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

SC034189 Unique reference number 4 January 2010 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: 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

This interim inspection looked at the progress the setting has made with the recommendation made at the last inspection. This related to the recording of medical information. Being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic wellbeing and organisation were not looked at during this inspection. The young people have their care needs very well met and their safety is promoted by staff who have been trained in child protection. There are robust systems in place, to ensure that staff appointed to work at the home, have been thoroughly checked before they commence work. There is a positive approach taken by staff, to engage the young people in discussion about their behaviour using restorative justice. This works well and as a consequence, there is a good relationship between the staff and young people. 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 improve the way information was recorded in medicine administration records. This has been carried out and these records are completed in an appropriate manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The young people enjoy a high standard of accommodation where their rights to privacy is respected. They each have single occupancy bedrooms with modern en-suite facilities. Within the building there are places where young people can meet in private. Staff are aware of their responsibilities to ensure that information about young people is kept confidential. All records are stored in a secure office.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a positive approach taken by staff in respect of safeguarding the welfare of the young people. Although a formal complaints system is in place, most issues or concerns are dealt with informally through the restorative justice scheme. This involves staff and young people discussing issues and coming to a solution through consensus. Nevertheless, young people are aware of how to access the formal complaints procedure if they so choose. They can also access an independent advocacy support service. Staff have a clear understanding of their safeguarding responsibilities. They have been appropriately trained in child protection awareness. There are no current ongoing safeguarding issues and young people feel safe living at this home. One 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC034189 young person commented that: 'I really feel safe living here', another said, 'there are no worries for young people at this home, staff take really good care of us.'

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are alert to the risk of bullying taking place and the restorative approach is used to discuss with the perpetrator the effect on the victim. The vigilance of staff and the use of restorative justice, has had a positive effect on reducing the incidence of bullying at the home. Discussions take place between the young people and staff about diversity and cultural differences with an emphasis on living together in harmony. This is excellent practice and promotes the safety and care of young people. It additionally demonstrates a positive approach to equality and diversity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are robust procedures in place to manage situations when a young person is missing. The most common reasons for absences, are young people choosing to stay out with friends without authority. Staff work with individual young people to try and reduce the cycle of incidents of unauthorised absences. This is good practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff work successfully with the young people to encourage socially acceptable behaviour within and outside of the home. This is based on discussion and dialogue rather than resorting to physical restraint. Sanctions are regarded by young people as fair. There is an appreciation among young people that staff can be trusted and they confirm that staff treat them fairly. Although behaviour management training is provided for staff, restraint is rarely used and only to protect a young person from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Health and safety is appropriately addressed and a range of risk assessments are in place including individual assessments for young people. These records are clear and identify the actions required to reduce the risk of harm to young people within the home and on community based trips and activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A robust recruitment and selection procedure is in operation and staff appointed are subject to rigorous checks before an appointment is confirmed. It is standard practice for the manager, to carry out a verbal confirmation with referees and to ensure that full criminal record bureau (CRB) checks are clear. The manager has been trained in safer recruitment. This is very good practice and enhances the safeguarding of young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The young people are cared for by an experienced team of staff who work well to ensure the safety and well being of all the young people.

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Organisation

The organisation is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC034189

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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

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC034189

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