Children's Home run by Quality Protects Children Ltd in Knowsley

SC356929 Unique reference number 8 March 2010 Inspection date Sonya Robinson Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated.

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You can obtain copies of The Children Act 2004, Every Child Matters and The National Minimum Standards for Children's Services from: The Stationery Office (TSO) PO Box 29, St Cripins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN. Tel: 0870 600 5522. Online ordering: www.tso.co.uk/bookshop

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About this inspection

The purpose of this inspection is to assure children and young people, parents, the public, local authorities and government of the quality and standard of the service provided. The inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcome for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and relevant National Minimum Standards for the establishment.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is strong Good: this aspect of the provision is sound Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is not good enough Inadequate: 3 of 7 Inspection Report: SC356929

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Brief description of the service

This service provides residential accommodation for up to three looked after young people, all with complex needs.

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Brief description of the service

On the ground floor of the premises there are two lounges, a kitchen, separate dining room and staff office.

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Brief description of the service

Children’s bedrooms are all single and are located on the first floor. There is an outside area to the rear of the property that is large enough for relaxation and socialising. Parking facilities are situated to the side of the property.

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Brief description of the service

On the day of the visit one young person was spoken with and their views and opinions were sought in relation to living at the home.

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Summary

This visit was an interim inspection and was unannounced. One outcome area for young people was fully looked at during this inspection, which was staying safe. Further issues were also looked at under enjoying and achieving and organisation as a follow-up from the previous inspection. This inspection looked at the progress that the home has made with the actions and recommendations made at the last inspection. These related to documentation for young people and organisational issues.

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Summary

The home continues to be a good service that meets most of the national minimum standards. Young people enjoy living there and feel cared for. The staff place emphasis on young people's needs and supporting young people with their daily lives. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

No actions were made at the last inspection. The manager and organisation were asked, in order to raise standards and improve practice, to maintain an accurate and clear record of all sanctions imposed on young people and to ensure that each young person has a personal education plan which explicitly addresses their educational needs. These have been completed and records have been maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

They were also asked to ensure that the manager of the home has professional qualifications relevant to working with children and management, which must be National Qualification Vocational (NVQ) level 4, or another qualification that matches the competencies required by that NVQ. The manager has commenced training in these areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: SC356929 Young people’s privacy is promoted. They have single bedrooms and their privacy and dignity are respected when washing. The accommodation provides space where young people can relax and spend time alone when they wish. Staff respect young people's privacy consistent with good parenting and the need to protect young people. Confidential information is held securely in the office.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a suitable complaints procedure which is accessible to young people, their parents and other relevant people. Staff are open to responding to concerns, including those made by local neighbours.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff understand about their roles and responsibilities to promote and safeguard young people’s welfare. The home has detailed and clear procedures and guidance for responding to concerns about young people's safety. Staff also have access to the local authority's child protection policy and guidance. Staff have knowledge about the procedures and put them in practice when they have concerns about young people's safety. However, staff have not received child protection training for quite some time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is not currently an issue for young people. Staff are aware of the potential for bullying, and provide supervision and encourage young people to deal with any difficulties constructively when necessary. Staff place an emphasis on encouraging young people not to go missing by providing young people with meaningful and enjoyable things to do. Staff are aware of young people's rights, legislation and guidance relating to freedom of movement and follow this in practice. The home has individual risk assessments regarding young people's known or likely activities. This helps to keep young people safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff build positive relationships with young people by explaining and showing young people what is acceptable behaviour. Staff see young people in a positive light and are committed to helping them when they are anxious or upset. Also, they are knowledgeable and understanding about young people's individual behaviours. The home has well-established links with helping agencies, and actively seek advice and guidance in managing specific behaviours.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff use effective communication skills to encourage young people to develop socially acceptable behaviour. Records relating to sanctions show that they are fair and reasonable. Records relating to physical intervention show that none have been recorded since the last inspection, though staff have training in this area. The home places an emphasis on building positive relationships with young people and understanding young people’s behaviour. Young people have clear and consistent boundaries and know what is expected of them and what is unacceptable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff praise young people when they do well and reward them. They also reassure young people when they are upset and help them deal with their anxieties and frustrations in a positive way. Staff do not condone unacceptable behaviour and assist young people to learn to manage their behaviour and solve problems.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people live in a safe and secure environment. Staff carry out regular health and safety checks, including those of the fire safety systems, to make sure that the home is a safe place to live. Though the number of fire drills does not meet the recommended four within a 12 month period. This requirement is to give staff and young people a regular prompt, of what to do in the event of a fire. 5 of 7 Inspection Report: SC356929 There are procedures in place for the vetting of visitors and people wishing to work at the home to make sure young people are protected. However, information within staff files does not fully cover all of the information required under the regulations, such as copies of references.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Education is actively promoted and plays an important part in the lives of young people. Their educational needs are identified in written plans and there are arrangements for meeting their needs. Staff see education as important and create a stimulating environment that supports and encourages young people to learn and study. Young people know that they are expected to attend education and conform to this expectation; they each have access to educational materials to aid their learning. Staff demonstrate a commitment to the educational needs of young people and where necessary act as advocates ensuring that young people's opinions are listened to.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation has systems in place to support staff and encourage the improvement of their skills and knowledge, such as attending regular training. Since the last inspection the Registered Manager has commenced training that would promote good practice in terms of caring for children and leadership skills to promote the development of her staff team.

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person meets the Care Standards Act 2000, The Childrens Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider must comply with the given timescales.

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Due date Action Standard

30 April 2010 ensure all staff records contain all of the information required under the Regulations. (Reg 26, Schedule 2)

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that all staff receive ongoing training in the prevention of abuse, recognition of abuse, dealing with disclosures or suspicions of abuse and the home’s child protection procedures (NMS 17.8) 6 of 7 Inspection Report: SC356929 • ensure that at least four fire drills, including the evacuation of staff and children from the building and fire drills held at night, take place within a 12 month period. (NMS 26.8) 7 of 7 Inspection Report: SC356929

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