Children's Home run by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in East Riding of Yorkshire

SC035543 Unique reference number 10 March 2010 Inspection date Nicola McEvinney Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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2 November 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 5 Inspection Report: SC035543

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is a large three storey, detached house set in a residential area. The town centre, with all associated amenities and shops, is a short walking distance from the home. The home is owned by a local authority, and can provide residential care for up to six young people of either gender, aged between 14 years and 17 years on admission.

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Brief description of the service

All young people have their own bedrooms, situated on the first and second floors. There are sufficient bathrooms to meet the needs of the young people.

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Brief description of the service

There is a large lounge, a separate dining room and a newly refurbished kitchen. The home also has a computer area, a laundry room and good sized gardens.

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Summary

The purpose of this unannounced interim inspection was to check on the progress of the recommendation raised at the last inspection and to ensure that the young people are kept safe.

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Summary

This is a good home. Young people are cared for by a competent staff team who are committed to providing them with good life experiences.

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Summary

There has been an extensive refurbishment of the home creating a comfortable and homely environment for the young people.

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Summary

There were no requirements or recommendations made at this inspection. 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 home has met the recommendation made at the last inspection. Fire drills are held at night ensuring staff and young people know what action to take in the event of a fire occurring at this time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's files are kept securely to ensure confidentiality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people know how to make a complaint and they are encouraged to air grievances at house meetings to seek a collective resolution.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are vigilant in ensuring young people do not access inappropriate internet sites. This issue is discussed with young people to ensure that they are aware of the dangers. All permanent staff have attended safeguarding training and sessional staff have accessed on-line safeguarding training. This helps to ensure that young people are kept safe. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC035543 Staff address bullying behaviour and work with perpetrators to try and change behaviours. Young people are encouraged to report any incidents of bullying. A record is kept of this and ensures that there is close monitoring.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are individual protocols in place advising staff what action to take in the event of a young person failing to return when expected. Staff are proactive if they suspect a young person may be at risk and encourage young people to return to the home. Staff will collect young people under these circumstances ensuring their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Each young person has a behaviour management plan identifying their behaviour with strategies in place to manage these behaviours; this ensures a consistent approach. The home is adopting a restorative justice approach and this is having a positive effect on the behaviour of the young people. Staff address young people's anti-social behaviour in a calm and measured way ensuring behaviours do not escalate. A number of restraints and sanctions are recorded. These are appropriate and young people are encouraged to make comment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk assessments are in place for each young person. The premises and activities clearly identify any risks with strategies in place to minimise this risk. Fire records are in good order with drills held regularly, including at night ensuring all staff and young people know what action to take in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The identity of visitors is checked to ensure that only authorised people have access to the home.

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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. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC035543

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