Children's Home, Residential special school run by Rowden House School Limited in Herefordshire

SC035625 Unique reference number 2 June 2009 Inspection date Julian Mason / Martha Nethaway Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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22 September 2008 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 9 Inspection Report: SC035625

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Brief description of the service

The service is an independent 52 week residential school approved under the Education Act 1981. The school is registered to accommodate up to 44 boys and girls aged between 11 and 18 years of age. The school provides education and care for pupils whose special educational needs are recognised as benefiting from this integrated provision.

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Summary

This was a full unannounced inspection that concentrated on key National Minimum Standards. 43 young people were living at the school at the time of the inspection. The inspection focused on areas relating to being healthy, staying safe, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, achieving economic wellbeing and how staffing and management arrangements supported the operation of the school.

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Summary

The overall judgement for this service is good. Young people's care and health is well promoted and they are provided with focused, individualised support that meets their assessed needs. There are good systems and procedures in place to keep each young person safe and protected from harm. Staff are clear about their role and responsibilities regarding the care and support they provide to young people. Young people's views and opinions are taken into account in relation to day-to-day living arrangements, wider school and family life. Managers are continually monitoring the operation of the school and they use this information effectively to develop and improve services. 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

At the last inspection the school was asked to ensure that: each young person's privacy and confidentiality is respected, health plans are updated and reflect young people's needs, accommodation is free from unpleasant odours and smells, all staff working at the school have completed the necessary checks regarding their suitability to work with young people. These actions have been completed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

One action has been repeated from the last visit and this relates to the variability of the school's records regarding the use of sanctions.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young people are provide with good quality food, they enjoy a varied diet and are able to choose from a mixed menu that is regularly reviewed. The provision of food has improved as a result of the school re-organising its catering provision. The changes are viewed positively and this is largely as a result of improved communication and consultation which has provided young people with a greater influence regarding quality and choice. These arrangements are supported by staff who demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles of healthy eating and this also includes areas relating to cooking and food safety. 4 of 9 Inspection Report: SC035625 Good efforts are made to help young people choose their meal options through the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Staff actively encourage this level of engagement which promotes the importance of communication when choosing food. Special diets and

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Helping children to be healthy

vegetarian options are provided for as well as foods from around the world which are usually part of well-organised themed cultural events. Staff work hard to create a positive atmosphere at mealtimes so that young people have an enjoyable and sociable experience. Some young people have the opportunity to prepare and cook simple meals as part of their independent living skills programme.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young people lead healthy lives and are provided with good levels of support. Each young person has a comprehensive health assessment which helps inform staff about their needs. Staff ensure young people have regular access to dentists, opticians and GP services. A doctor visits the school on a monthly basis to help address any particular health related needs. The school nursing team have in place a continuous process of health monitoring to ensure general and specific needs are being met. In particular, the monitoring and evaluation of the school's responses to epilepsy and food allergies is very good. Young people have access to services from a multi-disciplinary team and this means that areas relating to emotional and physical health are addressed thoroughly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Staff working at the school are able to manage medication safely. They receive training in relation to administering medication and the nursing team carry out formal competency assessments of individual staff. This arrangement impacts positively on outcomes for young people because staff are secure in their knowledge and level of responsibility. Where medication discrepancies occur there is a formal investigation process in place to review events and staff practice. Recent findings from two investigations have been used by the school to strengthen medication routines. The aim of the school is to improve and enhance day-to-day practice so the impact on young people from any medication errors are minimised and not repeated.

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Helping children to be healthy

A new system has been introduced that allows staff to have a more unified medication storage, handling and administration process. The nurse team carry out robust, internal bi-monthly audits to check that staff are complying with the school’s operational procedures. This arrangement helps to promote and protect young people's health and safety. Care staff demonstrate a professional approach to medication practices. They are managing some very complex medication needs and the promotion of safety is clearly understood. The school's records are good and reflect that young people are receiving their medication according to prescription instructions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people are provided with staff who ensure that the school is a safe place to be. There is a good awareness of young people's needs and the home's records reflect important information that is used to continually assess any risks or safeguarding concerns. There is a very clear procedure in place for responding to child protection and safe care concerns and managers have made several referrals to the local safeguarding team. Any incidents or allegations are dealt with appropriately and effectively. The school works within a multi-agency framework as outlined in organisational policies to ensure young people are protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an obvious transparency with regard to child protection matters that may occur in any of the residential units. The school has a very good relationship with the local safeguarding 5 of 9 Inspection Report: SC035625 team which results in the continuous evaluation of the service's arrangements and responses to child protection matters. These circumstances are reinforced by induction and refresher training for all staff in a number of key practice areas that relate to keeping young people safe. For instance, staff learn about what constitutes a child protection concern and who to report it to, the safe use of communal transport is another important area as well as how to respond to fire and other emergencies. Ensuring staff are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to manage challenging behaviour safely is also an area of focused and repeated training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are supported and encourage to develop appropriate social interactions and relationships. Staff provide close supervision to each young person so they are fully supported with their social development. Staff intervene quickly if any inappropriate behaviour is displayed and this helps to protect young people from being bullied.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Each young person is provided with behavioural support that is based on their assessed needs and risks. The school has a multi-disciplinary approach to designing and implementing behavioural support plans. Young people's needs in this area are well supported by knowledgeable practitioners from psychology, speech and language therapy and health. These arrangements have been strengthened by the addition and involvement of an occupational therapist and a MAPA coordinator (Management of Actual or Potential Aggression). Together with frontline staff such as teachers and key worker's, intervention plans are shaped according to young people's needs. This approach continues to be developed with additional analysis and scrutiny of methods used so all staff can be informed about practice issues and areas for improvement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The promotion of young people's safety and protection is also clearly reflected in other key areas of the school's operation. For instance, young people's privacy is respected and confidential information is managed and stored appropriately. Complaints are managed well because young people are encouraged to express themselves in their own way and staff listen and respond to them by promoting their views and resolving their concerns. Staff adapt their responses and arrangements to ensure any risks relating to absconding behaviour are minimised. There are good health and safety systems in place to ensure the school environment is safe. The vetting of new staff is very good and the school carry out checks over and above what is required. Most managers have attended new safer recruitment practice training and this is an example of the school strengthening recruitment and selection processes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young people are being suitably supported because the school's services and professional staff are organised and coordinated to ensure participation in daily events and routines is maximised. Staff expectations of each young person's social engagement is high and this helps to combate social exclusion or discrimination. The residential routines and approach fully supports young people in developing both their life skills and educational attainment. Pragmatic working partnerships between teachers and care staff offer good consistency and continuity for young people throughout the whole day. The school continues to review the operational relationships between teaching and care staff to make the best use of learning and educational opportunities. For instance, learning and development targets are planned and reviewed regularly but not necessarily coordinated between teaching and care staff. Managers are looking to integrate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

6 of 9 Inspection Report: SC035625 care and educational targets more effectively so young people can benefit from a more coordinated approach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young people are treated as individuals and the school's records reflect information about their needs that is unique and representative of their backgrounds, identity, culture and religion. In addition, staff with support from therapists have a clear focus on enabling and developing each young person's approach to communicating with others that does not discriminate or exclude them from any part of school life. The use of communication aids such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is flexible and evolves according to each young person's communication needs. The use of aids and adaptations are also used to enable young people's participation in daily life and support their independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Young people's support and care needs are satisfactorily identified. Although the school use a placement plan format it is not entirely clear from this document how young people's needs are being met. However, this information is supplemented by a more child friendly plan called ‘me and my life’. Young people are encouraged to be involved with developing this plan and actively contribute towards making this information personal and relevant to them. Managers recognise the difference in available information and have already begun the process of developing and improving the recording of placement plan information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Each young person's placement is being formally reviewed and monitored to ensure the school remains an appropriate place for them to be. Young people are consulted about their experiences of living at the school and this is done in various ways according to their preferred means of communication. This consultation is part of the school's wider and well-established approach of gaining the views and opinions of young people about many matters that affect their daily lives. These arrangements ensure that young people have a say in how the school is run.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people’s contact arrangements are clearly agreed with the placing authority and their families or carers. Staff look to actively facilitate contact so that young people's experiences are positive and meaningful. Staff provide valuable support that includes practical help with arranging accommodation, train and long car journeys. Key workers also ensure that young people send regular letters and correspondence to their families. Where it is agreed and appropriate, some young people have access to the internet and webcams and the use of this technology positively benefits young people's contact with their family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people are provided with suitable support when they move-in and leave the school. Staff use assessments and other relevant information to ensure that young people are fully supported to settle into their new accommodation and school routines. As young people prepare to leave the school, they are supported by well defined transition arrangements. Staff have effective relationships with Connexions and adult services. Transition plans that are in place including clear information about what the arrangements are for young people after the age of eighteen. The school is able to provide comprehensive and valuable information about young people’s specific circumstances and needs when their next placement is being planned for.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. 7 of 9 Inspection Report: SC035625 Young people are provided with accommodation that is clean, tidy, furnished and equipped to achieve a pleasant and practical living environment. The school is located in extensive grounds that include facilities and recreational areas that are consistent with the numbers living on the site. Staff always aim to provide the right internal environment to ensure the social and personal comfort of each young person is being met. There is an established programme of renewals and replacements and specific adaptations are made according to assessed needs and risks. Young people are able to personalise their own rooms with some being very unique and individualised.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Young people are provided with a range of opportunities, practical activities and domestic routines to help them develop their social and independent living skills. Staff are aware of individual social development targets and they have a good understanding of each young person’s abilities which helps provide tailored support to achieve identified goals.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Young people live in a school where there is effective management and organisation of its services. Managers know what the school does well and what areas need to be improved and developed. For instance, catering arrangements and domestic services have been reorganised, there is increased management oversight of two residential units, the head of care role has been temporarily filled to ensure line management accountability and responsibilities are clear. In addition, the therapy team has been strengthened, unit managers are gaining new qualifications and they have also moved into different residential units as part of a management reorganisation. The senior management team have a clear agenda on maintaining and improving services that are necessary in meeting each young person's needs. Many of the developments are viewed positively by staff and they can identify changes that have improved services to

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Organisation

There is plenty of essential information for young people, their parents and placing social workers about the school and its services. Staff rotas indicate that there are good levels of staffing to meet the needs of young people. Managers work hard to minimise the effects of using cover or agency staff when there are gaps in the staff rota. The aim of the school is to use staff already known to young people which aids and promotes continuity of their care. Residential staff complete a range of core training some of which is repeated on a regular basis to ensure key skills are refreshed and renewed. The school has a good commitment to train and qualify staff to an appropriate level that matches their role and responsibilities.

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Organisation

There are regular handover meetings between shift teams to ensure important information is shared about young people's daily needs. In addition, full team meetings take place so staff can reflect on their practice and to ensure that they are working consistently. However, staff meetings are variable in attendance and frequency, sometimes resulting in more adhoc arrangements that are less effective.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is good. The school has a range of policies that relate to equal opportunities, understanding diversity and anti-bullying. The school's documentation clearly states their ethos as one where all young people are treated as individuals with equal concern and consideration. The school welcomes referrals from any cultural, ethnic, racial or religious background and offers each young person a tolerant and respectful environment. 8 of 9 Inspection Report: SC035625 Young people are viewed positively and their involvement in school life is actively promoted and valued.

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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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Due date Action Standard

31 August 2009 ensure the child’s placement plan shows how, on a day to day basis, they will be cared for and how welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the home (Regulation 12) 31 July 2009 maintain an accurate and up to date record of measures of control used (Regulation 17).

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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 staff meetings occur at least monthly and include discussion of both the school’s work in caring for individual young people and the management of the current group together with the review of the schools’ practices. All meetings have an agenda and are minuted (National Minimum Standard 28). 9 of 9 Inspection Report: SC035625

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