Children's Home run by Full Circle Care Limited in Tameside

SC396104 Unique reference number 9 December 2009 Inspection date Robert Curr Inspector Key Type of Inspection

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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 8 Inspection Report: SC396104

p.3

Brief description of the service

This setting provides up to five medium to long term placements for young people aged between 11 and 17 years. The accommodation consists of seven single bedrooms and spacious communal areas for eating, studying and relaxing. The home is in a residential area, approximately two miles from the town centre and is close to public transport. One of the main aims of the setting is to provide a specialist and integrated response to the care and educational needs of young people.

p.4

Summary

This was an unannounced inspection and all of the key standards were checked. This is the first inspection since the setting was registered.

p.4

Summary

This is a satisfactory service with some good features.

p.4

Summary

Young people enjoy healthy nutritious meals and education is encouraged and promoted. Leisure needs are met and a multi-disciplinary approach ensures young people's views are taken into account when planning their future.

p.4

Summary

A policy on equality and diversity is in place but the service does not fully demonstrate an appreciation that individual young people may have a range of possible needs arising from diversity.

p.4

Summary

Young people's welfare is enhanced by the positive relationships fostered by the staff team who have a genuine concern for the people they support. Behaviour management is an area of weakness. The service is monitored thus enabling the registered provider to oversee the operation of the home.

p.4

Summary

There are sufficient experienced and competent staff who are very well supported. However, not all staff have undertaken training in relation to the safe handling of medication and the aim to have the appropriate number of staff hold a National Vocational Qualification must be maintained. The overall quality rating is satisfactory. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since the service was registered.

p.4

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young people benefit from healthy and nutritious meals. They are well supported to become involved in choosing and preparing their own food. Comprehensive information about food values and healthy eating are shared and considerations of healthy diets are encouraged.

p.4

Helping children to be healthy

Fresh fruit and vegetables are offered as part of very well planned menus. Young people enjoy a variety of dishes that reflect the preferences of the group. Young people said that they sometimes choose to have a take away. 4 of 8 Inspection Report: SC396104 The health needs of each individual young person are carefully identified and regular links with healthcare professional services that meet individual needs are sought. Records are maintained and show that dentists and opticians have been used as required. Staff demonstrate a genuine concern for the young people who receive positive support within the home. There are sufficient staff trained in first aid to ensure consistent support at all times.

p.4

Helping children to be healthy

Systems for the administration and storage of medicines are maintained. However, not all staff have received training in the safe handling and administration of medication to enable them to safely store, administer and record the medication that they are responsible for.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The systems that are in place do not fully ensure the safety, protection and well-being of young people living at the home.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a CCTV system in operation. The use of this system is not highlighted in the statement of purpose to ensure that it's use is appropriate at all times.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff demonstrate respect for young people by not entering their bedrooms without permission. All confidential information is kept in lockable cabinets. Young people have access to a dedicated telephone to make and receive calls. Sufficient space is available to enable young people to meet with visitors and have key work sessions in private.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All complaints are taken seriously by the home and fully investigated. Young people are aware of the complaints policy and feel any of their concerns are addressed promptly.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Systems are in place to report child protection concerns and staff have received relevant training. Sensitivity is demonstrated by staff in their understanding of the complex needs of young people.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Individual risk assessments are in place for managing young peoples complex needs. Close links are maintained with the placing authority regarding the level of risk or vulnerability of the young people who abscond. Staff use diversion techniques to deter young people from leaving the home. Constructive support is available for young people when they return to the home that includes counselling about keeping safe.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Anti-bullying is not promoted in the home in line with the organisations policies and procedures. Young people agree that they do not always get on with each other, but confirm there is no bullying at the home. Staff endeavour to create a harmonious atmosphere and openly challenge any form of bullying, including verbal abuse.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Behaviour management involves rewards for positive behaviour. Young people are aware of the consequences of their unacceptable behaviour that can result in the temporary withdrawal of a privilege. It is clear that when measures of control are put in place, staff consider the age and understanding of the young person concerned. Restraints are rarely used to manage behaviour considered to be a risk to young people or others. Staff receive training in the use of such interventions. 5 of 8 Inspection Report: SC396104 Young peoples privacy and dignity is not fully maintained at the home as excessive control is used to manage young people's behaviour once they retire to their bedrooms for the night. Audible alarms are used to monitor all young people's movements during the night.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective systems are in place to ensure all statutory health and safety checks are carried out within the required timescales.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Checks on fire fighting equipment are up to date and fire drills take place monthly. Records of fire drills do not accurately record who was present, although all staff and young people have undertaken fire awareness training. This upholds the health and safety of the young people residing at the home.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected by the recruitment and selection process. Pre-employment checks are carried out to ensure staff are suitable to work with children. However, recruitment files do not contain all the required details. This prevents the manager from carrying out a complete audit against the required information.

p.6

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Care plans reflect the individual needs of young people and are based on full initial assessments with regular reviews of progress. Two young people said that their key workers set up regular meetings for them to 'discuss things'. It was clearly evident that key workers have developed positive relationships with the young people.

p.6

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The range of activities is good. Young people enjoy outings to the cinema, the local leisure centre and other outside activities.

p.6

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

School and educational attendance is strongly encouraged, even with people who have a history of poor school attendance and exclusion. Educational achievement is highly valued and young people are well supported with accessing their educational placement within the service. One young person shared his gratitude for the staff assisting him securing his education and planning his future. This is improving young people's prospects in later life.

p.6

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

At this time young people do not have access to a computer within the home to undertake schoolwork or pursue leisure interests.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young people benefit from placement plans which set out how the home will meet their assessed needs. Young people and their key worker attend reviews. Together they effectively contribute to the reviews and reports are up to date which enables staff to measure any progress that has been made.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people say that they are able to maintain valued relationships with family and friends through appropriate contact arrangements. These arrangements are agreed with the young person and any restrictions are clearly recorded. Young people have full access to a telephone.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

All the young people are positive about their involvement in the day-to-day running of the home. One young person stated, 'we are always allowed to make our views known'. Although 6 of 8 Inspection Report: SC396104 there are house meetings, one young person said staff will advocate for them if they do not have the confidence to speak out. This system is highly effective in ensuring young peoples decisions are valued.

p.6

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff are able to fully understand the perspective of the young people with whom they work. Staff respond appropriately and constructively to challenge the young people's use of inappropriate or offensive language. Interactions between staff and young people are genuinely positive and relationships formed are valued.

p.7

Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. The opportunities provided for the young people to buy their own clothing and toiletries gives them experience in expressing their individual preference and develop skills, such as budgeting that will be essential throughout their life. They are allowed to spend money freely unless they have been found spending it inappropriately.

p.7

Achieving economic wellbeing

The home is in very good decorative order. Individual bedrooms are well proportioned and young people's personal belongings are in evidence, according to their individual preferences. One young person noted in their survey that they are involved in choosing furniture and the Christmas decorations in the home.

p.7

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. This is a well managed service which provides a safe setting for young people with complex needs, and a positive and supportive learning environment for staff. The staff team are very motivated and professional. The promotion of equality and diversity is satisfactory.

p.7

Organisation

The statement of purpose sets out what the home will provide but is not clear about the way in which this will be achieved. The use of electronic surveillance is not described in the statement. A guide to the service is given to all young people on their first visit. However, this guide is not presented in a child friendly format.

p.7

Organisation

Staff state that they receive regular supervision sessions which provides them with support and professional guidance. Staff also receive training on a wide range of subjects such as a heath and safety, safeguarding and managing conflict and aggressive behaviours.

p.7

Organisation

Staffing levels are appropriate to meet the needs of young people.

p.7

Organisation

Young peoples welfare is safeguarded by a committed staff team. Some staff are in varying stages of achieving their qualification at National Vocational Qualification level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People. Currently the overall qualification recommendation is not met.

p.7

Organisation

There are a number of quality assurance processes, including monthly monitoring visits by the registered person. The manager also produces a monthly report. Action points from the visits are followed up and these lead to improvements in practice.

p.7

Organisation

Young people's individual case files are confidentially stored and are arranged in a manner which make them readily accessible to staff. However, individual information relating to young people is on display in an open office area that can be seen by visitors to the home. This does 7 of 8 Inspection Report: SC396104 not fully uphold young peoples privacy and confidentiality. One young person said that they are aware that they can access their files and have done so. The files examined are well very maintained and expertly organised.

p.7

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.

p.8

Due date Action Standard

31 January 2010 provide training in the storage, administration, recording and disposal of medicines given at the home (Regulation 21) 9 December 2009 ensure the use of restraint or control is not excessive or unreasonable (Regulation 17) 31 December 2009 ensure all recruitment files contain the required information (Regulation 26) 31 January 2010 review the statement of purpose to contain all the matters listed in Schedule 1, in particular the arrangements made for the control of young people. (Regulation 4 & 5)

p.8

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • review frequently the definitions of bullying with young people (NMS 18) • record the full names of all staff in attendance during fire drills (NMS 26) • consider providing a computer within the home for young people to carry out educational work and for leisure pursuits (NMS 14) • ensure a minimum ratio of 80% of all care staff complete a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People or an equivalent (NMS 29) • cease placing personal information in an area that could accessed by visitors. (NMS 9) 8 of 8 Inspection Report: SC396104

p.8