured that this move was a positive time for the child and that they felt in control and involved throughout.

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outstanding

All children attend an education provision. Their skills increase significantly. They enjoy different subjects and learn how to manage the transition from home to school each day well. Staff are proud of the progress that children make.

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outstanding

The children have busy and active lives. They are supported to try new things, have enjoyable experiences and are flourishing. The children are a valued part of their local community. They grow sunflowers to contribute to the local flower show and have a float in the annual village parade.

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outstanding

The home is well furnished, and the children’s bedrooms are representative of their personalities, likes and interests. The home has sensory areas for children to use and there are plenty of toys and games around the home.

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outstanding

The staff are committed to supporting children and help them to achieve outcomes that may not have previously seemed possible. One parent praised staff for their ability to support their child and described them as a ‘lifeline’. Inspection report for children’s home: SC037447 4

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outstanding

The property is currently undergoing extensive building work as part of the remodelling of the home and short-breaks provision. This has meant that the children have moved to different parts of the building while the work is carried out. The registered manager continually reviews any associated risks. This ensures that minimal disruption is caused to the children, while keeping everyone safe.

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outstanding

Incidents have significantly reduced for the children as their risks and needs are fully understood by staff. The staff act promptly to seek advice or guidance when needed. When incidents happen, the registered manager completes a thorough review so that learning can be identified and actioned without delay.

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outstanding

Staff are nurturing and responsive to the children and know them well. They do not use consequences to manage behaviour. Staff look at ways to redirect children when they may be upset or are finding something difficult. This proactive approach is effective and promotes positive behaviour, without the need to physically restrain children to keep them safe.

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outstanding

Staff are confident and advocate for the children to ensure that they get the support that they need. For example, if children are being impacted by changes in their medication or healthcare needs, staff work alongside other professionals to ensure that the children get the right help. Consequently, some children make significant progress, reducing the need for medication to manage their behaviours and mood.

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outstanding

Processes to ensure that staff are safely recruited are effective. These extend to any agency staff. Staff receive a thorough induction and good supervision and support.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager is inspirational, ambitious and influential in changing the lives of those in her care. She advocates for the children, has high expectations, and will challenge if decisions made are not in children’s best interests.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Staff are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences of working in the home. They recognise the importance of the positive relationships that they have with the children. They are proud that they help children to feel safe and make significant progress. Staff have regular supervision, team meetings, clinical consultation and annual appraisals. Consequently, they feel valued and supported.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There has been extensive consideration and consultation with the children about the redevelopment of the home. Work has been undertaken carefully and at a pace that is right for them. This joined-up approach has meant that, despite significant changes and upheaval, children have all continued to make fantastic progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The staff team is skilled and experienced. Their development and training needs are fully supported by the registered manager, and this has led to some staff being Inspection report for children’s home: SC037447 5 promoted. The registered manager is quick to respond to any changes in children’s needs that indicate that staff may need extra training. This is quickly implemented.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager and staff work in collaboration with the children’s professional support networks. Feedback from other professionals is extremely positive. They unanimously recognise the positive impact that the staff and registered manager have on children’s lives. One social worker said that they had ‘nothing but praise’ for the care that the children receive and the experiences that they have.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The registered manager keeps the statement of purpose for the home updated. However, this is not always sent to the regulator as required. This has not impacted on the quality of care provided to children. Inspection report for children’s home: SC037447 6

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Recommendations

 The registered person should develop and keep under review a statement of purpose (regulation 16 and schedule 1) and ensure that this is sent to HMCI following any updates. (‘Guide to the Children’s Homes Regulations, including the quality standards’, pages 14-15, paragraph 3.5)

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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: SC037447 7

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Children’s home details

Registered provider address: West Sussex County Council, Democratic Services, County Hall, West Street, Chichester PO19 1RQ

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Inspector

Sara Stoker, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for children’s home: SC037447 8 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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