Children's Home run by Nottinghamshire County Council in Derbyshire

SC051513 Unique reference number 19 March 2010 Inspection date Elaine Cray Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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18 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: SC051513

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Brief description of the service

The home provides care for four young people between the ages 10 and 17 years with emotional and behavioural difficulties or learning disabilities. The home provides medium to long-term residential care and is run by the local authority. One of the beds can be used for emergency admissions.

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Brief description of the service

The home is located in a residential area and has access to local facilities and public transport. There are four single bedrooms with en-suite toilet and shower facilities or an adjacent bathroom. There is a large lounge, a second lounge, an activities room, kitchen, and dining room. The gardens are landscaped and there is car parking to the front and side of the house.

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Summary

This is an unannounced interim inspection. The purpose of the visit is to assess the key standards under the staying safe from the children's homes' national minimum standards.

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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 outcome area of staying safe. There are effective procedures to keep young people safe and promote their welfare. Young people respond well to strong boundaries, consistent reward and celebration for improved behaviour. Young people are cared for and safeguarded by staff who are well trained and very positive about the progress and achievements of the young people in their care.

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Summary

Two recommendations from the previous inspection are 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 home was asked to review the clarity regarding the use and recording of physical intervention. This a addressed with a clear updated statement regarding physical intervention and how and where this must be recorded. The manager's monthly checks procedures are also improved with clearly documented records.

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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 improvements in their welfare and 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 procedures. Staffing levels are allocated to ensure that all young people are kept safe and receive appropriate support. There are excellent risk assessments and management strategies in place. The needs and safety of young people are 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC051513 reinforced with effective interagency liaison. 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

The privacy of young people is respected and young people enjoy their own private space. There is an anti-bullying policy and staff present a good 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 a good commitment to enabling young people 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. Young people are enabled to manage and improve their behaviour by staff who are trained in behaviour management and physical intervention. Staff promote clear boundaries, expectations and there is a clear focus on rewarding positive and improved behaviour. Staff are 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

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 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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The manager carries out and records monthly checks on the running of the home.

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Organisation

Not all the key standards were assessed at this inspection and therefore the outcome judgement remains the same as at the previous inspection.

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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: SC051513

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