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

SC066010 Unique reference number 6 November 2009 Inspection date Robert Curr Inspector Random Type of Inspection

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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: SC066010

p.3

Brief description of the service

This children's home provides up to four long-term placements for young people aged from 12 years old up to 17 years old. The accommodation consists of four single bedrooms and spacious communal areas for eating, studying and relaxing.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The home is approximately three miles from the town centre and it is close to public transport. One of the main aims of the setting is to equip young people with the skills to make responsible choices and to cope well as citizens.

p.4

Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection. Matters looked at during this visit relate to the outcome area of staying safe and recommendations made at the last inspection. Details of the previous recommendations are outlined in the improvement section of this report.

p.4

Summary

The outcome area of staying safe is met and staff have a clear understanding about keeping young people safe from harm. Young people's privacy and confidentiality is respected by staff. Good systems exist for young people to be supported to raise any issue or concern they may have about their support in the setting. However, not all staff have undertaken a fire drill practice. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the Registered Person was asked to take action in relation to aspects of staying safe, economic wellbeing and organisation. These included improvements to the environment and staff training.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Staff have access to the local safeguarding procedures. Each young person has a single bedroom that provides privacy and safe storage for personal possessions. The statement of purpose has been reviewed and although progress has been made in relation to staff training, National Vocational Qualification ratios do not meet current standards.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Policies and procedures within the home promote the confidentiality and privacy of young people.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The organisation actively promotes the welfare of young people. All staff employed at the home are appropriately vetted and assessed as suitable to work there.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures and risk assessments ensure that safeguarding issues, such as bullying and missing from care are recorded and staff are trained and skilled to take appropriate action in line with 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC066010 individual needs to ensure that young people are safeguarded. The local safeguarding procedures are available for staff to refer to.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff use diversion techniques to deter young people from leaving the home. Records indicate that few measures of control or discipline are used. Young people's views regarding any incidents of control are recorded and there is ongoing consideration of the effectiveness of measures imposed.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff ensure that safeguarding issues are discussed regularly with young people at their meetings.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Records are in place to support health and safety measures within the home, including environmental and fire risk assessments. Regular fire drills take place and checks on fire fighting equipment are up-to-date, however, not all members of staff have undertaken a fire drill practice at the required frequency. This does not fully uphold the safety of the staff and young people residing at the home.

p.5

Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. Each young person has a single room of a suitable size. Each room has a single bed, seating, storage and lockable safe storage for personal possessions.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The statement of purpose clearly sets out what the home will provide and the way in which this will be achieved. This is presented in a way that is easily understood by young people and their families. A children’s guide is given to all young people on their first visit.

p.5

Organisation

Young people benefit from being supported by an established team of staff. There are a number of staff who have successfully completed the National Vocational Qualification at Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People. There are other members of staff that are currently undertaking this award. This means that the qualification recommendation is not met.

p.5

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.

p.5

Due date Action Standard

5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC066010 6 November 2009 ensure the identified staff member takes part in a fire drill on or before their next duty. (Regulation 32)

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure a minimum ratio of 80% of all care staff complete an National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People or an equivalent. (NMS 29) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC066010

p.6