Children's Home run by Lifeworks Charity Limited in Devon

SC003792 Unique reference number 29 July 2009 Inspection date Christina Maddison 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: SC003792

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Brief description of the service

The service is a purpose built respite and residential service, situated in a rural area. It is registered to provide seven respite, and two long stay residential beds for children and young people aged between five and 21 years old who have learning disabilities and may also have physical disabilities.

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Brief description of the service

The accommodation is provided on two floors and a passenger lift is provided for the children to reach the first floor. All bedrooms are single rooms, and there is plenty of communal space provided. The service benefits from being situated next to a school that many of the children who use the service attend. The children have the use of the school playing fields and hydro pool. All children are staffed on a one to one basis and are encouraged to access a range of fulfilling activities.

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Brief description of the service

One area of the service is for two long stay residential places. These bedrooms are sited in a separate area of the building and have their own facilities.

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Summary

This inspection was a random unannounced inspection that focused on the outcome area of staying safe, and the actions and recommendations from the previous key inspection. The registered manager was present in the home throughout the inspection, as were three service users and four members of the care staff. The children are unable to articulate their views due to their disabilities, but appeared relaxed and happy. The manager and the staff at the service have worked hard to meet all of the actions and recommendations from the previous inspection. There have been further improvements to the environment, and the service now benefits from a fully equipped garden area, and well equipped sensory room.

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Summary

Feedback from parents whose children use the service continues to praise the commitment of the staff and it is clear that parents really value the respite service.

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Summary

There have been no actions or recommendations made from 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

At the last inspection the provider was asked to site the complaints book in office to ensure confidentiality. A suggestion box is now in the lobby and a new complaints procedure is in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was also asked to record the length of physical interventions. This is now being recorded.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The names of staff who have taken part in a fire drill are now being recorded.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Written references are now being followed up by telephone for new staff.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The children's guide to the home is now being produced in an accessible format. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC003792

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff respect the privacy and dignity of the children and young people when undertaking intimate personal care tasks. Confidential files are safely locked away to ensure the security of the children and young people's personal information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safeguarding procedures in place are robust, and the manager is knowledgeable about the procedures to follow regarding safeguarding. Staff have undertaken safeguarding training, and are knowledgeable about their responsibilities and the procedures in place in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The complaints procedure has been recently updated, and complainants can be sure that their complaints will remain confidential and will be dealt with in a thorough and comprehensive manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff at the home have a zero tolerance regarding bullying, although this has not been an issue in the home as the children and young people enjoy one to one staffing ratios.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Unauthorised absences are extremely rare, because of the high levels of individualised support and the general lack of independent mobility of the children and young people who use the service. However, there is an unauthorised absence procedure in place for staff to follow should this occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Any undesirable behaviour displayed by the children and young people is managed sensitively by the staff, and positive behaviour is encouraged and modelled by staff. Physical interventions are used as a last resort and are rarely used. These interventions are appropriately recorded. Staff are appropriately trained in safe holding techniques.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are trained in fire prevention and evacuation procedures to ensure the safety of the children and young people. Night time practices take place, and a member of staff is tasked with fire safety on each shift. Health and safety is a priority in the home for the manager and staff, and records show that disability equipment, electrical appliances and gas appliances are regularly serviced and undergo safety checks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are robust risk assessments in place in the home for individual children and young people, the building and for activities and outings outside of the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures are in place to ensure that only suitable persons are employed. Appropriate checks and interviews are undertaken with prospective staff. The visitors' book demonstrates safe practice and only authorised visits.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC003792

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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: SC003792

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