30 September 2011
During a routine inspection
We did observe the children with care staff and saw that the children appeared relaxed and comfortable in their presence. We saw care staff that were attentive to their needs.
We spoke to parents who told us that they are 'very happy' with the service. They told us that they would be 'lost without their support', they found the service to be 'valuable', 'staff listen to my views and take them on board', 'it's the most amazing service' and 'it's a lifeline'. The parents we spoke with all said that their child enjoyed their time at Roston and that they looked forward to their stays there. Parents felt that the staff knew their child's likes/dislikes. We were told that the children enjoy the activities provided. Parents told us that the staff are 'lovely' and that the children are 'well looked after' and parents said they felt reassured that their child was receiving good care whilst at Roston, commenting 'we do not worry when he (child) is there'.
Parents could not identify how the facilities or the service could be improved. The only area that raised concern was that the number of beds at the service have decreased and therefore there is no longer a emergency care provision at Roston which they valued. Parents also told us that they can appreciate that due to staffing problems respite placements have needed to be cancelled at short notice, and this can cause disruption for the child and parents. However parents stated that they could appreciate that if there are staffing issues then the placement had to be cancelled. They also commented that if possible staff try to rebook the respite stay to a alternative date and this was received positively.