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

SC389830 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 6 Inspection Report: SC389830

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Brief description of the service

This children’s home is registered to accommodate one young person, male or female, with an age range from 10 up until their 18 birthday.

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Brief description of the service

It is rurally situated on the outskirts of a village a few miles from a large town. The detached house is set back from a main road and has been upgraded and refurbished for its current purpose. The home is set in its own enclosed garden.

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Brief description of the service

The home is intended to provide a high degree of personalised care for one young person presenting challenging behaviour who cannot be placed with peers. It operates a permanent two-to-one staffing ratio.

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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 peoples' safety and wellbeing continues to be effectively and consistently promoted by a professional staff team. It is the view of the young people living at this home that the service continues to be outstanding. 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. 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.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are actively encouraged to improve their awareness and understanding about how to keep themselves safe and to develop strategies for improving behaviour and coping with difficult situations. As a result the use of physical intervention and consequences are consistently low. 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. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC389830 There have been no complaints or incidents of bullying behaviour but young people are well informed and know how to address concerns and make a complaint. They also know their rights to privacy and confidentiality and that bullying behaviour will not be tolerated. One young person stated 'I haven’t had to make a complaint. Staff are good at listening and respecting

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

me. There is equal respect. You earn that respect. If I don’t show them respect they won’t show respect back, they still respect me but they withhold it'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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

Young people enjoy living at the home and recognise their achievements. A key strength of this service is its celebration of key events and successes in young peoples lives, which builds self-esteem and creates respect.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a strong understanding of the need to ensure safety whilst promoting and developing independence. Risk assessments are very comprehensive and regularly reviewed and audited by the home. All staff are appropriately trained in health and safety matters including first aid and fire awareness. Procedures of fire safety and the appropriate records of equipment tests and evacuations are well maintained.

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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. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC389830

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC389830

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