Children's Home run by Barnardo’s in Oxfordshire

SC069128 Unique reference number 3 September 2009 Inspection date Merryl Wahogo 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: SC069128

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Brief description of the service

This is a short-break service for children with severe learning difficulties and, in some cases, significant health needs. It is located in a residential part of the city adjoining some green space.

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Brief description of the service

It was created in February 2007 and caters for a maximum of six children at any one time, with now one emergency bed, although it is rare for all six to be staying over night.

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Brief description of the service

This home provides some care in some of the families' own homes, and this aspect of the service is inspected by the Care Quality Commission.

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Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection covering all key standards in 'staying safe' and some in 'economic wellbeing' and 'organisation'. The acting manager has ensured that there is a date for the training recommended at the last inspection. All the staff ensure the best possible continuity for young people and their families through their unwavering commitment to the service. This reflects the new team spirit which is now strong in the home. The development of the child-friendly garden is a major success and in combination with the high standards of up-keep within the premises, has resulted in this area being awarded an 'outstanding' rating. 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 last report recommended that equality and diversity training be prioritised for all staff. This has been done.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff attend to the young people's personal care needs in a thorough but discreet way. This means that staff maintain the dignity of young people at all times. There are no new complaints about the service.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The acting manager is aware of the latest changes in some of the safeguarding processes. Staff comment that the safeguarding training received recently was thorough and particularly informative for new staff. As a result, staff continue to safeguard young people well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

It is rare that staff need to use any measures of control, but when they do the measures are appropriate and fully recorded. Also, the acting manager records any changes necessitated by the incident, for example, a change in the care plan. Despite the absence of a manager over the summer holiday period and a smaller proportion than normal of permanent staff on duty, 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC069128 there were no physical interventions during this time. This means that staff are very good at managing behaviours and young people are able to relax and feel secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff continue to do the necessary fire and equipment checks and have up-to-date records of checks made by external companies. They keep detailed risk assessments for young people and for activities and these are updated as and when necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The acting manager has introduced a new element to the recruitment procedure, such that applicants spend a day with the young people before deciding whether or not to accept the job. This means that the recruitment process is more thorough and new staff are less likely to drop out before completing their probationary period. Managers keep thorough notes on the questions and answers given during interviews. As a result, young people are more likely to continue to receive support from a stable staff group.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is outstanding. Staff maintain the premises to a high standard, such that all areas of the home are clean, tidy and hygienic.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

In the garden, the new design and planting has reached sufficient maturity to be beautiful, varied and interesting. Staff say the young people really enjoyed it over the summer. The vegetable patch, which some young people help with, is producing good vegetables which the cook uses in some of her meals.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The acting manager and other seniors continue to support staff through regular supervision. They achieve this, despite the fact that no new manager has yet been appointed, by making supervision periods briefer than usual and varying who conducts them.

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Organisation

Team working is now greatly improved and reflects the work done by the management to build a single team from the three that came together originally. Whilst recruitment is still taking place, experienced staff demonstrate their commitment by working extra hours when necessary, to prevent young people having to deal with unfamiliar agency staff. It also means that the service remains able to meet young people's care plans. As a result, young people have experienced no disruption to their expected visits.

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Organisation

The acting manager has prioritised equality and diversity training for staff, such that it has been booked as the first training after the summer break.

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Organisation

The external visitor conducts monitoring visits on a regular basis and the provider is ensuring that these reports meet the new requirements. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC069128

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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

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC069128

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