Children's Home run by Reflexion Care Group Limited in Shropshire

SC366090 Unique reference number 10 November 2009 Inspection date Dawn Taylor 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 5 Inspection Report: SC366090

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is registered to accommodate two young people, of the same gender, with an age range from 12 years up until their 18th birthday.

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Brief description of the service

The home is rurally situated in a small village but is within easy commuting distance of a large town. This detached home is set in its own enclosed garden.

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Summary

This inspection was an interim visit. The inspection focused on the arrangements for keeping young people safe. The young people were involved in the inspection process.

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Summary

The overall quality rating for this setting is good, with an outstanding outcome judgement for staying safe. Young people live in a home that proactively and effectively safeguards and protects their welfare. Staff have a professional focus on matters relating to young peoples' protection and the manager provides strong leadership that consistently promotes an environment where safety is important. 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

There were no actions or recommendations made in the last inspection report. The home continues to monitor and improve the quality of care provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The continuing promotion of young peoples' safety and wellbeing is outstanding. Staff approach their role and responsibilities in a conscientious and professional manner. There are clear policies, procedures and staff guidance on promoting safeguarding and privacy, managing challenging behaviour, preventing absence without permission and addressing concerns and incidents of bullying. These policies and an established programme of training underpins strong working practices that keep young people safe. For example, the company has made a commitment to ensure all their Registered Managers complete local authority training for designated safeguarding officers. The company's training department has also been proactive in coordinating staff training with the local authority for all independent sector children's services.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff continue to be proactive at supporting young people to develop strategies for improving behaviour and coping with difficult situations. As a result, the use of physical interventions and consequences are consistently low, even for young people who have moved to the home with historically high incident rates. One young person stated, 'this is an outstanding home, much better than my previous children’s home. I know how to complain but I haven’t needed to. The staff here are good at listening. They are lively, enthusiastic and fun. They are interested 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC366090 in me and spend more time with me than the staff in the other home. I haven’t been restrained since joining the home and I have only had one consequence, which was fair'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are well equipped to support young people through difficult emotional times because they receive comprehensive mandatory training that includes transactional analysis, attachment disorder and cognitive behavioural therapy as well as de-escalation and physical intervention training. Young people and staff are further supported by a team of therapists, employed by the company, who have a therapeutic base but will also visit young people in their home and who attend all staff meetings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young peoples' safety is promoted by a clear health and safety policy, which ensures risks are identified and appropriate action is taken to manage and reduce them. Young people and staff are involved in fire drills and there are regular checks on all fire and electrical equipment to ensure it is in good working order. All staff are appropriately trained in health and safety matters including first aid and fire awareness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Records relating to staff recruitment and selection were checked at the company's headquarters in October 2009. The company's recruitment and selection process is robust and the procedure undertakes checks over and above those required in the children's homes regulations.

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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: SC366090

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