Children's Home run by Somerset County Council in Somerset

SC030439 Unique reference number 21 July 2009 Inspection date David Kidner Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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6 January 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: SC030439

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to provide a short break service for up to eight children and young people of both sexes with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties from the age of 13 years up to the age of 18 years. At present some children and young people reside permanently at the home.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a large purpose built detached bungalow located close to local facilities and services. The accommodation is arranged into four distinct living areas comprising of two separate single bedroom self contained flats and two other larger living areas. Each larger living area has all appropriate facilities and has four single bedrooms. There are adequate bathing and toilet facilities throughout the home and the home is decorated and furnished to a good standard.

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Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection and the main purpose of the inspection was to ascertain the progress that the home has made in meeting the action and recommendations made at the last inspection. These have been met.

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Summary

At the time of the inspection the key standards under staying safe were assessed and some key standards under being healthy and organisation were also assessed.

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Summary

The home continues to provide a good quality service to the children and young people it supports. 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

Since the last inspection all staff now receive fire drill training with detailed records kept. The home's recording systems in relation to fire safety have been reviewed and are much more accessible and user friendly.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Health care plans have been reviewed and the home strives to ensure appropriate information is provided and recorded appropriately.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Bathing and toilet facilities are more homely in appearance and blinds have been fitted to further promote privacy. Some areas have been redecorated and child friendly and homely touches added. The en-suite facility in one self-contained flat has been improved.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The home has robust systems for the management of medicines. Systems have been developed between the home and the families of children and young people, to ensure that their medication needs are updated and then amendments are made to the home's recording and monitoring systems. Staff receive specialist training in the administration of certain medicines from the appropriate healthcare professional. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC030439

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home continues to promote privacy and confidentiality. All bathing and toilet facilities have appropriate locks fitted. Children and young people have access to a telephone in order to make calls in private.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The service has a robust complaints procedure. There has been one recorded complaint since the last inspection and this was satisfactorily resolved.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are detailed policies and procedures to promote the safety and welfare of children and there has been no matters relating to child protection. Staff receive mandatory child protection training and refresher training when needed. The home keeps good records pertaining to this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is not an issue at the home. Staff are vigilant in this matter and staffing levels are constantly reviewed to ensure that more vulnerable children are appropriately supported whilst staying at the service.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has not notified all the appropriate agencies of all of the significant events in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are detailed policies and procedures in relation to sanctions, behaviour management and the use of physical intervention and good records are kept of the use of restraint and sanctions. Minimal sanctions are imposed and the restraint log is audited by the registered manager for the effectiveness and consequence of restraint used. Behaviour management guidelines are developed for individual children and young people and regularly reviewed. All staff receive training in de-escalation and restraint.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Health and safety and fire safety is promoted in the home. However, it was noted that some recommendations have been made following an electrical periodic service and the annual service of the boiler and heating system has expired. The home took action at the time of the inspection to address these matters.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The service has a robust recruitment process.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home's statement of purpose has been reviewed to reflect recent changes in the service and the young person's guide is presented in an appropriate format. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC030439 The home ensures that staff are well trained and competent to meet the needs of the children and young people. Staff receive specialist training as and when required and there are good recording and monitoring systems in relation to staff training.

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Organisation

The care and welfare of the children and young people who access the service is continually monitored and adapted as necessary.

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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 that all appropriate agencies are notified of all significant events in the home (NMS20) • ensure that the recommendations following the recent electrical periodic inspection are acted upon and the boiler and central heating system are serviced (NMS26). 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC030439

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