Children's Home run by Hillcrest Children’s Services Ltd in Hampshire

SC012001 Unique reference number 12 March 2010 Inspection date David Coulter Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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10 December 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 9 Inspection Report: SC012001

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Brief description of the service

Ashley children's home is one of two homes run by a private company. The home can accommodate up to six young people of either sex who are between the ages of 8 years and 16 years on admission. The home specialises in providing therapeutic care for children who have suffered trauma in their lives, such as physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or neglect and display a variety of behavioural problems. The home is a spacious two storey detached building within a residential area, with access to local amenities, shops and public transport.

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Summary

The aim of the unannounced inspection was to assess the home against the national minimum standards and regulations. All key standards were assessed. Evidence was obtained by undertaking a tour of the building and facilities, examining a range of records and documents and meeting with a number of staff and both young people.

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Summary

At the time of the inspection two young people were in residence. Both had been subject to a comprehensive assessment as part of the admissions process and their specific care needs clearly identified. Staff have developed placement plans that provide clear guidance for staff on how each individual's needs can be effectively met. The home operates within a risk management framework that uses assessments to ensure that young people and staff are kept safe both within the home and during activities off-site. The home has a good recording system that provides clear evidence of the quality of care within the home.

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Summary

The home's current residents are particularly vulnerable and can present with extremely challenging behaviour. Staff strive to provide a safe environment with clear boundaries. A behaviour management strategy has been developed that reinforces positive behaviour. All staff have undertaken training in managing challenging behaviour and have developed a range of diversionary techniques to diffuse volatile situations.

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Summary

The staff operate with a group of experienced and well motivated staff. Staffing levels are regularly adjusted to ensure the needs of young people can be effectively met. Staff continue to develop their knowledge and skills and participation on training courses remains high. 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

While staff have endeavoured to secure permanent educational placements for both residents they have experienced mixed success. They should, however, be commended on their pro-active approach that has resulted in the development of an agriculturally based work programme for one of the young people. Staff continue to promote the importance of education and provide educational activities within the home.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The concept of 'healthy living' is promoted within the home and young people are encouraged to eat healthily and take regular exercise. Young people are involved in menu planning and 4 of 9 Inspection Report: SC012001 often accompany staff on shopping trips. Each individual's culinary preferences are incorporated into menu plans. All meals are produced fresh on the premises. Healthy snacks and drinks are always available in between meals. Staff provide opportunities for young people to acquire cooking skills and will assist them in preparing snacks and meals. Meals are social occasions and young people and staff eat together.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for monitoring the health and well-being of each young person are good. The health of each young person is assessed prior to admission and from the information obtained a health plan is developed. Staff are pro-active in ensuring that any identified health needs are appropriately met and will both arrange and accompany young people to medical appointments. Medical consents are obtained from young people's social workers and parents. All young people are registered with a local General Practice. Young people are subject to an annual health check by a looked after children's nurse. Guidance advice and support is provided by staff on health related issues. When required, specialist psychiatric help is sought. Young people are encouraged to undertake regular exercise by participating in a range of activities including walking, cycling and swimming.

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Helping children to be healthy

The arrangements for the storage and administration of medication are good. Medication is stored in an appropriate locked facility and dispensed by staff who have completed specific training. Neither of the current residents are in receipt of regular medication. All staff undertake first aid training that is regularly updated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Staff within the home acknowledge that each young person is a unique individual, with their own specific physical, social and emotional needs. Both young people are provided with their own rooms that can be accessed at anytime. There is an expectation that young people will be afforded a high degree of privacy and for example, staff only enter each other's rooms if invited to do so. Room searches are only carried out if it is felt a young person is putting themselves or others at risk. Toilets and bathrooms were observed to have suitable locks. Confidential information relating to each young person is stored in an appropriately locked facility within the home's office. Young people have access to a phone and are afforded privacy when phoning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff regularly seek out the views of young people on all aspects of their lives within the home. This information is obtained informally through one-to-one discussions and more formally through regular house meetings. This pro-active approach has allowed staff to address worries and concerns before they develop into complaints. The home has a written complaints policy and all young people are made aware of it on admission. No complaints have been made since the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are clearly aware of the vulnerabilities of the young people in their care. The home has a well developed child protection policy and procedure. Staff have contact with the area child protection team and have undertaken joint training. All staff are made aware of their personal responsibilities in regard to the reporting of any abuse issues during their induction training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

According to staff, both the home's residents get along reasonably well together. While bullying is not currently an issue, staff are clearly aware of such vulnerable young people to bully or be bullied. The home operates a policy of zero tolerance towards bullying and young people are 5 of 9 Inspection Report: SC012001 made aware of it on admission. By the use of behaviour management strategies, appropriate staffing levels and careful monitoring, staff aim to minimise opportunities for bullying to occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a policy and procedure for reporting young people who are absent without authority. A pen picture and physical description of each young person is kept on file. This information can be relayed to police in the event of them not returning. Young people are made aware of the potential dangers of leaving without authority. A policy and procedure has also been developed in regard to the reporting of serious incidents. A written record is made of all serious incidents and appropriate authorities such as Ofsted and social services notified. No serious incidents have occurred since the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home aims to provide a supportive and structured environment for young people. Though the home does not operate with many rules, there are expectations that young people will show respect to each other and staff. Through communal living and the development of independent living skills, young people are helped to develop socially acceptable behaviour both in the home and in the wider community. Each young person has an individual behaviour management plan that provides guidance for staff on how to work with each young person. Sanctions, if used, normally consist of a withdrawal of a privilege. All sanctions are recorded in a dedicated book. Staff often provide opportunities for reparation following minor indiscretions. These usually take the form of a communal task. Staff try to help young people make the connection between actions and likely consequences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home aims to provide a safe and secure environment that is domestic rather than institutional in character. Risk assessments for both the home and activities are used to ensure the safety of all young people and staff. All the home's policies, procedures and working practices have been developed within a risk management framework. The home is subject to a range of inspections from other bodies such as Environmental Health and Fire Safety. The fire alarm system is tested regularly and evacuation exercises carried out. Access to the building is limited and all visitors have to report to staff on admission, produce identification and sign in.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home operates with a staff team of both full and part-time staff. All prospective employees have to complete a comprehensive recruitment process that involves supplying references and submitting to a Criminal Record Bureau check. New staff have to complete a detailed induction programme and work alongside other experienced staff before assuming their full duties. All staff are supplied with a job description that details their roles and responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Being a small home, there is an expectation by both the manager and proprietors that staff will be conversant with the needs of both residents. The physical, social and emotional needs of each individual are clearly identified within their placement plans. A communications book is used to record how the needs of young people are being met on a daily basis and to highlight any significant changes or events. Efforts are made to ensure that young people's religious and cultural needs can be met. Staff liaise closely with teachers, placing social workers and family members to ensure regular contact can be maintained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Though the home has an education policy that aims to ensure that young people have access to appropriate education and training, they have experienced difficulties in securing placements 6 of 9 Inspection Report: SC012001 that can meet the complex needs of the current residents. At the time of the inspection one young person had been excluded from school while the other was awaiting confirmation of a new placement. Staff have been pro-active in attempting to resolve the current situation and have secured a work experience and education placement for one of the young people at an open farm. Staff provide educational related tasks in both the home and in the local area. There are a number of educational resources within the home and staff help young people pursue their particular interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young people are encouraged to keep fit and active by participating in a range of sporting and recreational activities in both the home and local community. The views of young people are sought via regular group meetings and one-to-one sessions. The location of the home in a rural area provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling, walking and horse riding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Both young people have placement plans that identify their physical, social, educational, cultural and leisure needs. Young people are involved in the development of their placement plans. Placement plans are adjusted in to reflect changing needs and reviewed in line with looked after children guidance. Any recommendations arising out of reviews are incorporated in the care planning process. Young people are encouraged to attend their reviews. Both of the current residents can communicate effectively and do not require any specialised assistance to convey their views. Placement plans clearly identify contact arrangements with family, friends and significant others. Young people can maintain contact via visits and the phone. Any restrictions regarding access are, when appropriate, made clear to all parties. Any concerns about the welfare of young people during contact are passed to their social workers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The home has a written admission procedure that aims to help each young person settle in effectively. All prospective residents are encouraged to visit the home prior to admission. Young people are provided with a young person's guide on admission. Every effort is made to ensure that arrivals and departures are planned. There is an expectation that leaving the home will be a planned process and young people will follow a transition plan. Staff are clearly aware that preparation for leaving the home should start well in advance of any date and include assistance from the after care team of the placing authority.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have established effective mechanisms, such as house meetings and individual one-to-one sessions, to obtain the views of young people about all aspects of their care in the home. It was observed that neither of the current residents had difficulties in raising concerns with the staff on duty. All the young people have regular contact with their social workers.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. There is an expectation that each young person will acquire a range of social and life skills during their placement that will help them when they move on. Though young people are provided with a range of life-skills training opportunities it is currently on an ad hoc basis. Within the home individuals are provided with opportunities to develop their skills by assisting in many of the tasks associated with communal living such as cooking, shopping, budgeting and the use of domestic appliances. When appropriate opportunities are also provided in the 7 of 9 Inspection Report: SC012001 community. Staff are acutely aware of the vulnerabilities of both individuals and risk assess external activities.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The home offers comfortable accommodation in a domestic setting. The building was observed to be structurally sound and in good decorative order. Both young people appeared satisfied with their accommodation. The home has a number of communal areas including a dedicated lounge and quiet room. The home is subject to regular health and safety risk assessments. There is a safe enclosed garden to the rear of the property.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home has produced a Statement of Purpose that details the nature of the service. The statement is regularly reviewed to reflect changes. The home has also produced a children's guide that details, in simple terms, the nature of the home including its routines, activities and facilities. Young people are supplied with a copy prior to admission.

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Organisation

The home operates with a stable and experienced staff team. The current team have sufficient skills, qualifications and experience to meet the needs of both young people presently accommodated. Staff rotas indicate that staff are deployed in sufficient numbers to ensure the needs of young people are being appropriately met. A well established hand-over system ensures that key information is passed between staff on different shifts effectively. Any shortfalls in staffing are made up by drawing upon a number of bank staff and members of the company's other homes staff team. These staff are conversant with the policies, procedures and working practices of the home.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is good. The home benefits from having a socially and culturally diverse staff team. Staff introduce young people to different cultures via such things as ethnic meals.

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Organisation

There is a well established culture of training and professional development within the staff team. Their practice is reflective and staff regularly discuss the specific needs of each young person. Evidence indicates that while staff are proud of the quality of care within the home they are as a team constantly striving for improvements and new ways of working. Staff regularly access training opportunities. A record is kept on staff files of all courses attended. All new staff must successfully complete an induction programme before assuming their full responsibilities. Staff receive monthly supervision and an annual appraisal. This system provides an effective mechanism for identifying individual training needs.

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Organisation

Arrangements for the monitoring of the home are good. The home is monitored internally by the manager and externally by the company's proprietors. Written reports are produced in accordance with Regulation 33 requirements.

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Organisation

Each young person has a dedicated record that contains the information required in Schedule 3. Records examined contained recent and relevant information. All the records are kept in an appropriately locked facility. The manager and staff are good at reflecting on their achievements as well as any gaps in their practice. This promotes good morale and a realistic view of the difference the home can make to the lives of young people in their care. 8 of 9 Inspection Report: SC012001

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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): • develop a curriculum to assist young people develop a comprehensive range of social and life-skills. (NMS 6) 9 of 9 Inspection Report: SC012001

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