Children's Home run by Lincolnshire County Council in Lincolnshire

SC042950 Unique reference number 18 November 2009 Inspection date Elaine Cray 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 5 Inspection Report: SC042950

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Brief description of the service

The home is a six-bedded children's home run by the local authority. It caters for young people aged between 10 and under 18 years of age. The home aims to provide and develop physical, emotional and psychological care to young people so that they may return to their birth family, move to foster care or develop skills to live independently in the community. The home is situated close to the town centre and enjoys good access to local facilities and public transport.

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Brief description of the service

Ground floor accommodation comprises of a kitchen, pantry, dining room, hall, lounge, toilet and shower and two offices. On the first floor are six bedrooms and two bathrooms. Outside there are large gardens to front and rear with car parking to the front and side of the building.

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Summary

This is an unannounced interim inspection. The purpose of the visit is to assess the key standards under staying safe from the children's home national minimum standards and to check progress made on a recommendation set at the full key inspection to the home on 1st June 2009.

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Summary

The home continues to provide a good service to the young people. A judgement of good is made under the heading staying safe. There are effective procedures to keep young people safe. Young people respond well to strong boundaries, consistent reward and celebration for improved behaviour. There are significant improvements in their behaviour. Young people’s welfare is safeguarded by staff who are well-trained and very positive about their progress and achievements.

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Summary

The recommendation from the previous inspection is met. No actions or recommendations are made as a result of this visit. 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 service was asked to add the home's staffing structure to the statement of purpose and this is addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The safety and welfare of young people is placed in high priority and young people are safe, secure and there are significant improvements in their behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected by clear procedures and practices for promoting their welfare. Staff are trained in safeguarding children and behaviour management procedures. Staffing levels are allocated to ensure that all young people are kept safe and receive appropriate support. There are clear risk assessment procedures. Effective inter-agency liaison and detailed attention to the needs of young people lead to significant improvements regarding the frequency 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC042950 of young people going missing from the home. Staff are fully aware of who to notify about serious incidents in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

No new staff have been recruited since the last inspection but previous inspections have demonstrated that there are robust procedures in place to ensure that staff are thoroughly checked. Visitors to the home are vetted to ensure the safety of young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The privacy of young people is respected and young people enjoy their own private space. There is an anti-bullying policy and staff present an excellent understanding of group dynamics and a clear commitment to challenging behaviour. Young people are protected by a clear written complaints procedure. The manager and staff show an excellent commitment to promoting young people’s rights and enabling them to express their concerns and wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a written behaviour management policy and staff are trained in behaviour management and physical intervention. Staff promote clear boundaries and expectations and are very enthusiastic about maintaining positive and interactive relationships with young people. Staff are very proud of the improvements and achievements of young people. Records are well-maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The physical environment is well-maintained and monitored in terms of health and safety, with comprehensive and detailed documentation. Fire safety procedures are checked and monitored.

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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. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC042950

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