Children's Home run by Keys Care Limited in Cambridgeshire

SC370910 Unique reference number 8 March 2010 Inspection date Stella Henderson 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: SC370910

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Brief description of the service

This children’s home, owned by a private company, is registered for three young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, aged between 11 and 17 years. The home is domestic in style and set within a small housing estate.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a large detached house, providing spacious and comfortable communal facilities and three single bedrooms. There is an attractive wooded garden area to the front and rear of the property. Young people can easily access shops and community facilities in the vicinity, and a nearby city by public transport or transport provided by the home.

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Brief description of the service

Two young people were at the home at the time of this inspection and made their views known to the inspector.

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Summary

This unannounced interim inspection looked at the progress the home has made with regard to two recommendations raised at the last full inspection. The home has addressed these identified shortfalls and in doing so has enhanced the health and welfare of children.

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Summary

Staying safe was also re-inspected to assess the home's capacity to protect young people and promote their welfare. The home continues to provide a good standard of care in relation to safeguarding. Key national minimum standards (NMS) are met under this outcome and there are no weaknesses relating to safeguarding practice. 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 provider was asked to improve practice in relation to training staff in first aid and to ensure that there is a written development plan for the home. Evidence from this inspection demonstrates that these recommendations have been met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young people are protected because all members of staff have received first aid training and every shift is covered by someone who is competent to administer emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's privacy and dignity is respected. Information on young people is kept under secure lock and key and young people can have privacy whilst making telephone calls, or have use of their own mobile phones. The home is large enough for young people to have private space to themselves should they want it. The need for room searches is explained to young people and the reasons for staff entering their rooms is clearly documented. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC370910 One young person commented that they felt safe at the home and indicated that staff were good at supporting them. Staff are vigilant and display good levels of awareness of the individual behaviours of each young person and the impact this may have on others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff encourage good behaviour through discussion, negotiation and compromise. Individual behaviour management plans are in place and any sanctions are reasonable. Physical restraint is not used as a behaviour management tool.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Resident's meetings used to discuss any 'niggles' between young people and staff aim to resolve issues through informal means. An effective complaints procedure is in place however and any complaints from young people are responded to promptly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are settled and relaxed in their environment and no bullying or intimidating behaviour is evident. Staff are trained to identify such conduct and would address any such issues promptly. Young people choose not to run away from the home, but there are policies in place for staff to follow should a young person become absent without authority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home provides a safe environment for young people. A risk assessment approach applies to all aspects of care, and the known and likely activities of young people. Regular testing and maintenance of fire equipment and systems ensures that they remain in good working order. The home also ensures that young people are conversant with fire evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's safety within the home is further protected by good safeguarding practice, such as careful use of the visitor's book and suitable procedures for the recruitment and vetting of staff.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Young people benefit from the home having a written development plan in place which will cater for their future needs.

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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: SC370910

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