Children's Home run by Benjamin UK Ltd in Buckinghamshire

SC062317 Unique reference number 11 March 2010 Inspection date Paula Eaton Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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26 October 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 6 Inspection Report: SC062317

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Brief description of the service

This is a private children's home registered to take up to four young people aged between 12 and 18 years of age.

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Brief description of the service

The home is situated on a modern housing estate. Shops, bus routes and local amenities are within walking distance of the home.

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Brief description of the service

The house has three floors with a kitchen/dining room, lounge, conservatory and cloakroom on the ground floor. The bathroom, office and bedrooms are situated on the second and third floors. A garden and a garage are at the rear of the property.

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Brief description of the service

Currently four young people live in this home two of whom were present for part of the inspection

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Summary

This was an unannounced inspection at which all the key national minimum standards under the outcome of staying safe were inspected. One standard under the outcome heading being healthy was also assessed as there was an action set under this standard at the last inspection.

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Summary

The home provides a high standard of care for young people. Staff are committed to meeting the individual needs of young people and provide an open, supportive and enabling environment. The welfare of young people is paramount and robust systems are in place to ensure that young people are kept safe.

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Summary

The standard of record keeping in the home is very 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

At the previous inspection the provider was asked to ensure that good food hygiene practices were adhered to. This has been met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young people benefit from a nutritious and well balanced diet. Choices are provided and young people are involved in preparing weekly menus. The home caters for special dietary requirements and monitors the eating habits of young people, encouraging them to eat a healthy diet, and taking appropriate action where there are concerns about the young person's welfare. Snacks and drinks are available for young people including a bowl of fresh fruit. Good food hygiene practice is followed in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The privacy of young people is respected. There are appropriate locks on bedroom and bathroom doors and all records are kept securely in the office. Young people's rooms are only searched 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC062317 where there is a concern about the welfare of a young person or a suspicion that they have items in their room that are illegal or harmful. Young people are aware of the reasons for room searches and report that it is rare for a young person's room to be searched.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people feel listened to by staff and there is an open and positive atmosphere in the home that supports good communication. Young people feel able to voice any concerns that they have and know how to make a complaint if they are unhappy about something. Separate comprehensive records are maintained for internal and external complaints and there is also a 'Grumbles' book that can be used to record minor grievances expressed by young people. The level of complaints in the home is very low and all complaints are responded to promptly and satisfactorily resolved.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Robust child protection procedures are in place and staff receive regular training to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities with regard to reporting and responding to any safeguarding concerns. The home has also established good relationships with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The home has an anti-bullying policy in place and any incidents are responded to promptly and effectively. Staff monitor relationships between young people and there are low levels of bullying in the home. Good systems are in place for responding to occasions when young people abscond and good records are maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Behaviour management is a key area of work in the home. Robust systems are in place for responding to unacceptable behaviour. There is a strong commitment to encouraging positive behaviour and supporting young people to engage in activities in and around the community. Positive behaviour is rewarded; as a result sanctions are rarely imposed and physical intervention is rarely required. Individual behaviour management plans are developed where required and these include clear guidance for staff to reduce levels of unacceptable behaviour. Young people are fully involved in this process and sign records related to behaviour management. Staff receive regular training in methods of managing difficult behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good monitoring systems are in place to ensure that the environment remains safe with appropriate safety checks taking place at regular intervals. Fire safety checks and fire drills take place at regular intervals and clear, up-to-date records are maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Recruitment files and practice were not looked at during this inspection as they were not readily available at the home. This will be followed up at the next inspection.

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Organisation

The organisation is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC062317

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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: SC062317

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