Children's Home run by Bramley Care Limited in Surrey

SC028505 Unique reference number 3 September 2009 Inspection date John Chivers 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: SC028505

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to accommodate a maximum of four children aged between 14 years and 18 years. The home is registered to accommodate boys only. The home is privately owned and is one of three Children’s Homes owned by the service providers. The home provides a caring and supportive service to boys who have experienced abusive backgrounds and may display emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home is a detached property situated in a rural location; however, several villages and a town centre are easily accessed by public transport.

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Summary

The inspection was a 'random' inspection and unannounced. All of the 'key' standards in the section Staying Safe were assessed on this occasion. The sections Being Healthy, Enjoying and Achieving, Positive Contribution, Economic Wellbeing and Organisation were not assessed at this inspection. There were no actions or recommendations to follow up from the last inspection and there are no actions or recommendations as a result of this inspection. The home continues to be managed in a sound and professional way and affords a high standard of care and support to the resident young people, having full regard for equality and diversity issues throughout its operation. The overall quality rating is outstanding. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no areas scheduled for improvement as a result of the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The home has a policy and procedure regarding privacy and confidentiality. The policy is comprehensive and covers all key areas. A telephone is available for young people's use and a range of young people's help and advice lines are displayed in the home. Young people have a lockable safe in their bedrooms in which they can keep valued and treasured possessions. Toilet and bathing facilities afford good privacy. Confidential records are kept in locked cabinets and drawers, and staff are aware of the importance of confidentiality. Young people confirm that staff treat them with dignity and respect their privacy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home's complaints procedure is available and is displayed within the home. The complaints procedure is discussed and reinforced periodically at staff team meetings. The home's complaints book shows that no complaints have been received since the last inspection. Young people said they have no complaints about the home and all say the home is a good place to live. They have confidence that staff would take any complaint seriously and look into issues thoroughly in the event.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a comprehensive child protection policy and procedure and a staff whistle blowing policy and charter of young people's rights is also held. Staff also have access to the County 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC028505 Council Multi Agency Safeguarding procedures. All staff receive training in child protection and safeguarding at induction with regular refresher and updated training in this area held on a regular basis. Young people receive appropriate levels of supervision consistent with their age, level of development and agreed risk assessments. The staff on duty said there are no current child protection or safeguarding issues at the home. Staff provide young people with advice regarding their personal safety and conduct which is discussed in one to one meetings with their key workers, group meetings and individual therapy sessions conducted by a psychotherapist. Young people said they feel safe in the home and that staff have full regard

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has an anti bullying policy and young people are clear that bullying is not an issue in the home and that staff would act promptly should any such issues arise. Young people also confirm that no one is picked on because of differences and diversity. Young people get on well with each other and no incidents of bullying or intimidating behaviour are evident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a policy and procedure regarding young people who are absent without authority. The home's absconding book shows that no unauthorised absences have occurred since the last inspection. The homely, friendly and cohesive atmosphere at the home coupled with the emphasis on independence training and preparation for adulthood encourage and enable young people to enjoy and benefit from the residential experience provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a detailed behaviour management policy which includes information on the use of restraint and permissible and prohibited sanctions. The home follows the Positive Reinforcement in Caring Environments 'PRICE' method of behaviour management which is a recognised and approved system of behaviour management in Children's residential settings. All staff receive training in behaviour management on a regular basis. Sanctions are clearly recorded and show that only permissible sanctions are used. The home's restraint book shows that no incidents of physical restraint have occurred since the last inspection. Staff said that all of the current young people are within the home's remit in terms of behaviour management and control and no significant issues in this area are evident. Young people's behaviour is very well managed with young people showing good levels of self discipline and maturity with them

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

being aware of and acknowledging any previous difficulties regarding their conduct. Staff have sound working relationships with young people who respond positively to staff inputs in this area. Young people said that sanctions are fairly applied and discipline in the home is fair and realistic. The standard of behaviour management and progress achieved by the young people in this area is commendable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a health and safety policy and the health and safety 'law' poster is prominently displayed. There is a current fire risk assessment and fire instruction notices and procedures are displayed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire evacuation drills and fire alarm tests are combined and are held on a weekly basis. Fire extinguisher servicing and fire system maintenance checks are current. Some staff have attended fire marshal training and all staff have attended fire awareness training. Current utility safety test certificates are held. The home has a range of generic risk assessments and activity risk assessments which evidence recent review and updating where appropriate. All staff are scheduled to attend health and safety training in December 2009. Standards of cleanliness and hygiene are high throughout the home and no safety hazards are evident in the areas of the 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC028505 premises accessed. The home takes active steps to keep young people, staff and visitors safe from the inherent risks of fire and other potential safety hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

No new staff have been appointed since the last inspection, therefore staff recruitment is not revisited on this occasion; previously the home's recruitment and vetting procedures showed to be robust and sound and help to ensure that only suitable staff are employed to look after the young people.

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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: SC028505

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