Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

SC364812 Unique reference number 1 September 2009 Inspection date Paul Taylor Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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4 February 2009 Date of last 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 9 Inspection Report: SC364812

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Brief description of the service

This home is a three bedroom detached property in a residential area. The ground floor consists of an entrance foyer, a large and comfortably furnished lounge and a large conservatory which is the staff office. There are also a kitchen, dining room and shower and toilet on the ground floor. The first floor consists of two bedrooms and a shower/bathroom and toilet. The third bedroom is used by staff as a sleeping-in room.

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Brief description of the service

The home offers accommodation for up to two young people between the ages of eight and 18.

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Summary

At this unannounced inspection all the key standards were assessed. The home provides a very good standard of care to the young people. It is clear that the staff team values and promotes the input of the young people into the running of the home and that opportunities for young people to voice their feelings about their care are readily available.

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Summary

The home is well managed and operates with a group of enthusiastic and committed staff. Monitoring systems developed by the organisation which owns the home are thorough and very well planned. The needs of each young person are clearly identified and detailed plans have been developed to ensure they are met. Young people said they enjoyed living in the home and felt safe and respected.

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Summary

Two actions and two recommendations were made as a result of this inspection. 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

At the last inspection an action was made requiring the home to ensure that all medication disposed of by the home is the subject of an accurate record. A system is now in place which ensures that this is done.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The organisation which runs the home is continuing to train members of staff to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People. Two thirds of the staff team now have this qualification. The recommendation made at the last inspection with regards to achieving an 80% ratio of staff who have this qualification, remains.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The young people's dietary needs and preferences are known to the staff. The menu is varied and young people are given a choice of what they wish to eat. The young people are encouraged to eat together as part of a group and to experience meal times as positive social events. Information about healthy eating is displayed in the kitchen and dining room and the staff actively encourage young people to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Young people have access to the kitchen and are encouraged to prepare food as part of their individual development and life skills training. 4 of 9 Inspection Report: SC364812 Each young person has a detailed and carefully prepared health care plan. Within this, appointments with doctors, dentists and opticians as well as specialist health professionals such as psychologists and therapists are recorded. Advice is also gained from health professionals

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Helping children to be healthy

to give support and guidance in matters such as smoking and self care skills. Additionally the home has regular liaison with the nurse who is responsible for overseeing medical care for young people cared for by the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are well established policies and procedures for administering medication. Medication is stored in an appropriately secure facility and dispensed by staff who have undertaken specific training. Records relating to the administration of prescribed medication are accurate and audited on a regular basis. Records relating to the auditing of the amounts of non prescribed medication are not always accurate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The health needs of the young people are all known, met and promoted to a good standard by the staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Privacy is respected by the staff team and sensitive information is locked away in the office. On occasion young people have entered the office without permission. The young people are made aware of their right to see information kept on them. They are also made aware of the circumstances when room searches may occur. A record is made should this happen. Telephone calls to social workers and family and friends can be made in private.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The right of a young person to complain about their care in the home is made clear to the young people at the time of their admission. The young person's handbook gives clear guidance about who they can complain to and their contact details. Young people are confident to voice their opinions about any issues and have the opportunity to do this during house meetings, key work sessions and on an informal basis to the staff, the manager or visiting external managers from the organisation which runs the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff receive training in complaints and 'whistle blowing' as part of their induction process. Complaints are addressed promptly and the results of any complaints thoroughly recorded, including whether the complaint was founded and whether the complainant was satisfied by the outcome. The right of the young people in making complaints and to be listened to is promoted, valued and respected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All members of staff receive child protection training and have access to local safeguarding procedures and the organisation's child protection policy. The staff are clear as to their obligations in the event that they have concerns about a young person's wellbeing. Detailed records are maintained on any child protection concerns and how they have been pursued and resolved. This process is diligently and thoroughly followed to ensure a clear resolution to any child protection concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home operates a policy of zero tolerance toward bullying and all young people are made aware of it on admission. Appropriate staffing levels and careful monitoring help to minimise the opportunities for bullying to occur. The staff are very aware of group dynamics and if there are any tensions between the young people. Records show that when incidences of bullying 5 of 9 Inspection Report: SC364812 or conflict have taken place they are taken seriously and the young people are supported in resolving their difficulties.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a clear policy in place for the staff to follow in the event that a young person goes missing. Each young person has it clearly recorded in their care plan as to what course of action will be pursued should they leave the home without permission or not return to the home at the agreed time. The staff liaise with the police especially when there are young people who may persistently abscond or who are at risk if they are missing. Good records are kept whenever a young person who has been missing has returned to the home. These include a 'debriefing' to discuss the reasons leading to the incident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home notifies relevant agencies promptly of any incidents. Clear records are made of any 'notifiable' incidents and these include how the incident is resolved and if any changes need to be made to a young person's care plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home aims to provide a supportive and structured environment for young people. On admission young people are made aware of the expectations with regards to behaviour. Each young person has a detailed behaviour management plan which outlines what strategies can help them to retain control of their behaviour and what triggers may cause distress and challenging behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Where sanctions are imposed they are clearly recorded. This record is endorsed by both the manager and the external managers who carry out monitoring visits to the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

If physical restraint is used, a record is kept of the incident and this is also checked by the manager and external monitoring managers to ensure that the use of physical intervention was appropriate. All members of staff are trained in the method of restraint used in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home aims to provide a safe and secure environment. Risk assessments for both the home and activities are used to ensure the safety of all young people and staff. These risk assessments are scrutinised and audited on a regular basis. The fire alarm system is tested regularly and evacuation exercises carried out. Access to the building is limited and all visitors have to report to staff on admission, produce identification and sign in.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The organisation has a thorough recruitment process which ensures that any prospective member of staff does not start work until all necessary checks have been completed. The young people are involved in the recruitment and selection of prospective members of staff.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The systems operated within the home ensure that the young people's wellbeing and safety is promoted and protected to a very high standard.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Being a small home there is an expectation that staff will be conversant with the needs of the young people. The physical, social and emotional needs of each individual are clearly identified within their placement plans. The placement plans are underpinned by detailed care plans which outline the specific needs of the young people and how the staff will meet them. Each young person has a key worker who meets with them regularly to see how they are feeling, how they 6 of 9 Inspection Report: SC364812 are progressing and what their aspirations are. Support provided to the young people is of an excellent standard.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Each young person in the home has a Personal Education Plan (PEP). These are up to date and include strategies and plans to help the young people develop their education and life skills. The home has a school on site and the staff work closely with the teacher to enable the young people to attend. It is clear that education is highly valued by the staff team and a lot of effort is made to assist the young people in experiencing education as a positive part of their lives.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Each young person has their preferences known with regards to activities which they enjoy. The staff carry out risk assessments so that the young people can enjoy activities whilst the risk is managed. Activities include fishing, youth club, football and trips to adventure parks. They are also able to go on holidays away from the home supported by members of staff.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All young people have detailed placement plans that identify their health, physical, social, educational, cultural and leisure needs. Young people are involved in the development of their placement plans. The plans are adjusted in line with changing needs of the young people and are the subject of regular review and assessment by the manager. The staff are very aware of the specific needs of each young person. Placement plans are subject to regular review in line with Looked After Children guidance. Reviews are attended by social workers, family members and the home's staff. The outcomes/recommendations arising out of reviews are incorporated in the care planning process. Young people are encouraged to attend their reviews.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is clear guidance for staff on the type and frequency of contact each of the young people can have with their parents, relatives and friends. Young people can maintain contact via visits and the telephone. Any restrictions regarding access are made clear to all parties. Written records are maintained of any contacts and the staff collate this information and share it with others such as placing officers and social workers, especially if the contact affects the young person in any way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are policies and procedures for both admissions and departures. Staff try to ensure that all admissions and departures are planned and introductory visits are encouraged. Young people, parents and placing social workers are made aware of the nature and expectations of the home prior to admission. Staff are involved in the planning of departures and liaise with placing social workers. Sensitive support is offered to young people planning for independence and the process is set at a pace commensurate with each young person's ability to cope with change and the anxiety of managing transition.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

House meetings provide a forum for planning menus and social and recreational activities. The young people are encouraged to voice their opinions in formal settings such as the house meetings as well as in key sessions and daily interaction with staff. It is clear that the young people's opinions about the way the home is run are valued and encouraged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The interaction between the members of staff and young people is relaxed and warm. Young people feel they are listened to and supported even during times of distress and challenging behaviour. Support given to the young people is delivered sensitively. Staff work hard to 7 of 9 Inspection Report: SC364812 maintain behavioural expectations and boundaries whilst ensuring the young people feel listened to.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. The home has a policy and guidance in place for the staff to follow in helping young people move on to independence or another placement. Staff are knowledgeable and sensitive to the fact that most young people find the process of transition an anxious time and are aware that increased support is needed when this occurs.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The home is very comfortable and well maintained. Each young person is able to personalise their room with posters and pictures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home has produced a Statement of Purpose that details the nature of the service. The statement is regularly reviewed. The home has also produced a well presented children's guide that details the nature of the home including its routines, activities and facilities. Young people are supplied with a copy prior to admission.

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Organisation

All staff are provided with job descriptions and there are well established lines of accountability. Staff receive both formal and informal supervision. The manager receives supervision from an experienced manager from the organisation which owns the home. The home has developed a comprehensive range of policies, procedures and working practices that are introduced to new staff during their induction. Policies and procedures are accessible to staff at all times. There are regular staff meetings and minutes taken. Staff are deployed in sufficient numbers to ensure the needs of young people are met.

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Organisation

There is a well established culture of training and professional development within the staff team. Staff regularly discuss the specific needs of each young person and the best way to meet these. Whilst the staff team is confident about the quality of care within the home they seek to find improvements and new ways of working. Staff can access regular training opportunities and a record is kept on staff files of all courses attended. All new staff must successfully complete an induction programme before assuming their full responsibilities. New members of staff are subject to regular assessment and appraisal to ensure they are supported in their roles. Members of staff have confirmed they receive regular supervision and an annual appraisal. This system provides an effective mechanism for identifying individual's training needs. Four members of staff out of the team of six have achieved the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level

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Organisation

3 in Caring for Children and Young People.

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Organisation

The home has an acting manager who has yet to complete the Ofsted registration process. Practice is monitored by external managers who carry out regular visits to assess the standard of care provided. Reports written as a result of these visits are thorough and indicate which areas of the home need improvement. The acting manager in turn also regularly checks all the areas outlined in Schedule 6, such as restraint and sanctions, medication, accidents and admissions and discharges. The overall monitoring of records carried out by members of staff, the manager and senior external managers is of a very good standard. 8 of 9 Inspection Report: SC364812 The young people's care plans are very well organised, regularly reviewed and updated and are subject to thorough checks by the key workers, supervisory staff and manager.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. Each young person's individual needs are known and met by the staff team. The staff team value and promote differences between any person's background, whether they be a young person or a member of staff. How the home approaches equality and diversity is commented upon in reports made after monthly monitoring visits. Diversity is seen as an opportunity to learn from each other and to be enjoyed and celebrated.

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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

30 October 2009 ensure that an accurate record is maintained of the amount of non prescribed medication which is kept in the medicine cabinet. (Regulation 21 (1) ) 31 December 2009 appoint a manager for the home. (Regulation 7 (1) ) 34

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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): • continue to work towards ensuring that at least 80% of the staff team achieve National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People. (NMS 29). • ensure that only people who have permission to do so, enter the home's office. (NMS 9) 9 of 9 Inspection Report: SC364812

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