Children's Home run by North Yorkshire Council in North Yorkshire

SC034189 Unique reference number 23 July 2009 Inspection date Michael McCleave Inspector Key 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 8 Inspection Report: SC034189

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is run and operated by a local authority. The purpose built accommodation provides placements for up to six young people aged 13 to 17 years. There are two communal lounges for young people that are furnished to a high standard. Computers are available for the young people that have internet access. The bedrooms are single occupancy with en-suite facilities and all are situated on the first floor. The home is located in grounds shared with social services offices and a small local authority home catering for adult service users who have learning difficulties. There are good public transport links close to the home.

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Summary

At this unannounced inspection all key standards were inspected.

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Summary

This is a good service with some outstanding features. The promotion of equality and diversity is excellent. The management and staff demonstrate a positive approach to ensuring that social and cultural needs of the young people are met.

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Summary

Young people are cared for by a competent group of staff, who work effectively as a team to ensure that the children and young people achieve their potential. There is a strong emphasis on ensuring the good health of the young people, through the provision of healthy nutritious meals and access to appropriate health care. Staff work in partnership with other professionals to provide support and guidance to the young people at the home.

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Summary

Safeguarding of the young people is a high priority at the home, and staff have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. A strong feature at this home is the use of restorative justice to deal with behaviour issues. This approach has indicated a marked reduction in the use of restraint.

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Summary

The home benefits from a management team who provide strong leadership, and who encourage a culture of excellence. 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 requirements or recommendations were made at the last inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The health needs of the young people are appropriately met. The home provides healthy meals, that include vegetables, salads and pasta type dishes. The young people are involved in menu planning and the purchase of food for the home. This helps them to have a greater awareness of meal planning, and learning about budgets.

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Helping children to be healthy

Their health is also promoted through support and access to health service resources. Health care plans identify any issues that require attention, and staff will ensure that resources are provided to support the young people. The looked after children's nurse is a frequent visitor 4 of 8 Inspection Report: SC034189 to the home and provides the young people with advice and guidance on personal health matters.

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Helping children to be healthy

Medicines administered by staff are kept secure and records are appropriately maintained, however, some entries do not indicate the time when medicines are given out to the young people. All staff have received training in medicines administration. Some young people take care of their own medication, and where this is the case, an appropriate risk assessment is completed. This helps to promote a sense of responsibility and independence for young people concerned. This is good practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The safety and well being of the young people is promoted at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are aware of the rights of the young people to enjoy their privacy, and each young person has a key to their bedroom. There is a good understanding of confidentiality and all information about the young people is kept in secure conditions. This enhances their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The complaints system enables the young people to inform the manager if they have serious concerns about their care. Although most issues are dealt with informally, between staff and young people, the system offers a formal route to resolving complaints. Where English is not the first language for some young people, the home will provide an interpreter. This is demonstrates a good approach to equality and diversity. When formal complaints are made, an advocacy service is available to support young people through the process. This ensures young people are able to voice their concerns formally. It is standard practice at the home for staff to proactively enquire with young people if they have any concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The safeguarding procedures are robust, and staff have a good awareness of their responsibilities to ensure the safety of the young people, including whistle blowing. Training is provided in child protection for all care staff as part of their induction, and ongoing through the Children's Workforce Developmental Council (CWDC) training. Safeguarding is also a module for National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3 training. The Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures are available at the home for staff to refer as required. Young people feel safe living at the home and some stated, 'I trust all the staff at this home', 'this is the safest place I have lived in'. Other professionals comment on the excellent safeguarding practice that is evident at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff recognise that bullying can take place given the mix of young people, however, although there is an anti-bullying policy at the home, a practice known as restorative justice is carried out. This involves getting the young person committing acts of bullying to discuss the outcomes of their actions with other young people. This is regarded at the home as an effective approach, and currently there are no incidents of bullying reported by young people. The system involves the young people being part of the solution to the problem. This is excellent practice. Young people are positive about restorative justice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a procedure in place if a young person goes missing or does not return to the home at a specified time. A time limit is set for their return home during evenings, and young people are aware that the police are informed if staff are not notified of their whereabouts. All young people are interviewed on their return and asked if they wish to speak to someone independent 5 of 8 Inspection Report: SC034189 of the home. Staff focus their work on welcoming the young person back and acting with sensitivity. This is good practice and promotes their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Although all staff are trained in behaviour management that includes restraint techniques, there is an underlying philosophy at the home, indicating restraint is only rarely used. It is only as a last resort to protect a young person or member of staff. Records indicate that restraint has not been necessary and sanctions have similarly not been a feature because of the restorative system now in use. Staff regard this as a success and as some commented, 'we have lost it if we had to restrain for anything other than safety of the young person'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The safety systems at the home are maintained to a high operating standard and all appropriate checks of appliances are up to date. Fire safety records indicate that drills are held regularly and risk assessments to cover the home and activities are in place. These measures help to ensure the safety of the young people and staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The safeguarding of the young people, is enhanced by the robust recruitment and selection procedures operated at the home. All appropriate safety checks are carried out before appointments are confirmed. The manager ensures that references are verbally checked with the referees, and this is recorded in staff personnel files. This is good practice and is part of the overall process that keeps the young people safe. Young people are fully involved in the selection process and share in the decisions on appointment. This indicates a positive approach towards equality and diversity. The home has a good gender balance among the staff team.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The young people are provided with excellent support by staff. This includes individual support from key workers, who meet regularly with the young person to review progress. Where other support resources are identified with the young person, the key worker, with management approval, will seek out appropriate resources. Young people commented 'fantastic support from the staff, they are my family,' 'staff at this home are gold dust'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The educational support of the young people is exceptional. Staff take a strong proactive approach to ensure that the young people benefit from a sound education. Any attendance issues are managed by staff in partnership with the education of looked after children team (ELAC). Non school attendance is not accepted as an option at the home and staff are active in organising support for the young person in order to sustain school placements. This is excellent practice. There is evidence to confirm that some young people have benefited positively from staff support over their education. Care leavers have gone onto university and successfully graduated. Care leavers made some very positive comments about the support they received; 'I went onto university and got my degree thanks to staff at this home', 'I am going to study for a Master's degree thanks to the confidence given to me at this home'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Where English is not the primary language of some young people, staff have secured places at schools where extra support is provided. Support is further provided by staff who are proficient in speaking a language known to these young people. Staff hold the view that 'all young people can achieve academically'. This demonstrate a very positive approach to equality and diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. 6 of 8 Inspection Report: SC034189 This home is not generally used as an emergency resource, and therefore admissions are planned. Staff ensure that all information is provided before the placement takes place. This ensures that the placement is appropriate to meet the care needs of the young person. Case records, indicate that appropriate information is recorded to build up a running progress of how the placement is working. The statutory reviews of the placement take place as required by the Regulations. This ensures that the placement is appropriate. These reviews involve the young person and their family where appropriate. Contact arrangements are supported by staff, so as to enable the young people to maintain important links with their family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a proactive approach taken to ensure that young people have an ownership in the operational life at the home. They are included in the selection of new staff, decisions about holidays and trips out to places of interest and activity planning. The views of young people are sought through weekly meetings and periodic questionnaires. Daily contact between staff and young people, provides opportunities for consultation. Young people are encouraged to take an active role in their admission to the home, and when they are planning to move onto their next placement. This demonstrates a positive involvement of the young person in the planning process.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. Staff work continuously to prepare young people for their eventual move out of the home to their next placement. There is an acute awareness of the sensitivity, and at times anxiety, of young people as the planning for their departure accelerates. Strong support and keeping the young person involved and up to date with information is seen as vital. This is good practice. Staff at the home work regularly with the young people to improve their independence skills. This involves budgeting, shopping, cooking and how to access public facilities. One young person said, 'my key worker was always there to support me, I was scared about leaving'.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The home is modern in design and is very comfortably furnished throughout. Young people enjoy single room occupancy each with en-suite shower facilities. The communal lounge is spacious providing the young people with a comfortable place to socialise. Another lounge has computer facilities which is very popular and has internet connection. Offices are integral to the building, but these are separated from the communal areas used by the young people. This enhances the homely nature of those parts of the building used by the young people.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. There is a positive awareness and understanding at the home of the importance attached to equality and diversity. Staff are very proactive in supporting young people from an ethnic minority background. Meals prepared for special occasions reflect cultural diversity. Resources are provided to ensure that young people practice their religion. The children and young people are supported to achieve their potential socially and educationally. There is a recognition that the young people are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Education is seen as a means for young people to achieve their potential. No one is deemed unable to achieve, is the underlying philosophy at the home. One member of staff commented, 'young people can all achieve if given the right support'. 7 of 8 Inspection Report: SC034189 The aims and purpose of the home is clearly detailed in the statement of purpose. In addition

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Organisation

the young person's guide informs young people what they can expect from staff and the facilities at the home. The welcome pack given to each young person on arrival at the home, contains a range of important and useful information. This provides guidance about other resources they can access during their stay at the home.

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Organisation

The management positively support staff to undertake training and development opportunities. The home has achieved 80 per cent of staff who have gained the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3 in Caring for Children and Young people. This is excellent practice. All the management team have a management qualification. Supervision and appraisal systems are in place, and training and development, are now an agenda item at each formal supervision session. This means that the young people are cared for by a well trained and competent team of staff, who are well managed. Staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities to provide a safe caring environment for the young people.

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Organisation

The home is provided with a proactive leadership who along with staff, strive to offer high quality care for the young people, managers stated that; 'we owe it to our young people to ensure only the best care for them'. The management team work well together providing the staff with effective support and supervision. Key records are monitored each month by managers to ensure that outcomes for the children are being achieved. In addition, monthly quality assurance checks are carried by a manager independent of the home. Case records are well maintained, and these clearly indicate if outcomes are achieved for the young people concerned. Files contain appropriate information, however, these are becoming bulky and this is to be reviewed by the manager. Staff at the home work effectively as a team, to ensure that the young people are safeguarded and their care needs are met. This additionally means that the

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Organisation

young people are supported to develop as good citizens.

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Organisation

The home led by a strong management team, who strive to continually develop staff skills through training and experience of day to day work with the young people. There is a strong culture of excellence.

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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 a written record is kept of all medication given to children, giving date and time the medication was administered (NMS 13.2) 8 of 8 Inspection Report: SC034189

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