Children's Home run by Laurel Leaf Homes Ltd in Newham

SC060545 Unique reference number 25 September 2009 Inspection date Joanna Heller 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: SC060545

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to take eight children, aged 10 to 16 years, with learning disabilities or emotional and behavioural difficulties. The property is a large extended corner house. There are eight en-suite bedrooms, including three on the ground floor, a lounge, games room, staff room, office, kitchen, two shower rooms and one bathroom. The home is situated in a central area on the outskirts of a large city close to public transport and many local amenities.

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Summary

This was an unannounced random inspection carried out as part of the annual inspection program. The inspection focussed on key outcomes in staying safe and actions and recommendations set at the previous inspection. 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

At the previous inspection the home was asked to ensure that key health information is known to staff, an accurate record of sanctions is maintained and young people are provided with a copy of the children's guide. The home has addressed these actions. The home was also asked to ensure sufficient staff be employed and to ensure that staff are not working excessive hours. A recruitment drive is being undertaken and agency staff are used to ensure staffing levels meet the needs of the young people. Staff working practices have improved, however, staff are not always having sufficient breaks between shifts.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Staff are aware of the health needs of the young people accommodated in the home. For example, information regarding young people's food allergies is clearly noted and known to staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Young people are safeguarded from unsuitable people gaining employment in the home through robust vetting practices. No staff begin work at the home until checks on their identity, employment and any criminal history are completed. Written references are followed up with a telephone call to ensure their validity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The building is well maintained and systems are in place to ensure the ongoing safety of the building. For example, risk assessments and regular health and safety checks are carried out. The home has, however, not ensured sufficiently regular testing of portable appliances. Fire precautionary arrangements in the home ensure young people and staff are safeguarded from fire in line with current good practice. Privacy is maintained through the ability of young people to lock doors in private areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC060545 An effective complaints process is in place which is known to the young people and other stakeholders. The home is able to demonstrate that complaints are appropriately responded to, investigated and managed. Confidentiality is maintained through secure storage of records and staff awareness of the key issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people who go missing are notified to the appropriate agencies in line with local guidelines. Issues of bullying are well managed. Discussions take place in young people's meetings and anti bullying information is displayed on the wall. Clear policies are in place to guide staff in relation to child protection allegations. Any previous allegations have been managed appropriately by the home including notifying the appropriate agencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Behaviour management in the home has improved over the past twelve months. Antisocial behaviour is managed by the staff with only high level incidents referred through to the police. Close relationships with the local safer neighbourhoods team are maintained. Sanctions applied are clearly recorded. Restraints are rare, but, when there has been occasion to use restraint this is recorded. However, records do not evidence that young people are offered the opportunity to discuss and reflect on any restraint which has taken place.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is satisfactory. The building is clean and well maintained. Young people are able to enjoy the use of the lounge and kitchen diner. All bedrooms are individual and lockable. Sufficient bathrooms, showers and toilets are provided to meet the needs of the young people.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Staffing levels are appropriate to meet young people's needs. A minimum of two staff are on shift with three staff at key points of activity. Staff are, however, continuing to work without sufficient breaks between shifts. For example, staff are working from 3pm through until 10am the following day, then returning again at 3pm the same day.

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Organisation

Staff are clear on their roles and responsibilities and have access to regular support through supervision. New staff work through both an in house and externally recognised induction processes. Staff have access to key training such as safeguarding which is updated regularly. Few staff have completed NVQ training in caring for children, however, staff are enrolled on the training.

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Organisation

Young people are provided with information about the service the home is able to offer through the children's guide. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC060545

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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

25 November 2009 ensure all parts of the home are free from hazard, in particular, portable appliance tests are carried out annually (Regulation 23) 23 October 2009 ensure safe working practices, particularly, in relation to ensuring staff have sufficient breaks between shifts(Regulation 25)

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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): • evidence young people are given the opportunity following restraint to discuss the incident and their views (NMS 22) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC060545

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