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

SC034235 Unique reference number 2 November 2009 Inspection date Michael McCleave 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: SC034235

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Brief description of the service

This is a local authority children's home and is registered to provide care and accommodation for up to six young people of either gender, aged from 13 years old up to 17 years old, who have emotional or behavioural difficulties.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a detached property, situated within a short distance of local amenities and public transport facilities are close by. Downstairs, there is a kitchen, an open plan dining room, kitchenette and lounge, a games room and quiet room/meeting room. Upstairs, there are six single bedrooms, two bathrooms, computer room and another lounge/meeting room.

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Brief description of the service

There is a driveway, car parking space and surrounding gardens.

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Summary

This inspection looked at the progress the home has made with the recommendations made at the last inspection. These related to staff training and educational provision for young people. The outcome areas of being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic well being and organisation were not looked at during this inspection. The manager has taken appropriate action to resolve previous recommendations. The safeguarding of young people was the focus of this inspection. 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

The manager was asked to ensure that education plans for individual young people were in place and to provide the staff with training opportunities in working with children who have complex behavioural needs. The manager has taken appropriate steps to comply with the recommendations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Privacy and confidentiality are positively promoted at this home. The young people have the opportunity to enjoy private time either in their own bedrooms, or in the quiet room. Records are kept secure in the office and staff are aware of their responsibilities in this area. This enhances the safeguarding of the young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a robust complaints procedure. Young people know how to use the complaints procedure and information is freely available around the home. They are confident that any issues or concerns are dealt with appropriately and are informed about the outcome of any complaint made.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a clear awareness among staff about their responsibilities to ensure that young people are safe. All new staff are required to complete the Children's Workforce Development Council 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC034235 training (CWDC) which includes a child protection module. In addition, child protection training is available through a computer programme for staff to complete as an integral part of their ongoing professional development. There is currently however, an issue over the capacity of the IT system to enable staff to access this training. Positive links have been established with the local community police team, who work closely with the home to promote personal safety among the young people. This is very good practice. The home has been successful in obtaining approval from senior management, for the appointment of an extra team leader who will take responsibility for safeguarding matters.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Any issue of bullying at the home is responded to by staff in a proactive way. The restorative justice approach is used successfully to manage these situations. This involve the perpetrator and victim in a face to face discussion. Any information about bullying taking place, is passed over at each shift handover to ensure staff are aware of the issue. Risk assessments are carried out to identify young people who are subject to bullying and the strategy formulated to manage these situations. This is good practice and promotes the safety of the young person concerned. Young people who go missing without authority are protected by a robust procedure. This includes a protocol with the local community police team who will respond to any request for assistance based on a risk assessment of the young person.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The management of behaviour among the young people is based on respect and discussion through the restorative justice approach practiced at the home. The aim is to engage with the young people about any challenging behaviour that will cause disruption. This has proved to be a very successful approach and young people express confidence in the system. The home was commended for the way the restorative approach is used, during the recent visit of a government minister.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The recruitment and selection of staff is robust and appropriate checks are carried out before appointments are confirmed. The manager is responsible for the process and young people are fully involved in the selection procedure. This is very good practice.

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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. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC034235

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC034235

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