Children's Home run by Break Charity in Norfolk

SC025718 Unique reference number 9 March 2010 Inspection date Sean White 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 5 Inspection Report: SC025718

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is owned by a registered charity that also owns a number of other children's homes and a residential family centre in the county. The charity also offers a residential respite care service for children and adults with physical and/or learning disabilities.

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Brief description of the service

The home provides long-term accommodation for up to five young people, aged eight to 18 years of age. A condition attached to the registration of the home is that there must not be more than a five-year age gap between young people. The end-terrace house is on three levels and situated in a residential area near to the town and community facilities. Accommodation comprises of a lounge, sitting room, kitchen diner and utility room. On the first and second floor there are seven bedrooms, bathing and toilet facilities and an office. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property. Parking for staff and visitors is on the road outside the home. Two young people were accommodated at the time of the inspection but only one young person was present during the inspection.

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Summary

This is a home that continues to provide a good residential experience for young people. There is a clear commitment to providing care that promotes the welfare of the children, and practices protect their wellbeing.

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Summary

The approach to encouraging socially acceptable behaviour is child focused and there are well-established systems in place to enable young people to develop their independence and understanding of the world.

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Summary

The home is a stable environment that has the best interests of children at the core of its operations and staff are conscientious in their approach. 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 manager has ensured that the recommendations following the last inspection has been met. The recording of the use of restraint, which is a rare occurrence in the home, is now more comprehensive.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home has a good approach to ensuring that children and young people are safe and their welfare is promoted. There is a clear focus on encouraging young people to enjoy realistic freedoms and privacy; well defined risk assessments determine the most suitable approach for ensuring a balanced lifestyle that is both safe and fulfilling. 4 of 5 Inspection Report: SC025718 The structures of the home, and the encouragement of good behaviour, are based on establishing trusting relationships between children and workers. There are no formal reward and sanction systems, but there are clear expectations that children will develop an understanding of socially acceptable norms. There is a clear understanding of the need to protect vulnerable children and the sensitive management of the resident group has resulted in bullying not being a feature in the home for some considerable time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are clear procedural and recording systems in place that ensure all incidents are accurately noted and commented on, although there have been negligible serious incidents in the home in recent times. This indicates a stable environment within which young people are able to feel cared for, valued and encouraged.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The physical safety of children is safeguarded through regular, rigorous oversight of the fire and premises checks, which are well monitored and actions followed through.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The registered provider ensures suitability of staff employed thorough the recruitment procedures.

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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. 5 of 5 Inspection Report: SC025718

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