Children's Home, Residential special school run by Hopscotch Solutions Limited in Rutland

SC065071 Unique reference number 7 July 2009 Inspection date Joanne Vyas Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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20 January 2009 Date of last 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 9 Inspection Report: SC065071

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Brief description of the service

This is a residential special school that accommodates young people, with autistic spectrum disorders, for more than 290 days a year. Therefore, the residential part of the school has been registered as a children’s home. The home has been registered since the 31 October 2005 and can accommodate up to 11 young people. Eight young people currently live in this home, all of whom were present and participated in the inspection.

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Brief description of the service

The home and school are located in the same premises which is a listed building. The building has been refurbished to meet the needs of the young people it accommodates. In the main residence there is a lounge, dining room, a soft room and a sensory room as well as bathroom facilities. All bedrooms, apart from one, are single. There is a large well-equipped kitchen, which serves both the school and residence, and a laundry room. There is also an annex close to the main building with a further three bedrooms, a lounge, conservatory, a small kitchen and a further classroom. There are well equipped play areas, one of which is accessed via the main lounge. Work is currently being carried out on one play area to create a sensory garden. Classrooms are situated on the first floor and administration offices are situated on the ground floor and the second floor.

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Summary

At this full unannounced inspection all key standards were inspected. This is a good home with many outstanding features. There is a caring and competent staff team who are focussed and committed to ensuring a high standard of individualised care for young people. The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding throughout the standards inspected. There are good relationships between the young people and staff. Staff know and understand the young people really well. The young people are protected by robust recruitment and health and safety procedures. The Registered Manager has a strong commitment and focus on improvement. However, there are minor areas for development in records of sanctions; evidencing consultation with parents and social workers with regards to placement plans; ensuring young people's files hold all the information they should; and monitoring systems. The overall quality rating is good.

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Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The Registered Manager has ensured the majority of recommendations made at the previous inspection have been complied with. A comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out with regard to medication that is not stored in a locked cupboard. All treatment given to young people is now recorded. Records of restraint are clear and include the duration of a restraint. Placement plans are comprehensive. However, sanctions given to young people are still not recorded into the home's central log. They are, however, well documented within the placement plan and daily records.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Staff know what the young people like and do not like to eat. They also actively encourage young people to try new foods and this is well documented. A healthcare professional observed 4 of 9 Inspection Report: SC065071 that they provide, 'Well balanced and nutritious food including snacks even when the young person may have a very limited range of food which they will eat. They encourage students to enjoy a variety of food'. Young people are provided with appropriate equipment to help them to eat their meals independently whilst a one-to-one staffing ratio ensures they have the support where it is needed. Cultural preferences are catered for ensuring that ingredients are sourced from the appropriate local specialist such as a Ghanaian food store. Young people are encouraged to shop for and prepare meals. A member of staff said, 'Shopping is encouraged and pictures and symbols are used to help them to purchase products'. Young people enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy, nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff are focussed and committed to ensuring a high quality provision for health care for young people living at this home. Staff are proactive and responsive to the emotional and health care needs of the young people. All young people are registered with doctors, dentists and opticians. A variety of healthcare professionals including a clinical psychologist, occupational therapist and speech and language therapist visit the home on a weekly basis ensuring young people receive a holistic healthcare package. Each young person has a comprehensive health plan which is up-to-date and states separate health needs including those arising from cultural needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The safe handling of medication is well managed in this home. The home mostly use prescribed medication. Staff receive training in the safe handling of medication. Only the most senior staff on duty administer medication. Two staff always prepare and administer medication. Medication is accurately recorded, received and disposed of appropriately. The medication cupboards are secure. All accidents are recorded and first aid is given as appropriate. All staff are trained in first aid and renew their training as appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The safety and rights of both staff and young people are protected. Staff are concerned about keeping young people safe and are competent in their knowledge of protecting them. Staff receive training on safeguarding young people as part of their induction and then at regular intervals. Staff have a good knowledge of the bullying policy although they feel that bullying does not occur in the home due to the nature of the young people and the high staffing levels and this view is supported by the young people's advocate. There are no incidents of young people going missing from the home. The high staffing levels, staff competence and the security in and outside the building ensure young people are kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

No concerns have been raised by parents or young people but procedures are in place to ensure they would be appropriately and swiftly resolved. An advocate for the young people visits them on a regular basis to ensure their views are communicated effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The privacy of young people is respected by staff. The living arrangements provide space where they can relax and easily find privacy away from others if they wish. Staff ensure the privacy and dignity of the young people, such as by keeping bathroom and toilet doors shut when young people are receiving personal care. All records are kept confidentially. Young people's issues are not discussed openly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff view young people positively and young people are relaxed around staff. Staff are given training, which includes de-escalation as well as physical intervention. Physical intervention is 5 of 9 Inspection Report: SC065071 used as a last resort. There is a minimal amount of physical intervention carried out in this home. Staff said, 'If behaviour escalates, staff use all techniques to distract and defuse students and divert attention away.' The behaviour management plans are comprehensive. Sanctions are applied fairly and appropriately although most young people are not given sanctions due to their level of understanding. However, sanctions, although comprehensively detailed within the placement plan and recorded in the daily records, are still not recorded in the central log. This makes monitoring difficult to ensure sanctions continue to be given fairly and that they are effective. However, staff effectively manage challenging behaviour in a calm and professional

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

manner. High staffing levels, staff competence and comprehensive risk assessments ensure the safety of the young people who live in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected by robust recruitment procedures and monitoring of visitors. Safety checks are completed and staff only commence employment when they have a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure and two satisfactory references. All visitors sign into the building and must show identification.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has comprehensive risk assessments for all aspects of safety of the premises and grounds including fire and young people’s behaviour and activities. These assessments have taken into account the daily activities in and outside the home. All staff are given fire safety training and fire drills are carried out regularly. A healthcare professional said, 'I have been present when fire practices have been carried out - all of which are well managed with a good response from all students'. Fire safety equipment is checked as appropriate and a detailed record kept. Young people are protected by robust health and safety procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Staff are positive in their approach to education and its value for young people. It is an intrinsic part of life at the home. Care and teaching staff work closely together to ensure consistency of practice and to enhance the quality of care provided. As structure, routine and consistency are an important part of these young people’s lives, education takes place every day, 51 weeks a year. The 24-hour curriculum provides an effective basis on which young people can thrive. Young people have Individual Education Plans which set specific, realistic and achievable targets for all the curriculum subjects and are reviewed three times a year and then at the annual review. A photographic record of achievement is produced for each young person as evidence of their achievements. Religious and cultural preferences are well supported.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Individual support is comprehensively detailed in each young person's placement plan. Observations and discussions with staff demonstrate that staff ensure each young person's individual needs are fully met. Young people are encouraged to value their own culture, language and religion by a diverse staff team. The practical individual support is reflected in the variety of planning documentation that is in place. This includes identifying any religious and cultural needs a young person may have. The staff know the young people well and are very knowledgeable of their individual needs and the implications this has for their care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Staff provide a variety of activities for young people including trips out to local places of interest, the coast and theme parks. They also have various activities within the home such as computers, games, books and DVDs. Outdoor play areas provide safe and secure space for young people to run around as well as high quality play equipment. All activities are well planned, risk assessed and carried out to ensure the young people are able to enjoy the activity safely. 6 of 9 Inspection Report: SC065071 A visiting healthcare professional said, 'I have observed staff following signing in and out procedures diligently whenever going on an outing. Outings are always recorded in a register. They always have either mobile phones and/or radios so that they can keep in touch with one another and respond to changing circumstances as necessary'. Young people are able to pursue their particular interests, develop confidence in their skills and are supported by competent

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

staff to engage in leisure and educational activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The statement of purpose clearly sets out the home’s admission policy. Young people are supported during the admission process and when leaving the home. Staff carefully consider group dynamics when admitting a new young person.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff provide a high standard of care to young people and meet their individual needs with the knowledge and understanding they have of them. A comprehensive assessment of need, placement plan and risk assessments are in place for each young person. Monthly meetings between primary care workers, teaching assistants and the Registered Manager inform care planning reviews. Staff said this works well as it ensures the plans stay live documents. Parents and social workers are consulted about the care plans and subsequent reviews but this is not evidenced on the plan. Any changes to the care plans are effectively communicated to the team. A record is made throughout the day for each young person documenting their mood, activities, behaviour and other relevant information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Statutory reviews take place within the required timescale. However, records of the meetings are not held on the child's file so staff are unable to access the most up to date information until the care plan is updated. Young people do not generally attend their reviews but photographic evidence of their progress is shown. A visiting advocate also attends the reviews to ensure the young person's views are put across.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff encourage and support young people in maintaining contact with parents and everyone else who is significant to them. Staff facilitate contact with parents, providing transport where necessary. Plans detail the role of contact in promoting cultural identity and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people are given the opportunity to make choices and decisions through the use of appropriate communication systems such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and objects of reference. Young people recognise that staff are supportive in helping and guiding them towards making positive decisions for themselves. Young people are relaxed in the company of staff and are quick to approach them with any issues they may have.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is outstanding. Staff encourage young people to carry out a variety of tasks independently or with support. These include personal hygiene, cooking, shopping and cleaning. Each young person's placement plan clearly identifies independence work young people are encouraged to carry out. Staff provide a consistent and committed approach to enabling young people's successful transition into adulthood. 7 of 9 Inspection Report: SC065071 Young people live in a homely environment with high quality furnishings. There is a large amount of communal space. The young people have good facilities. Their bedrooms are personalised to ensure they meet their individual needs and communal areas are personalised with photographs of young people and their work that has been completed in school. The home is clean, tidy and well maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. There is a clear, up-to-date statement of purpose that reflects the practice and functions of the home. Parents are provided with a comprehensive admissions pack. The commitment to promoting equality and diversity is explicit in this information.

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Organisation

Staff training is supported by the organisation. An annual programme covers mandatory training which all staff are expected to undertake. Some staff initially complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 in the Care of Children and Young People after they have completed their probation period. Others go straight onto NVQ level 3. Therefore, currently, half the team have qualified to NVQ level 3 or above. More staff will be enrolled on the course in September as they are currently completing level 2 or their probation period.

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Organisation

There are good staffing levels to meet the needs of young people. A record of staff shifts is maintained on the home's rota and this shows there is a balance of gender and cultural backgrounds of staff wherever this is possible. Staff hand over meetings ensure that each shift is appropriately planned and issues arising from earlier are competently communicated.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. Evidence supports a strong commitment to improving equality and diversity in practice. The quality and detail of young people’s plans also supports this commitment. Young people receive an individual service in the home which is designed to meet their personal needs. All staff have in-depth knowledge of the young people they are working with to ensure their needs are consistently met.

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Organisation

It is clear that the Registered Manager ensures effective monitoring of the home. However, this is not evidenced by regular signing of records. A senior member of the organisation also visits the home on a monthly basis and reports on the conduct of the home. However, these reports do not include discussions with staff to ensure their views on the conduct of the home are represented. Reports from the Registered Manager and the Regulation 33 visitor are discussed at all levels to ensure consistent practice.

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Organisation

Young people's records are kept in good order and reflect most of the information necessary for staff to care and support them throughout the placement.

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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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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the views of parents (unless this is inappropriate) and the contact person in their placing authority, on the content and implementation of the placement plan and any changes are clearly evidenced (NMS 2.5) • ensure the result of all statutory reviews are recorded on the child's file (NMS 3.4) • ensure a clear and full written record is made of any sanction given to a child in the home (NMS 22.10) • ensure the home's records are signed by the Registered Manager at least once a month to identify any patterns or issues requiring action (NMS 33.1) • provide opportunities for staff to meet with the Regulation 33 visitor, in private if they wish, in order to form an opinion of the standard of care provided in the home (NMS 32.2). 9 of 9 Inspection Report: SC065071

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