Children's Home run by Adeza Care Homes Limited in Waltham Forest

SC032468 Unique reference number 25 August 2009 Inspection date Sharon Lewis Inspector Key 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 10 Inspection Report: SC032468

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Brief description of the service

Adeza Care Homes Ltd owns two children's homes within the locality. This home caters for an older age range with an emphasis on semi-independent living. The home is registered to provide support and accommodation to four children of either gender. These young people may have emotional, behavioural or learning disability needs or a mild mental disorder.

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Brief description of the service

The home is located in a residential area close to local shops and amenities. The property blends into the neighbourhood and is not identifiable as a children's home. Young people have their own lockable room with a fridge. Communal facilities include a conservatory lounge area and a garden. The home is able to meet the needs of young people of diverse cultures and faiths.

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Brief description of the service

Two young men currently reside at the home. They did not participate in the inspection. Records, however, indicate their satisfaction with the care.

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Summary

At this unannounced full inspection, all key standards were inspected. The home offers a consistently good service. Young people receive support from a stable, experienced and professional staff team. The home promotes young people's welfare on all levels. The ethos of the home is preparing young people for adulthood. There is a strong emphasis on self responsibility and the development of independence. Young people receive encouragement to achieve educationally and maximise their potential.

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Summary

Young people benefit from living within an environment which is also a centre of learning. The home provides placements for social work students. In addition to working with colleges to offer presentations on the practicalities of residential care. The home's motto is 'caring with excellence for the young'. Staff work hard to deliver a quality service. There is one minor shortfall, which the home is already addressing. This relates to redecorating. Two recommendations are also made to further improve practice. These relate to consistent recording and producing a service development plan. 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

The home has a good history of complying with regulations. At the last inspection there were no actions. A recommendation was made to reflect current changes. This related to the terminology used within the child protection policy. This document has been updated, in accordance with good practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young people live within a home which promotes a healthy lifestyle. The home offers young people an introduction to semi-independence. Young people receive assistance with planning there own menus. Young people's diets reflect their cultural heritage. They also enjoy eating a range of international cuisine. It is the expectation that young people prepare their own meals. Staff can assist if young people are unable to cook. Staff also teach young people to 4 of 10 Inspection Report: SC032468 expand their culinary skills. Staff provide a good education in nutrition and eating for their individual wellbeing. Once a week young people are able to enjoy a takeaway meal. This complements the occasional treat of going out for a group meal. Young people are able to eat their meals in the kitchen, which has a small dining table.

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Helping children to be healthy

The home has a commitment to meeting the physical and emotional needs of young people. The staff team includes a nurse and qualified social workers. They have a good understanding of child development and related behavioural theories. Young people's care plans detail their specific health needs. This includes allergies, immunisations and personal hygiene. Staff receive training in counselling and working with mental health. Young people routinely register with a local doctor, dentist and an optician. Young people take responsibility for their health and attend the necessary appointments. Staff appropriately refer young people for specialist assessments, if needed. On display in the kitchen is a range of health information. This includes first aid, emergency contraception and smoke cessation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Medication procedures effectively protects the welfare of young people. The home uses their professional judgement to determine if young people are able to administer their own medication. Apart from using an inhaler, no young person is taking any prescribed medication. Young people's files contain written permission regarding consent to administer medication. The home has a locked medication cabinet in the staff office for secure storage. Staff are aware of the importance of keeping up to date medication records. Young people's semi independence programme addresses health issues. Young people benefit from teaching on personal safety, safe sex, drug and alcohol awareness. Young people additionally receive guidance through their individual key work sessions and house meetings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people benefit from an environment which safeguards their welfare. Staff aim to preserve young people's dignity. Young people have keys for their own rooms. Staff appropriately maintain confidentiality. The home securely stores young people's personal information. Young people have their own private phone booth on the first floor. Living within a semi-independent setting staff sensitively respect their privacy. There is great emphasis on young people's rights and self-fulfilment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home encourages young people and involved parties to complain about any aspect of their care. The complaints procedure complies with regulations. Young people also receive information of external agencies which can also assist. This includes local and national organisations. Since the last inspection, the only complaints were from neighbours. The home efficiently manages complaints. Staff immediately apologise to neighbours and inform social workers. In addition to meeting individually with young people to discuss concerns. The home receives numerous compliments. The recent Investors in People report commends the home's quality leadership.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safeguarding young people is of high priority. Staff receive appropriate training. The home has their own child protection policy. This document has been updated to reflect changes in terminology. Procedures are also available to guide staff. The home has a countering bullying policy. Staff and young people are also able to receive training in this area. An effective unauthorised absences policy is in place. This outlines the necessary protocols and includes liaison with the Police. House meetings provide an opportunity for staff to share these 5 of 10 Inspection Report: SC032468 procedures with young people. Young people do not tend to abscond. The only issue is they occasionally return home late.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home believes strongly in working alongside young people. There is a culture of researching particular behaviours and identifying management strategies. Staff receive training in working with confrontation, restraint, measures of control and communication skills. There is a tendency not to use sanctions. There is no history of restraining young people. The home finds the most effective methods are through building personal relationships. This includes trying to understand the young person, verbal reprimands and praise. In addition to rewarding sustained or improved behaviour. The home believes in each young person having the opportunity for a fresh start. There is great emphasis on helping young people develop self responsibility.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Health and safety arrangements protect young people. The home takes steps to maintain a safe environment. Staff undertake daily risk assessments of the building. Risk management documents also address fire safety and individual hazards relating to young people. The home has current certificates for the electric installation, gas safety, fire equipment and relevant insurance. Staff undertake weekly fire alarm and extinguisher tests. Young people participate in monthly fire drills. Fire records are usually robust. There was, however, one occasion when the evacuation time was not recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people benefit from a stable, professional staff team. The home has not had to employ additional staff. The home has a comprehensive recruitment procedure. There is an expectation that new staff will have the necessary qualifications and be a positive role model for young people. The home maintains a visitors book. Staff appropriate monitor and supervise visitors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young people receive tailored support which focuses on their specific needs. A fundamental principle of the home is the celebration of individuality and freedom of choice. The home succeeds in providing 'an environment where young people are able to develop physically, psychologically, culturally, intellectually and socially.' Young people benefit from weekly meetings with their key worker. This provides an opportunity to build up young people's self esteem, highlight their strengths and create realistic goals. Young people have individual timetables which are linked to their care plans. Timetables address religious, cultural, educational and social needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The home greatly values education, training and employment. Young people receive consistent encouragement to achieve and fulfil their potential. Staff liaise closely with other professionals and agencies to secure appropriate education provision. The staff team includes qualified teachers, who can provide individualised support. Staff attend school events, open days and where appropriate parent evenings. Young people receive assistance to apply for various courses. A great achievement includes helping young people secure a place at university. The environment facilitates studying. Young people have a desk in their room. A computer is available in the conservatory. A range of books and educational resources are also available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. 6 of 10 Inspection Report: SC032468 Each young person has a clear, comprehensive placement plan. Plans complement the placing authority care plan. It fully addresses young people's cultural, emotional, health, behavioural, social, educational, religious and daily living needs. Staff work in partnership with involved professionals and relatives. The home uses a cycle of assessing, planning and evaluating the changing needs of young people. Progress reports contribute to the statutory review process. Young people benefit from the home's transparent way of working. Staff share their review report with young people and request their comments. Staff additionally encourage young people to attend their review. If young people are unable to verbalise their wishes, staff advocate on their behalf.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The home recognises the importance of maintaining contact with family and other significant persons. Contact arrangements form part of the placement plan. Staff ensure they follow guidance from the placing authority. The emphasis being on facilitating contact, which promotes the best interests of young people. Where possible, staff encourage parents to participate in the young people’s daily life. Family members and friends can visit the home. Staff are able to escort young people to supervised contact. Young people are also able to keep in touch by phone and email.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people are able to move into and leave the home in a sensitive manner. The home is able to offer planned and emergency accommodation. Staff follow clear admission criteria. The home only accepts new referrals if there is adequate initial information. The welfare of the young people is paramount. The home have to be able to fully meet the needs of the young person. In addition the new admission must not adversely effect the other young people living there. Placing authorities are able to gain information about the home and vacancies from their website.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Leaving procedures reflect the home's aim, which is to prepare young people for independent life. The home works closely with placing authorities to ensure a smooth transition. If more time is needed the home is able to offer continued support. Staff also advocate on behalf of young people to ensure their views are listened to. Leavings offer an opportunity for young people to celebrate their achievements. Numerous young people continue to visit the home, in appreciation of the care they received.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people have regular opportunities to influence their lives and the day-to-day running of the home. The home prioritises young people's rights, their self-fulfilment and individual choice. Staff meet regularly with young people for individual key work sessions and informal discussions. Young people participate in regular house meetings. This provides an opportunity to discuss a range of issues and enjoy a takeaway meal together. Subjects includes their behaviour, staying out, food, complaints and activities. Staff use these meetings to train young people in particular areas. Recent examples are healthy eating and the missing persons procedure.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is satisfactory. The home believes young people deserve the opportunity to prepare for living and coping on their own. Young people benefit from a specially designed independence programme, 'Ready, Steady, Go'. Training covers time management, financial matters, welfare benefits, relationships, developing community support networks, sexuality, self esteem and practical skills. The programme is adaptable to the individual young person's needs, motivation and capabilities. 7 of 10 Inspection Report: SC032468 The independent training programme has four sections. The final section concludes with young people living independently within the home. Young people receive a weekly budget equivalent to their entitled welfare benefits. From this allowance young people purchase their own food, clothing and personal items. There is also the expectation that they fund their own social activities. This provides a good introduction into life on a limited income. Once young people

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Achieving economic wellbeing

leave, the home is able to offer ongoing practical and emotional support.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Young people live in a large semi detached property. Local shops and amenities are within walking distance. The building promotes a semi-independent environment. Young people have their own bed-sit style room. They also have their designated lockable food cupboards in the kitchen. Young people can personalise their rooms to reflect their individuality. Each room has a wardrobe, bedside table, fridge, chest of drawers, desk, chair, a table lamp and a single bed. There are three rooms on the first floor and one on the ground floor.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Young people can interact together in the kitchen, which has a dining area. A small lounge area is in the conservatory. Here young people can relax on a sofa, choose from a range of books and games or use the computer. Young people have domestic laundry facilities. The home has a pleasant garden with a patio area, a lawn and well maintained shrubs. The home is unsuitable for young people who are unable to manage stairs, as the bathroom is on the first floor. The bathroom includes a shower. An additional toilet is also on the ground floor. The owners are concentrating on making the environment more presentable. A redecoration plan is in progress. Although the home is clean and comfortable, paintwork throughout the home is chipped. In particular the doors and the skirting areas.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The management of the home has outstanding features. Changes in Ofsted guidance, however, means that an outstanding judgement cannot be given on this occasion. The home has an excellent selection of information available for young people, their relatives and involved professionals. The Statement of Purpose provides a comprehensive description of the home's philosophy and services. A summarised version is available, which gives a brief outline of the care provided. The home aims to offer ' a unique residential care service tailored to the needs of individual young people based on mutual respect and partnership'. The home's website provides complementary, up-to-date, easily accessible information.

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Organisation

Young people receive care from a very competent, experienced staff team. There is a good mix of ages and the team is gender balanced. Staff possess a range of great skills and experience to match the needs of young people. Staff are from professional backgrounds which includes teachers, nurses, social workers and graduates. Staff additionally hold the National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People. Staff are loyal to the organisation. Young people benefit from their commitment, as it provides much needed stability. The majority of staff have worked at the home for the past decade.

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Organisation

Staffing is flexible to meet the individual and collective needs of young people. An on call system is available for emergencies. Staffing centres around supporting young people in their routines, visits and appointments. When staff work alone, there is the routine completion of a risk assessment. This is in accordance with safe working principles. The home has a strict code of conduct for staff. The cohesive staff team are confident in each others' practice. 8 of 10 Inspection Report: SC032468 The home has dynamic leadership and staff benefit from working within a learning organisation. The home provides placements for social work students. Staff assist with practice teaching and also lecturing at further educational establishments. This provides an excellent cross learning environment. The proprietors of the home also attend national and local events relating to child care policy and commissioning. This enables them to keep abreast with changes within

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Organisation

social care and best practice. It also assists with the home continually adapting to meet the needs of young people. The home has a variety of ideas relating to their future direction. This is not available in a formal written development plan.

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Organisation

The recent Investors in People Award highlights the organisation's commitment to staff development. This contributes to the high quality care young people receive. The home has a robust staff training programme and induction. Annual away days provide the opportunity for the home to focus on future planning and review their achievements. The organisation values staff and this promotes a pleasant working atmosphere. This environment benefits both staff and young people.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is good. Young people are from a range of cultural, racial and religious backgrounds. The home celebrates young people's diversity. Young people prepare their own menus and are able to observe their dietary preferences. The home fully supports young people in their respective faiths. Muslim young people receive flexible support during Ramadan. Weekly timetables take account of the fasting period and staff make needed adjustments. Staff understand the practicalities of fasting. A copy of the Koran and a Ramadan timetable is in the staff office. Staff encourage young people to go to the mosque. Christian young people are able to attend church. Documentation and care plans addresses young people's racial, cultural and religious needs. In addition to any disability or particular health needs. Practices within the home enable young people to discuss their sexuality. The Statement of

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Organisation

Purpose outlines the home's commitment to promoting equal opportunities. The home aims to help young people 'achieve their full potential by meeting the whole needs of the young person'.

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Organisation

Young people benefit from consistent monitoring of the home. There is a regular evaluation of care practices in accordance with regulations. Young people's files provide a good reflection of their individual needs and their progress. Staff record in a clear and dignified manner. There is good emphasis on young people's strengths and positive behaviours. Staff ensure all records are current and information is easy to find. Files additionally meet legal requirements.

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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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Due date Action Standard

1 January 2010 paint chipped doors and skirting areas throughout the home [Regulation 31 (2) (e)] 9 of 10 Inspection Report: SC032468

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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): • record consistently the time taken for fire drill evacuation [NMS 26] • produce a service development plan [NMS 33.5] 10 of 10 Inspection Report: SC032468

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