Children's Home run by Deborah Pacquette in Waltham Forest

SC007290 Unique reference number 10 September 2009 Inspection date Sharon Lewis 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: SC007290

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Brief description of the service

This is a privately run children's home. It provides accommodation and support to four young people, of either sex, aged between 11 and 18 years old. The home is registered to care for young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties. In addition for young people with a mild mental disorder. The home is situated in a residential area, close to shops, transport networks and local amenities. At the time of this inspection the home was temporarily closed.

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Summary

This interim announced inspection looked at the progress the setting has made since the last inspection. The home was required to comply with one action which has been appropriately resolved. During this inspection the Staying Safe outcome area was also examined. There are no actions from this inspection. As there are no children living at the home, the highest judgment that can be made is 'satisfactory'.

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Summary

The organisation has been in the residential care field for the past decade. Young people benefit from a stable, professional, competent and well established staff team. There is a shared vision for delivering quality care. Staff have prior experience in nursing, education, fostering, social work and other professions. There is also a continued contribution to social care through practice teaching, lecturing and university links.

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Summary

The home has a proven history of working extremely well with young people with challenging needs. Young people respond to the caring and homely environment and firm boundaries. Individualised care packages aim to effectively engage young people and provide an avenue for self-fulfilment. 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 last inspection the home was required to address one action. This related to ensuring they receive appropriate health information at the start of each placement. This has been appropriately addressed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The home has an appropriate health promotion system. Young people receive assistance to register with a local doctor, dentist and optician. The staff team includes persons with nursing experience. Improvements in health planning ensures young people benefit from a more efficient system. The referral form now requests information regarding food allergies, medication taken and general health questions. The admission form has an updated section on health issues. These documents contribute to the overall health plan. The updating of other health related records additionally contributes to a more efficient system.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC007290 Arrangements within the home focus on providing a safe and secure environment. Young people benefit from the home's strong emphasis on respecting their privacy and dignity. Staff value young people's individuality and confidentially manage their personal information. The home has lockable cabinets to securely store files.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff promote young peoples' rights. This forms part of the home's value system. Other key points are self fulfilment, dignity, independence, continuity and choice. The home readily provides young people with comprehensive information regarding making a complaint. This document highlights external contacts, where young people can also voice their concerns. Young people benefit from these different avenues, which include Ofsted, Child line and local agencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people live within a home where their safety is of paramount importance. A range of policies focus on safeguarding young people. Staff receive regular child protection training. The home has a copy of the London Child Protection Procedures. The home has links with the Local Safeguarding Children Board and has access to their training. Currently there are no young people living at the home. Policies, however, are available in the event of any bullying or absconding. The latter being subject to a clear protocol with the Police.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a proven history of working positively with young people who have challenging behavioural needs. Staff work in a flexible and caring manner. There is great confidence in staff members ability to work as a team. This combines with the shared vision for improving outcomes for young people. Staff take a genuine interest in young people The home focuses on the individual needs of young people and develops specific care packages. The aim being to find various activities to meaningfully engage young people. This often requires staff going beyond allocated budgets, to fund a range of activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has control, discipline and restraint policies. These do not include punitive measures and their usage is very rare. It has been approximately one year since a sanction or restraint has been used. There has been no complaints since May 2008 and no child protection allegations. The home receives numerous compliments from a variety of sources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people receive protection from the home's health and safety practices. The building is checked on a daily basis. Fire safety arrangements appropriately safeguard young people. Staff undertake regular alarm tests, there is a fire risk assessment and frequent fire drills. There is also routine servicing of the fire equipment, gas and electricity supplies. In the event of an emergency the home has adequate public and employers liability insurance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people benefit from a stable staff team. The majority of staff having been with the home for ten years. The home has appropriate vetting procedures to protect young people. There is a comprehensive recruitment procedure. On entering and leaving the home visitors sign a visitors book. Staff monitor visitors to promote the best interests and welfare of young people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is not judged. At the last inspection this outcome area was judged to be satisfactory. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC007290

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is not judged. At the last inspection this outcome area was judged to be satisfactory.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is not judged. At the last inspection this outcome area was judged to be satisfactory.

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Organisation

The organisation is not judged. At the last inspection this outcome area was judged to be satisfactory.

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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: SC007290

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