Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

SC364812 Unique reference number 28 January 2010 Inspection date Paul Taylor Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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1 September 2009 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 7 Inspection Report: SC364812

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Brief description of the service

This home is a three bedroom detached property in a residential area. The ground floor consists of an entrance foyer, a large and comfortably furnished lounge and a large conservatory which is the staff office. There are also a kitchen, dining room and shower and toilet on the ground floor. The first floor consists of two bedrooms and a shower/bathroom and toilet. The third bedroom is used by staff as a sleeping-in room.

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Brief description of the service

The home offers accommodation for up to two young people between the ages of eight and 18.

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Summary

At this unannounced interim inspection the key standards in the areas of staying safe and organisation were assessed. An assessment was also made on whether the home has addressed the two recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Summary

The home continues to offer a good standard of care to the young people and promotes their safety and well-being to a very good standard. The new manager, who is experienced in managing other children's homes, offers a good level of leadership and monitors the performance of staff and care given to the young people, robustly and conscientiously. External monitoring of the home continues to be of a high standard and this ensures that the organisation, manager and staff all work cohesively to promote the well-being of the young people.

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Summary

One action was made as a result of this inspection. 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

Two recommendations were made at the last inspection. These have both been addressed. Over 80% of the staff team have now achieved the National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Additionally, the office is now kept locked consistently and there have been no incidents where young people have gained access into the office without permission.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. All confidential information regarding young people is stored securely in the office. Young people have their privacy respected and staff knock on doors before entering bedrooms. There is a policy in relation to room searches, with any only being carried out when absolutely necessary and when needed to safeguard young people. The staff provide sensitive support to any young people who may need assistance and guidance with personal care. 4 of 7 Inspection Report: SC364812 A robust complaints procedure is in place which allows young people to raise concerns or complaints easily. Young people are confident to voice their opinions about any issues and have the opportunity to do this during house meetings, key work sessions and on an informal basis to the staff working on shift or to the manager.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A robust approach towards child protection ensures that the young people's safety is protected and promoted. Staff receive training in safeguarding and clearly have a sound understanding of all key child protection matters and protocols. All policies and procedures are produced in line with current local and national safeguarding legislation and practices, being completed to a high standard. Responses to child protection concerns or incidents are swift and comprehensive with all relevant parties being informed in good time. The manner in which any matters are addressed is extremely professional, with close liaison maintained at all times with local safeguarding teams and placing authorities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people understand that bullying is not tolerated and this is made very clear in their handbook. Staff encourage young people to resolve any issues by meeting with each other in the event of conflict and by addressing causes of tension and group dynamics in house meetings. Close supervision is provided by the staff at times of assessed risk in order to address any difficulties and to ensure support to the young people. Bullying is managed well by the staff team who are alert to what is going on in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff follow robust procedures if a young person goes missing. The home liaises with the local police to ensure that they are aware of the young people's particular needs and vulnerabilities. Records of all missing young people, authorised or unauthorised, are of a very good standard. All young people are responded to positively on their return, discussions taking place following all incidents which enable them to reflect on their behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Each young person has a detailed behaviour management plan which outlines what strategies can help them to retain control of their behaviour and what triggers may cause distress and challenging behaviour. Young people are helped to develop positive behaviour with constructive staff response to incidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Sanctions which are imposed are clearly recorded and endorsed as being appropriate by the home's manager. They are also reviewed by the external monitoring manager during her monthly visits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All members of staff receive training in the method of restraint used in the home. While most records of physical intervention are of a good standard, not all contain the details required. The details of the behaviour leading to the restraint or method of holding are not in all cases sufficiently described in the report.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The health and safety of all those who live and work at the setting are taken seriously. All required servicing, tests and checks are undertaken in regard to fire fighting, gas and electrical equipment. Regular fire alarm and emergency lighting tests are completed with routine fire drills taking place. The fire risk assessment is checked on a monthly basis. The auditing system for safety and fire equipment is thorough and robust.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Robust procedures are in place to ensure only suitable staff are employed. All members of staff have the required checks carried out before they start employment. All visitors are vetted, supervised if appropriate and asked to sign the visitors' book. 5 of 7 Inspection Report: SC364812

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting provides suitable information regarding the facilities and services available for young people. The Statement of Purpose highlights all areas of care provision and identifies the aims and objectives of the service. Young people are given a children's guide that is comprehensive and clearly states what they can expect and what is expected of them. These documents are checked by the manager on a monthly basis.

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Organisation

Young people benefit from a committed staff team consisting of experienced and less experienced staff who are all fully supported by the manager and other senior staff in the organisation. A good staffing ratio is in place to ensure high levels of support and individual attention for young people. An induction programme is offered to newly recruited staff with continued training after this period. Staff receive regular supervision and feel well supported. Continued professional development opportunities are made available with the organisation keen to support and encourage their staff to develop their learning and practice. Over 80% of the staff team have achieved the National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People.

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Organisation

The organisation completes routine monitoring visits to the home which are detailed and accurate. The subsequent reports provide an objective review of care provision and where necessary highlight areas in need of improvement.

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Organisation

The home has a new manager who has been in place for four months. She has experience of working in other homes which are run by the organisation and provides clear leadership and expectations of high standards.

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Organisation

The young people's care plans are very well organised, regularly reviewed and updated and are subject to thorough checks by the key workers, supervisory staff and manager. All information is securely stored.

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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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Due date Action Standard

6 of 7 Inspection Report: SC364812 19 February 2010 ensure that all the details required by regulation are included in any report about an incident of physical restraint. (Regulation 17 (4) (a -g) )

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 7 of 7 Inspection Report: SC364812

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