Children's Home, Residential special school run by Overley Hall Limited in Telford and Wrekin

SC020558 Unique reference number 24 February 2010 Inspection date Martha Nethaway Inspector Random Type of Inspection

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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: SC020558

p.3

Brief description of the service

The school is registered to accommodate 22 children and young people from the ages of eight to under18 years. At the time of the inspection, 21 children and young people were being accommodated. The school provides education and care to children and young people who present with severe learning disabilities, challenging behaviours, autistic spectrum disorder and associated epilepsy. The school is approved and registered by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). The interior of the downstairs of the house is split into four main communal areas and these comprise of a large lounge, a kitchen and diner with adjoining bathroom and toilet facilities. The children and young people are grouped in terms of age and compatibility. The Lodge provides accommodation for young people with an age range from 16 to 18 years. The home's remit is to provide opportunities to develop independent living

p.4

Summary

This inspection was an interim unannounced visit. At the previous key inspection, the home was judged as achieving an overall good outcome. Staying safe, enjoying and achieving and economic well-being, positive contribution and organisation were judged good. Being healthy was judged as outstanding.

p.4

Summary

The outcome group for staying safe is judged at this inspection visit. Informal discussions were held with staff and management. Children and young people were present at the time of the inspection.

p.4

Summary

The overall quality rating remains good. Children and young people continue to receive a good standard of care.

p.4

Summary

There are no actions or recommendations being set as a result of this visit. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations set at the last visit.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and young people continue to live in a caring and safe environment. Staff understand their responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in their care. Staff are able to act on concerns and make an appropriate referral to the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Since the last inspection, there has been one child protection event, which is currently being concluded. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC020558 The home has in place suitable policies for addressing complaints, counteracting bullying, behaviour management and health and safety. This ensures that best practice is successfully adopted and that children and young people receive safe and effective care. Staff are provided with clear policies and procedures that cover safe care, privacy and confidentiality. This helps maintain the dignity and privacy of children and young people and therefore protecting their

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people are provided with good levels of staff supervision and their whereabouts are known at all times.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home requires all staff to be responsive to any difficulties encountered by children and young people living at the home. The home has good procedures in place for dealing with complaints. Records show the occurrence, content, and resolution of complaints, which indicates a transparent and professional approach is taken by the Registered Manager.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home effectively addresses bullying by ensuring that the policy is available and known to staff and children and young people. Staff ensure the policy is implemented, monitored and revised as necessary.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people learn appropriate ways of interacting with each other. Children and young people's challenging behaviours are confidently managed. Staff provide a supportive environment for children and young people that reflects their individual preferences, needs and strengths.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff understand that they are responsible for health and safety in relation to the children and young people under their supervision. Staff continue to use documented risk assessments effectively to demonstrate how children and young people are protected and that risks are minimised and managed safely. Children and young people are further protected because they have regular opportunities to participate in fire evacuation practices so that they know what to do in the event of an emergency.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home ensures that staff working at the home are deemed suitable to work with children and young people. Staff records checked show a consistent and sound approach to safe recruitment procedures.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC020558

p.5

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.

p.6

Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC020558

p.6