Children's Home run by Pathway Care Solutions Ltd in Nottinghamshire

SC390190 Unique reference number 17 March 2010 Inspection date Dawn Taylor 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: SC390190

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Brief description of the service

This children's home operates out of a newly-built home on the outskirts of a city centre. It offers care and accommodation for three children and young people with emotional or behavioural problems between the ages of eight and 17 years. Three young people currently reside at the home but did not participate in the inspection process because they were in education.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a detached house with a lounge, dining room, activity room and kitchen on the ground floor and three bedrooms, a bathroom and office on the first and second floors. Two bedrooms have en-suite facilities. The office is also a staff sleeping-in room. There is a small enclosed garden and patio area at the rear of the property. The home is within walking distance of shops and a there is a regular bus service into the city centre.

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Summary

This inspection was an announced interim visit. The inspection focused on the arrangements for keeping children and young people safe and previous recommendations.

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Summary

The overall quality rating for this setting remains good, with a good outcome judgement for staying safe. Children and young people live in a home that proactively safeguards and protects their welfare. The staff team continue to meet a complex range of needs using strategies that meet each individual's aims and objectives. 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

Five recommendations were made at the last inspection and all have been met. The provider was asked to consult with the local fire authority with regards to fire precaution measures, specifically with regard to propping open fire doors. The guidance given by the local fire authority has been adhered to, with amendments to the home's risk assessment, staff practice and a revised development plan. Written records are now being kept of all treatment and first aid given to children and young people, as well as a record of staff actually working in the home. Since the last inspection a new dining room table has been purchased and the home's manager continues to ensure that any furniture or equipment that is damaged is repaired promptly. The home's manager was also asked to ensure that any measures of control are consistently applied. This has been met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and young people's welfare continues to be protected by staff who strive to promote and assist them to understand risk and stay safe. Staff are provided with a range of written procedures and training that informs their practice and ensures they work in partnership with appropriate agencies. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC390190 There is an effective mechanism in place for addressing complaints. Children and young people are encouraged to voice their concerns if they are unhappy about any aspect or experience at the home. Records show that staff are professional with their judgement and clear when a complaint should be referred as a safeguarding concern.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is not identified as a problem at the home. Bullying is totally unacceptable and is challenged on an individual and group basis when encountered. Staff are committed to ensuring that bullying in all its forms will be addressed, however, this is not reflected in the anti-bullying policy where issues relating to mobile phone use and cyber bullying are not addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff reinforce positive behaviour and this helps children and young people to develop self-esteem and self-belief. Children and young people are encouraged and supported to behave in ways that will sustain them in the community once they have achieved independence. Staff are focused on providing behavioural boundaries that are fair and easily understood by the children and young people. Rewards and privileges are available when children and young people are successful at completing tasks, routines and targets.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people who are absent from the home without permission are reported correctly to the external agencies. Staff do their best to locate them. Staff maintain open communication with the local police and clear records are maintained of all action taken to locate and find children and young people. Staff ensure that safe and well checks take place when children and young people return to the home by social workers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people are living in a safely managed home. Fire safety tests are undertaken within the appropriate timescales; a fire risk assessment has been completed and staff have received fire safety training. The manager reviews risk assessments on a regular basis or when new risks are identified, to ensure all are being protected from hazards. The safety of children and young people is given priority by staff who demonstrate a good understanding of the need to promote independence whilst managing risks. Although there is staff guidance and risk assessment formats, risk assessment are not being undertaken with regard to activities and trips and this potentially puts children, young people and staff at risk.

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Organisation

The organisation is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC390190

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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 there is an anti-bullying policy that includes strategies for countering cyber bullying (NMS 18.2) • ensure risk assessments relating to activities are carried out, recorded in writing and regularly reviewed (NMS 26.2). 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC390190

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