Ofsted Inspection and new staff appointments

Posted by Mark Raw in Harmony Childrens Services Ofsted News

Another memorable day and further good achievements by Harmony House, its residents and staff.

David, our Ofsted inspector made his 2^nd unannounced inspection today and was again reasured by the evidence he found that we still continue to deserve our GOOD rating.  David spoke with myself, who happened to chose to go on shift that day, our residents and staff who I was working along side.  Myself and resident were just about to leave to go do an arial assult course 15 meters, (47ft) up, something she had always wanted to do.  The things we do for our kids to make them smile.  Have I said previously I hate hights.  Especially those with a very long drop!

Before I go into a summary of the important points a full version of the Interim Ofsted Insepction report is available to view at: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/SC424759   Again, no recomendations.

David again was easily able to, and this is clearly reflected in the report the continued work in “ensuring that the young people are as far as possible protected from harm.  It has successfully reduced the number of occasions when young people go missing.  When young people do go missing the staff are proactive in involving the police and make strenuous efforts to locate young people and make sure they return to the home quickly.”  This is a statement that I am especially proud of as it reflects our passion in keeping the kids in our care as safe as they allow us and shows thats they are making great progress in keeping them selfs, and for some, more importantly out of any further CSE.

David stated in the report other praising comments about the residents, the staff and how our family ethos has made positive impacts.“… they said that they liked living in the home and have a clear understanding of plans for their future.  Interactions between staff and young people is warm and good humoured and this makes a significant contribution to the way in which positive behaviour is encouraged.” 

 Another good report which I have passed on special praise and thanks to the whole staff team who are instrumental in their actions and levels of care provided to make these reports so positive.

 

So what else has been happening within Harmony? 

A few big things within the company,  and the internal structures and staffing compliments.

We have been commissioned to provide a supported living package to a young resident in theHalifaxarea and have been busy making plans for her individualised care and support package to start in March to educate and give her the skills needed to live a more independent lifestyle.

Within the home Julie Cuttell, as of the first of March will be taking over the role of Home manager and moving onto Registered Manager once her Ofsted Interview has taken place.  Janet Brisby has shown significant progression and earned herself the role of Deputy Manager and now in a prime position to further learn the ropes and approches that we know work with children and will, I hope being involved in running the second home when it is the right time to open.  Both solid appointments in my opinion.  I am confident that both Julie and Janet will continue to ensure the ethos and therapeutic understanding approach is continued to all our current and future residents.

 These further positive developments will allow me to move my focus toward the expansion of services and options that Harmony can offer to the local authorities.

I will be speaking with all the local authrites in our area and those futher afield, in due course regards the remaining vacancies we have at Harmony House and will happy to discuss any other potential avenues of suppport that we can can provide regards supported living and supported tenancies.