Children's Home run by London Borough of Hillingdon in Hillingdon

SC068789 Unique reference number 9 December 2009 Inspection date Tola Akinde-Hummel 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: SC068789

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Brief description of the service

The home is a purpose built respite provision which opened in January 2007. The unit is run by a local authority. The home provides short breaks and tea visits for children and young people of either gender who have disabilities and are aged from seven to 18 years of age.

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Brief description of the service

The home is close to local shops and has good transport links. On the day of inspection three young people were in the home having a short break. The young people were observed during the inspection.

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Summary

This interim inspection looked at the progress the setting has made with the requirements and recommendations identified at the previous inspection. These related to minor improvements in consultation with young people, some aspects of documentation, water temperatures and medication records. The outcomes for enjoying and achieving and economic wellbeing were not looked at during this inspection.

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Summary

Children and young people receive a personalised service during their short break. Staff understand children and young people's health and social care needs and take the necessary steps to ensure optimum health and social interaction is achieved.

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Summary

The focus in the home is the provision of care and stimulation for children and young people. Children and young people are treated with dignity and respect.

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Summary

The home is well managed, the staff team well-organised and the team enjoy a positive working relationship. Opportunities are given for the team to reflect on their practice and make improvements. Staff are able to express and share ideas through team meetings and supervision. 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 manager was asked to improve consultation with children and young people and make particular reference to the methods of non-verbal communication used. Records show that this has been achieved. Children and young people who are non-verbal are supported to give their views using the communication that they are most familiar with. These are recorded in the residents meeting minutes. In addition the manager was asked to ensure that all care plans and risk assessments are signed and dated. This has to a large degree been achieved. However some outstanding paperwork still remains with parents and carers.

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Improvements since the last inspection

It was recommended that the home considers keeping a record of medication returned following a short break and that the hot water system was checked for any potential faults. Both of these good practice recommendations have been addressed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC068789 Children and young people continue to have nutritious and varied meals. There is plenty of food, fresh fruit and beverages available. Children have healthy snacks, and may have less healthy treats on occasions.

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Helping children to be healthy

The home has a good system for dealing with medication that enters the home. All medication is countersigned. Any changes to medication are made available in writing from the relevant health professional. A new system is in place to sign out medication when it leaves the building at the end of a child or young person's short break.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents are clear that any changes to medication without written consent cannot be administered by the staff team. Staff are trained in first aid and confident when dealing with emergency situations when medication should be administered. In such circumstances, staff offer reassurance to children and young people in a calm and helpful manner.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and young people's privacy continues to be respected by staff providing them with all aspects of their care. This is also true with regard to personal information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children, young people and their parents have access to the homes complaints procedure. There have been no complaints recorded since the previous inspection. The home has recently developed a consultation document for children and young people. This is to make it easier to gain their views about the service.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have completed safeguarding training and some have attended the National Safeguarding Conference. Staff communicate well with the children with disabilities team and understand their responsibility to report concerns and allegations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people enjoy their short break. Bullying in the home is minimal. There is a high staff to child ratio and staff quickly identify and manage when children and young people do not get on well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has an absence policy and procedure. This is rarely used. Detailed risk assessments enable staff to minimise any risk of absence and ensure that the health and safety of children and young people is maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people displaying challenging behaviour are supported by using diversion and calming techniques in the first instance. Physical intervention is used as a last resort. Full information is shared with parents and where necessary additional guidance and support is provided by other professionals. Updated behaviour management plans are devised to reflect the change in strategy for managing behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people can be confident that the home takes their health and safety seriously. Staff check the security of the premises daily and carry out regular fire drills and tests. Gas and electrical safety checks are up-to-date.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people are supported by staff who have been carefully vetted to work with them. Criminal records bureau checks are renewed every three years. Children and young people are encouraged to participate in formulating interview questions for prospective members of 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC068789 staff who might work in the home. The home has a good system of security to deter unwanted visitors.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Staff understand how children and young people in their care communicate. They consult with children and young people informally on each shift to ascertain their views during their short break.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The home has improved its level of formal consultation with children and young people since the last inspection. This is evident in the homes records. Children and young people have a views and wishes book in addition to the minutes of the children and young people meetings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children and young people have been consulted on what qualities they would want in a new staff team member. They have been involved in the purchase of equipment for the new rabbit and a bird table in the garden. They are also consulted about menus and bedrooms.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Staff have created an environment where children and young people feel comfortable, safe and happy. The team work well together and the management arrangements support the development of the service.

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Organisation

The acting manager has provided direction and stability to the home. An application for registered manager has been submitted to Ofsted.

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Organisation

Staff are now receiving regular supervision and this supports their professional development. All staff are have a personal development plan.

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Organisation

Children and young people's files are in good order and are easy to follow.

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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: SC068789

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