Children's Home run by Surrey County Council in Surrey

SC068827 Unique reference number 11 March 2010 Inspection date Paula Eaton Inspector Random Type of Inspection

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9 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 6 Inspection Report: SC068827

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Brief description of the service

This children's home accommodates up to five young people between the ages of 10 and 17. The home is owned and managed by a local authority. Features include a garden which backs on to woodland, an activities room, a lounge with an open fire place and single bedrooms. There are office spaces and a separate kitchen and dining area on the ground floor as well as a laundry room.

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Brief description of the service

At the time of the inspection, there were four young people living in the home. Only one of the young people was at home during the inspection and this young person was not spoken to.

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Summary

This was an unannounced inspection that looked at all of the key national minimum standards under the staying safe outcome. One standard under the economic wellbeing outcome was also assessed as there was an action set at the key inspection in relation to this.

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Summary

Staff build positive relationships with young people and strive to meet their individual needs. Sound systems are in place to safeguard young people and staff monitor relationships between young people. Difficult behaviour is responded to constructively and good records maintained in relation to any disciplinary measures used.

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Summary

Young people benefit from a clean, warm and generally safe environment. However, the number of closed internal doors has implications for the safety and supervision of young people. 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 sufficient detail was recorded for any physical restraints imposed. This has been met. The provider was also asked to address the potential risks posed by the communal doors in the home. This is in the process of being addressed and work has been agreed but not yet completed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The privacy and dignity of young people is respected. Bathrooms and bedrooms have appropriate locks on them and there are areas within the home where young people can meet with visitors in private. Records are kept securely and satisfactory policies and procedures are in place with regard to confidentiality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a clear complaints procedure in place and young people are encouraged to voice any concerns that they may have. Detailed records are maintained for any complaints made including 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC068827 any action taken and the outcome of the complaint. The level of complaints in the home is very low.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Robust systems are in place for safeguarding young people. All staff receive child protection training as part of their induction and there are clear policies and procedures in place. Staff discuss any safeguarding concerns during the handover meeting that takes place between shifts which ensures that it remains at the forefront of the minds of staff. Anti-bullying policies and procedures are in place and staff are proactive in working with young people to build positive relationships within the home. Any difficulties that do arise are addressed promptly. Good systems are in place for responding to incidents where young people abscond from the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff build positive relationships with young people. There are clear boundaries in place and staff encourage young people to treat each other with respect. Unacceptable behaviour is responded to appropriately and fairly and staff reflect on their responses to difficult behaviour. This enables them to develop and improve strategies as the needs of young people change. Staff also benefit from a debriefing session on shift that allows them to discuss how they are feeling before going home which is especially beneficial if it has been a difficult shift. Records are maintained for any sanctions imposed and any physical restraint used. The home has recently introduced restorative justice practices in the home as a more positive way of responding to unacceptable behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Systems for ensuring the health and safety of young people and staff are sound. All the required fire safety checks take place at regular intervals and fire drills occur on a monthly basis. Any health and safety issues are promptly reported and addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are robust recruitment policies and procedures in place to ensure the protection of young people.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is satisfactory. Young people benefit from an environment that is maintained to a good standard. Good systems are in place for responding to any maintenance issues. Supervision of young people is impeded by a number of internal fire doors in communal areas that are kept shut. Young people and staff can feel and become vulnerable when doors are closed in these areas especially if young people display challenging behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC068827

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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

30 April 2010 minimise the potential risks posed by the restriction of having communal doors closed in the home (Regulation 23(c))

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC068827

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