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

SC062128 Unique reference number 5 January 2010 Inspection date Jackie Graves 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: SC062128

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Brief description of the service

The children's home is registered to care for up to six young people aged between 12 and 17 for an assessment period of between three and six months. The home is owned and operated by a local authority. The home is located in a residential area near to local amenities and transport links.

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Brief description of the service

On the ground floor there is a main lounge area and smaller lounge that is mainly used for visitors. The main office is located on the ground floor along with an education room that is equipped with desks and computers. The kitchen and dining room are also on the ground floor and there is a paved, rear garden where young people can take part in outdoor activities.

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Brief description of the service

There are two staircases, one on either side of the home. Each side has three bedrooms and one bathroom for young people plus a staff bedroom. One side is usually used to accommodate females and the other side males, although currently only male young people are accommodated.

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Summary

This unannounced interim inspection looked at the key standards under staying safe and two standards under organisation. The home's progress in meeting the three actions and three recommendations made at the last inspection was also assessed.

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Summary

The home continues to provide a satisfactory service, with some good features, to young people and their families. There are clear arrangements for keeping young people safe. Staff use positive methods to help young people manage their behaviour, such as rewards of money. Restraints are rarely used and any sanctions used are fair. Bullying is not an issue in the home. Staff manage any incidents of young people being missing without permission well.

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Summary

Management arrangements have been consistent for young people. However, there has not been a manager registered with Ofsted for some time.

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Summary

Two recommendations are made as a result of this inspection. 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

The home has met all the actions and recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Management was asked to ensure that young people are not fined unless by way of reparation. The focus is now on positive behaviour management with rewards for acceptable behaviour. Where intentional damage is caused, acceptable amounts of pocket money are deducted or young people are given opportunities to help repair damage with staff.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Young people are now given the opportunity to record their views after they have been restrained or given sanctions. This ensures they are able to have a say on the disciplinary measures used by staff. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC062128 Management have taken appropriate steps to improve the safety of the premises for young people, such as ensuring clear exits from the building at all times, levelling part of the garden where there was a trip hazard and providing a single means of hand drying in bathrooms.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The home has taken into account young people's ethnic and cultural backgrounds when employing new staff and will consider this for future appointments.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff are aware of their responsibilities to protect children from abuse and are confident about the process for reporting any concerns. There are no ongoing issues of bullying in the home. Staff are vigilant in countering bullying and making clear that this is unacceptable in the home. Young people are provided with information on how complaints will be dealt with and resolved. They are encouraged to discuss any concerns or complaints informally with staff and have details of external sources of help and advice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are clear procedures and risk assessments in place to help staff manage incidents of young people going absent from the home without permission. These include interviewing young people on their return to ascertain the reason for their absence and to ensure their continued welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Each young person has a private, lockable bedroom. Staff knock on bedroom doors but do not always wait for a response before opening the door, which could compromise residents' privacy. Young people are able to use bathing and toilet facilities in private.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff encourage positive behaviour through individual discussion with young people. They have a good understanding of young people's needs and how to manage challenging behaviour. There is a system where young people can earn extra pocket money as a reward for acceptable behaviour and for participating fully in their daily programmes. Restraints are rarely used. Those sanctions used are reasonable and fair, such as making reparation for intentional damage or the loss of a recreational activity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety is given a high priority in the home. Young people are fully involved in fire drills and there is regular testing of fire systems and equipment. Staff are appropriately vetted prior to starting work and have access to regular training to maintain and extend their skills. This contributes to the overall safety of the young people.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC062128

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The home is subject to regular, quality monitoring visits which assess how the home is performing and identify any areas for improvement. The home responds well to any suggestions for improvement. This ensures that the young people continue to receive an appropriate service and live in a home which is safe.

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Organisation

Management was recently shared by two acting managers and is currently managed by one of them. Although there has been consistency in management arrangements, there has not been a Registered Manager at the home for some time.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure staff wait for a response after knocking on bedroom doors, before entering (NMS 9) • submit an application for a manager to be registered with Ofsted. (NMS 34) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC062128

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