Children's Home run by Fairfield Residential Limited in Trafford

SC387148 Unique reference number 7 January 2010 Inspection date Alicea Churchward 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 6 Inspection Report: SC387148

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Brief description of the service

This home is a newly purpose built premises to accommodate children and young people with autism, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. It is a substantial property built with these needs in the forefront of planning and construction. The home is a two-storey building; the first floor consists of a lounge for watching television and relaxing, with patio doors to the garden area, a dining room which also has patio doors, a kitchen area, a quiet area with touch screen computer and internet access, a sensory room, a classroom and a staff office. There is a large garden and play area with outside play equipment to the gated grounds.

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Brief description of the service

There is a lift to the first floor upon which bedrooms, staff sleep-in accommodation and manager’s office are located. The home has sufficient washing, toileting and bathing facilities including a wet room and specifically designed rise and fall sink and bath. The house is situated in a residential area close to shops, public transport and community facilities. It also has dedicated transport for the children and young people.

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Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection. The purpose of the visit was to assess how the home is currently meeting the key national minimum standards in respect of the staying safe section of the every child matters outcomes. Also to monitor how requirements and recommendations have been met from the last inspection. The home's manager was present for the inspection. Verbal feedback was given at the end of the inspection process to the manager, service manager and responsible person.

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Summary

Good interactions are observed between the children, young people and staff in the home. The overall judgement for the home has not changed and remains good. Shortfalls are identified in respect of recording of complaints and ensuring that all significant events are notified to Ofsted. 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

At the time of the last inspection three requirements were issued in respect of updating the Statement of Purpose to include the correct age range as outlined in the homes registration certificate and staffing list, this matter has been addressed. Also that the home ensures that notification of significant events takes place, this has been partially addressed. Staff files have improved and all information was present for the purposes of the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In addition three recommendations were issued in relation to medication records, this has been addressed and procedural guidance has also been updated. The boiler outlet has been fitted with a new covering to improve the safety of children and young people. There is a core group of staff that hold the National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Caring for Children and Young people, new staff employed have enrolled upon the award.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC387148 At the time of the last inspection a recommendation was issued in respect of written records of medication, this matter has been fully addressed. In addition the home have revised their medication policy and risk assessments for administering medication to individual young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young peoples privacy is maintained, staff are given access to procedural guidance and training during their induction to the home about such matters. Information is handled and stored in a confidential manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a clear complaints policy in place, there is information included in the Statement of Purpose and children's guide about how to make a complaint. Staff receive training in handling complaints. Detailed complaint procedures and guidance are in place. The home has a system in place to record complaints. The records do not include, in all cases, a record of the complaint, the action taken in response, and the outcome of any investigation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good safeguarding procedures and procedural guidance in place. Staff undertake training in safeguarding and subsequently in 'Autism Awareness' to develop their understanding of differing communication strategies used by the young people. The home has a clear whistle blowing policy in place. The home has liaised appropriately with the Local Safeguarding Children Board about matters of concern.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are few incidents of a bullying nature. Such behaviours are included in the behaviour management plans of young people and there are clear strategies in place for the staff to reduce the number of incidents. The home works in partnership with the behaviour management nurse and speech and language therapist, to undertake assessments of behaviours associated with any learning disabilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Absence without authority is not problematic in this home, there is procedural guidance in place should an incident occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a system in place to notify those persons and appropriate authorities of significant events, however one significant event has occurred which has not been notified to Ofsted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home operates to a clear behaviour management policy. Staff undertake training in positive behaviour strategies. The behaviour management plans of individual children and young people outline communication needs and strategies staff should use with presenting behaviours. The home maintains records of sanctions and restraint, the use of such measures are not considered appropriate by the home due to the nature of children and young peoples learning disabilities. Records demonstrate that this is the case.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home maintains records of risk assessments for the home, individual children and activities, these are regularly reviewed in light of any changes. There are certificates in place to demonstrate that the home has had regular maintenance in respect of gas, electrical installation, fire alarm and fire equipment. There is an up-to-date fire risk assessment in place and records of fire drills meet with the standard. The home has a public liability certificate on display. No hazards to children or young people are observed during the course of the inspection. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC387148 A number of staff files are inspected and these contain the required information, they are well organised and accessible. The provider has taken additional steps to ensure that all staff provide a complete employment history. There is careful selection and vetting of all staff working with children and young people in the home.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A requirement issued at the time of the last inspection in relation to updating the statement of purpose, has been addressed, the document now includes an up-to-date staffing list and age categories, to reflect the conditions of registration.

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Organisation

A recommendation was issued with regard to ensuring staff either hold or new staff are enrolled upon the National Vocational Qualification level 3 award, in Caring for Children and Young People. All of the staff either hold or are undertaking the qualification and this matter has been fully addressed.

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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

4 February 2010 ensure that a written record is made of any complaint, the action taken in response, and the outcome of the investigation (Regulation 24 (5)) 17 January 2010 ensure that any matters listed under Schedule 5 of the regulations are notified to the appropriate authorities. (Regulation 30)

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC387148

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