Children's Home run by Essex County Council in Essex

SC044975 Unique reference number 23 February 2010 Inspection date Kristen Judd Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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30 September 2009 Date of last 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: SC044975

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Brief description of the service

The service is owned and managed by the local authority. The home provides respite care and accommodation for 12 children aged between five and under 18 years old. The home accommodates children who have emotional or behavioural difficulties, learning or physical disabilities.

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Brief description of the service

The home is situated in a residential area. It is separated into three flats, each accommodating up to four children. Each flat comprises of a lounge with a television, kitchen, dining and bathrooms. Children have their own bedrooms. There are gardens to the rear of the building which are accessible from each of the flats. The gardens have both paved and grassed areas suitable for playing games. There are 12 children residing in the home at any one time.

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Summary

This is an unannounced, interim inspection. The findings from this interim inspection are supported by the full inspection undertaken in September 2009. This inspection has considered the progress the home has made in implementing the actions identified during the key inspection and has revisited the key standards under staying safe. The judgements under outcome areas: staying safe, enjoying and achieving, economic wellbeing and organisation were previously rated as outstanding.

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Summary

The practice in the home is child-focused, where children enjoy excellent supportive relationships with staff and are given individual help as required. The home is extremely well-run and provides a high quality of care with excellent outcomes for children. The overall quality rating is outstanding. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection the registered person was asked to make improvements to the health care plans. This issue has been addressed. Files contain comprehensive information of children's complex health issues and how those issues are to be met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Improvements were also required to improve the care plans, guidance on behaviour management and risk assessments. Significant improvements to the documentation in place which demonstrates that individual needs for children are assessed effectively and comprehensively.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The management of health care in the home is excellent. Details of children’s medical histories and their complex health needs are comprehensively identified and are recorded in their placement plans. Staff are continually monitoring children’s health needs and considers the effectiveness of the plans in place. This ensures that any action needed is highlighted in a timely manner, according to their individual needs. As this is a respite service children are registered with their own General Practitioner. Staff receive training in specialist health care tasks ensuring that they are competent. Appropriate assessments are in place for children with physical disabilities who require assistance with moving and handling, to ensure they are handled 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC044975 in a safe manner. Medical consent is sought from those with parental responsibility, ensuring

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Helping children to be healthy

that children can receive preventative and emergency treatment without delay.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. All the bedrooms are single and are used by the children throughout their stay. Staff are aware of those children that enjoy quiet time in their rooms or need time to relax after school as identified on individual placement plans. Children enjoy a good level of privacy relative to the care and support they require with personal care. Personal care is managed sensitively, discreetly and in private. Staff understand the importance of confidentiality and sharing information with others. Written information is kept securely in the staff office and conversations with children are held discreetly ensuring confidentiality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are given information, in different communication styles, to inform them about how to complain and how to access an independent advocate. No complaints have been received, however, the home is able to demonstrate that complaints are effectively responded to, investigated and managed. The service continues to receive compliments regarding the care and support given to children who use the service. One parent said 'your kindness, care and support has meant more than words can say.’ The Local Safeguarding Procedures are available to staff and they receive training in safeguarding which is relevant to their role. Staff are aware of how to respond to safeguarding issues in relation to receiving information and reporting to relevant authorities. The manager confirms that there have been no child protection issue since the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have an excellent level of understanding of the needs of the children and know when they are upset or are trying to express their views. Children are provided with the ability to communicate their needs, thoughts and feelings through a variety of communication aids which staff are expert in using. Children and staff have produced a bullying charter for the service which is on display. Staff are vigilant in their awareness of the whereabouts of children and the need to protect the children from putting themselves at risk from running off. Placement plans identifying the potential for some children to run off and clear guidance about action to be taken is in place for staff to follow when taking children into the community in order to keep them safe. Staff have access to procedures to follow if a child is deemed absent from the service.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are able to effectively work with children who may display challenging behaviour. Placement plans provide comprehensive behaviour management plans that indicate that measures of control strategies to develop positive relationships with children are in line with their individual needs and ability. Staff receive training in managing challenging behaviour and the use of alternative approaches to working with the children. Staff remind children of behaviour which is unacceptable on a regular basis. Where appropriate children are encouraged to develop positive behaviour through the use of rewards. It is evident that staff are very aware of the individual approaches and strategies used with each child so restraints are few in number. Consequences used may be, for example, a child being supported to make an apology or having ‘time out’. Records are well kept and are regularly assessed to ensure that they are appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children live in a building that is secure and maintained to a very high standard. Positive steps are taken to ensure that the children and staff are safe from the risk of fire and other hazards. For example, checks are undertaken on fire equipment. Health and Safety certificates are valid. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC044975 Children and staff participate in fire drills which are conducted monthly ensuring that they are familiar with the evacuation procedures. Records pertaining to health and safety are consistently well maintained. The manager confirmed that all matters in Schedule 2 of the Children's Homes Regulations 2001 are completed prior to employment and recorded on recruitment files. There are systems in place for visitors to be monitored whilst in the home ensuring that children are kept safe.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Placement plans are of a good standard and outline how needs will be met. For example, staff complete and regularly update placement plans following stays at the unit. The plans include clear guidance about specific aspects of care of the children, which ensures that staff have a consistent approach in providing care. The documents also include clear, detailed and achievable targets for children. Staff have an excellent knowledge of the individual needs of the children and are aware of how those needs should be met. The plans are supported by relevant risk assessments that are in place which promote children’s safety. Staff complete daily records which include information about the care and support given to a child. Care planning has greatly improved and is of a good standard.

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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: SC044975

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