Children's Home run by Ethelbert Specialist Homes Limited in Kent

SC023744 Unique reference number 26 August 2009 Inspection date Mark Blesky 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 5 Inspection Report: SC023744

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Brief description of the service

This home is a three storey town house in the seaside resort. This home provides care for up to three young people. This home is set on three floors. There are local amenities, with the beach, parks and town within walking distance.

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Summary

This home is open, but is currently unoccupied. Plans remain in place to use this property for any exceptional circumstance or if one of the other homes needs to close temporally in a planned or emergency situation.

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Summary

The home therefore remains registered and 'open' and the building is regularly cleaned with arrangements in place for routine maintenance. The overall quality rating is satisfactory. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This home is open, but is currently unoccupied. Plans remain in place to use this property for exceptional circumstances or if one of the other homes needs to close temporally in a planned or emergency situation. The registered person was asked to develop and maintain adequate systems of caretaking to maintain the home in accordance with Regulation 31 Part IV (a) to (f) Children's Homes Regulations 2001. Maintenance and cleaning procedures are in place to ensure the home is kept to an acceptable standard. It was noted that some repairs were outstanding, but had been planned. The status of the home does allow for repairs to be postponed, as the home is unoccupied and care is not compromised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The registered person has taken appropriate steps to improve the quality of the home for young people.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. This home is open, but is currently unoccupied with no immediate plans to accommodate young people. The home however remains registered and 'open' and could be used in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. This home is open, but is currently unoccupied. Plans remain in place to use this property for any emergency placement or if one of the other homes needs to close temporally in a planned or emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home therefore remains registered and 'open' and the building is regularly cleaned with arrangements in place for routine maintenance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is not judged. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC023744

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is satisfactory. A tour of the building was made and the home is pleasantly decorated and generally well maintained.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The senior staff member confirmed that all maintenance of the home includes fire checks, gas and electrical checks in accordance with the homes policies and guidance. It was noted that some minor repairs were needed, although it is acknowledged that this was already planned. Due to the empty status of the home, the minor repairs are not considered to compromise care regimes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. This home is open, but is currently unoccupied with no immediate plans to accommodate young people. The home however remains registered and 'open' and could be used in an emergency. In the event of the home accommodating any young person either planned or in an emergency, the company's staff, documents and procedures are facilitated.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure home is maintained free from hazards, in a safe condition with repairs carried out expeditiously (National Minimum Standards 26) • ensure that the home is appropriately maintained and repairs are carried out in accordance with standards (National Minimum Standards 24) 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC023744

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