Children's Home run by Crystal Care Solutions Limited in Stoke-on-Trent

SC367551 Unique reference number 24 February 2010 Inspection date Susan Mullin Inspector Random Type of Inspection

p.1

2 September 2009 Date of last inspection .

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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: SC367551

p.3

Brief description of the service

The service is a children's home that is registered to care for three young people from the age of eight to under 18 years old on admission, who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home offers the opportunities for the young people to develop socially acceptable skills and gain an understanding of independence.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The home is a modern three-storey detached house close to local amenities. To the rear of the building there is a small garden with a conservatory, and there is parking space for two cars on the front driveway.

p.4

Brief description of the service

At the time of the inspection two young people were living at the home. Both were at school and not available to speak to the inspector.

p.4

Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection. The outcome areas of being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution, and economic well-being were not looked at during this inspection. Standards in relation to staying safe and the progress in relation to the previous action set in the organisation outcome area were inspected. This judgement will be reviewed at the home's next full inspection when all key national minimum standards will be re-assessed.

p.4

Summary

This service promotes self-respect for young people, and staff work creatively to reduce risk and manage challenging needs. Young people are valued within the home and there are good outcomes for care. Staff work with professionals, parents and young people to make excellent, active, inclusive plans for their lives. Young people know there is a plan for them and are involved in it. Staff are skilled and roles and responsibilities are clear. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

One action made at the last inspection related to ensuring that 80% of staff have the National Vocational Qualification in Caring for Children and Young People; this is well on its way to being met. Progress on this will be checked at the next inspection.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people are effectively safeguarded in a homely environment. Young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour and develop a level of trust that reduces the need for permanent staff supervision. Young people's privacy is promoted by the provision of personal space and staff knocking on bedroom doors before entering. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC367551 The safeguarding of young people is promoted by the company's policies and procedures. These have been developed in line with regulatory requirements and good practice in areas of child protection that include countering bullying, effective behaviour management and dealing with missing persons. Staff safeguard young people by knowing the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children Board that includes how to recognise signs of abuse. The company provides regular and ongoing staff training. The home ensures the safety of young people by

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

having robust reporting systems in place, to notify relevant authorities about significant events including any absences of young people without permission.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff at the home base their management of young people's behaviour on the active encouragement of acceptable conduct and adapting the staffing levels accordingly. Staff are explicit with young people about what the behavioural expectations are and generally such openness receives a favourable response. Young people are always treated with positive regard and respect. There is a minimal need for the use of sanctions or physical intervention and young people are encouraged to analyse the reasons for their challenging behaviour, to enable them to work on changing it for the better. Staff receive training in behaviour management including the minimal and safe use of physical restraint, which is refreshed annually.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home reviews any potential dangers to the care of young people, by implementing a comprehensive range of recorded risk assessments. These include the risk from fire and hazards, from young people's behaviour and from recreational outdoor activities. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly to take into account changes to routine, environment and staffing levels.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff respond effectively to any concerns or complaints young people living at the home may have. This is demonstrated by an effective child-centred procedure. The complaints policy and procedures, along with contacts for children's advocates, are summarised in the young person's guide to the home. The home employs effective systems for the monitoring of all visitors to the home. No stranger is allowed unsupervised access to the home and all visitors are monitored while in the home.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. The requirement for 80% of staff to have the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Caring for Children and Young People is well on its way to being met. Of the five members of staff employed in the home, two have completed NVQ at level 4, one is awaiting certification for level 3 and the other two are in the process of completing the course. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC367551

p.5

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.

p.6

Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC367551

p.6