Children's Home run by Institute of Integrated Systemic Therapy in Norfolk

SC065792 Unique reference number 30 March 2010 Inspection date Dorrit Andrews 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: SC065792

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is operated and owned by a registered charity. The home provides medium to long-term therapeutic placements for psychologically traumatised young people. It can accommodate up to four young people, of either gender, aged between 11 and 16 years.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a four bedroom, two storey property with surrounding gardens. It is situated on the outskirts of a small village but within easy reach of local amenities in local market towns and a nearby city. Three young people currently live in the home of whom two were present but did not participate in the inspection.

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Summary

This was an interim inspection and all key standards of the staying safe outcome were inspected as well as a review of the action taken in response to the previous inspection. The key inspection of the home in December 2009 resulted in an overall judgement of good with all but one outcome area judged as good; the remaining outcome, economic wellbeing, was judged as satisfactory.

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Summary

The outcome for staying safe at this inspection is judged as good. Young people continue to be provided with a good level of care and matters raised at the previous inspection have been suitably addressed.

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Summary

Records sampled in relation to staying safe are good overall. However, information in relation to young people absent without leave straddles more than one record rather than a single point of reference and makes monitoring difficult. A recommendation has been raised in relation to this matter. 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 last inspection the provider was asked to maintain a full record of control measures used and to ensure the dosage of medication is recorded in all cases. The two recorded incidents involving the use of restraint since the last inspection evidence improved recording and sampled medication records now include the dosage administered. The action taken in response supports the safeguarding of young people's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home's induction programme for staff includes confidentiality, safe care practices and the privacy needs of young people. Written guidance is also provided to support staff in their day-to-day work, including the sharing of information, access to records and entering young people's bedrooms. Staff handle confidential information appropriately and are sensitive to 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC065792 the individual circumstances of young people. For example, not discussing young people in front of others and knocking on bedroom doors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff actively encourage young people to discuss any worries or concerns they may have and provide a number of opportunities to facilitate discussion. A key worker system is in operation and young people identify strongly with this. However, young people can and do approach staff members of their choosing to talk with. Other opportunities to raise issues include daily community meetings and access to the home's compliant procedures and those of their placing authority. No complaints have been received since the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All staff receive safeguarding training as part of the home's induction programme and have access to appropriate policies and procedures including those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board to guide them in their work. External refresher training has been secured for the manager in her role as 'designated officer' and it is intended that information gained from the course will be cascaded to staff. Keeping safe issues are discussed with young people regularly and team meetings and supervision sessions provide opportunities for staff to share practice issues and concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is not identified as being a problem at the home and there is clear understanding that this is not tolerated. Individual risk assessments identify potential issues and there are good levels of supervision. Staff facilitate open discussions with young people regarding any problems or tensions within the group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people who are absent from the home without permission are protected in accordance with written guidance, and records are maintained when incidents have occurred. However, some information, such as follow up visits by police and contact with social workers is recorded separately rather than on one record, making monitoring difficult. Risk assessments are reviewed in conjunction with the placing authority when particular risks are identified and agreed monitoring strategies put in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive behaviour is promoted and emphasis is placed on changing unacceptable behaviour rather than punishing it. Young people are assisted to develop acceptable behaviour through reflective discussions, the establishment of positive relationships with staff and behaviour plans. Staff continue to receive behaviour management training on a regular basis, have access to written guidance and are supported and guided in their work by external consultants. Records of sanctions and the use of physical intervention are maintained and regularly monitored. Young people can express their views regarding the use of sanctions and physical intervention and have them recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A range of health and safety policies and procedures are established to support the maintenance of a safe environment. Risk assessments are carried out in relation to the premises, grounds and activities off and on site, and are regularly reviewed. Suitable safety and servicing checks are conducted, fire safety training is provided to staff and fire evacuation drills take place regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Robust procedures are in place for the checking of staff and the monitoring of visitors and contractors. A record of visitors is maintained and proof of identification is requested where required. These practices reduce potential risks to the welfare of young people living at the home. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC065792

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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): • include all action taken, including visits by independent persons, in relation to incidents of absconding on the recording format for young people absent without leave (NMS 19.6). 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC065792

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