Children's Home run by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council in Dudley

SC039897 Unique reference number 19 March 2010 Inspection date Jacqueline Dunster Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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26 January 2010 Date of last 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: SC039897

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Brief description of the service

The home is a large, modern house situated in a residential area. It is close to local recreational, health and educational facilities. The communal areas of the home include the lounge, dining room, kitchen, activity room, computer room, bathrooms, laundry and garage with gym equipment. All young people have their own bedrooms.

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Brief description of the service

There are two staff sleeping-in rooms and a staff office. The home offers placements for up to four young people from 14 to under 18 years of age. The length of stay is based on assessment of need.

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Summary

During this interim inspection which was unannounced, all key standards relating to keeping young people safe were inspected. The inspection also assessed progress on the one requirement and one recommendation raised following the key inspection.

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Summary

The home continues to be judged as good overall.

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Summary

The home is judged as outstanding in keeping young people safe and protecting them from harm. Staff have an excellent understanding of the need to keep young people safe and to allow them to take managed risks. Staff implement policies and procedures effectively to achieve these goals.

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Summary

The home has excellent management which effectively supports the work with young people. 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

Following the last inspection, the home was required to ensure the procedures for disposal of unused medication are implemented in practice. The manager has taken steps to introduce a more effective system to record the disposal of medication. Staff have reviewed their knowledge of the procedures through supervision and team meetings. There is clear evidence the procedures are being implemented in practice. As a result, there is less risk of harm to young people from misuse of medication.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The home has implemented a recommendation to ensure the daily menus provide information on all meals provided for young people. In this way, the staff are able to monitor the nutritional balance of meals offered to young people. This provides the opportunity to support young people to develop healthy eating habits which can sustain their good health into adulthood.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Staff have updated their knowledge of procedures relating to the disposal of medication. They are implementing the procedures effectively. As a result, the risk of harm to young people from medication being inappropriately stored in the home is reduced. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC039897 The home provides detailed daily menus for all meals offered to young people. Consequently, staff and young people are able to monitor the nutritional balance of the meals. This helps young people to develop knowledge about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles which can promote their good health into the future.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The home has a highly effective approach to safeguarding young people. Staff consistently implement policies and procedures on complaints, child protection, sanctions and absence which are designed to protect young people from harm. Staff selection and vetting policies reduce the risk of young people being exposed to people who may wish to harm them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff demonstrate great sensitivity to young people. They ensure their dignity is respected and their privacy protected. They encourage young people to develop respect towards each other. As a consequence, young people are able to develop self-esteem and to learn to show respect for others in their community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has excellent practices in assessing risk and ensuring measures are put in place to safeguard young people. At the same time, the home allows young people to take part in risky activities in as safe a way as possible. This allows young people to develop their confidence and challenge themselves to face difficult situations. These opportunities support young people to develop resilience and confidence as they move towards adulthood.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff use reward and praise to promote constructive behaviour. There have been no recorded incidents of restraint for some time. Sanctions are relevant to the behaviour they are used to address. This approach enables young people to develop understanding and control of their behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The sanctions record does not include the effectiveness of the sanction. This does not to enable the outcome of sanctions to be monitored and assessed. Failure to do so could result in continued use of ineffective sanctions to manage problematic behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home ensures potential bullying issues are discussed with young people before they move into the home. Before admission, young people are made aware of how bullying will be managed in the home. Staff are very effective in reducing the risk of bullying and supporting young people to develop positive and respectful relationships with each other.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is well-maintained. Fire and environmental risks are assessed and managed. As a result, young people are safe from hazards in and around the home.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC039897

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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 the written record of any sanction includes the effectiveness and any consequences of the sanction. (National Minimum Standard 22.10) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC039897

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