Children's Home run by Channels and Choices Kent LLP in Kent

SC067895 Unique reference number 22 March 2010 Inspection date Lucy Ansell 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 6 Inspection Report: SC067895

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Brief description of the service

The home is a three-storey property in a residential area, with a basement flat that is not designated for use by the children's home. The house is situated very close to the town centre and all the local amenities are easy to access.

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Brief description of the service

There is a mainline rail connection, shops, cinema, sports facilities, parks and the beach within a five minute walk. Medical and dental services are available locally.

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Brief description of the service

The home is registered to accommodate and care for up to three young people. The home provides short- to medium-term residential care for children and young people aged between eight and 17 years old on admission.

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Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection and one young person was present at the time of the inspection. The focus of the inspection was to look at staying safe and assess whether the previous recommendations and actions had been met. Judgements remain the same as at the last inspection report if all the key standards are not fully inspected.

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Summary

Young people's welfare is enhanced by good relationships with the staff and also with their peer group. Young people are safeguarded by good policies and procedures being in place. The home works closely with a wide range of outside agencies in order to meet individual young people's needs. There is a motivated staff team who are well supported by the registered manager. 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 actions were made at the last inspection both of which had been fully completed last year and signed off by their inspector. Three recommendations were also made and these were looked at during this inspection process. The home were asked to ensure that there is evidence of the involvement of the young people in updating records, this is now happening more frequently and is inclusive of the young people's thoughts and wishes. There were gaps in the complaints book where complaints were not fully completed; the manager has now reviewed and updated this. The final one was to ensure that strategies to engage a young person who refuses identified care, were recorded. There is now a more collaborative approach with primary care workers where a young person refuses appropriate care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Systems are in place to enable young people to store personal items securely and the accommodation offers good levels of privacy. Confidential information is appropriately stored 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC067895 and shared. Arrangements are in place for the young people to have privacy when making personal phone calls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are provided with various ways in which to raise complaints or concerns, which are dealt with seriously and promptly. Young people are also made aware of how to contact external agencies; the home has access to an independent visitor. One complaint has been made since the last inspection which was dealt with promptly; the complaints book has been reviewed to ensure any admissions are comprehensively completed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are trained in safeguarding and have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities in keeping young people safe. There are clear procedures and systems that are in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A zero tolerance to bullying is established by the home, which is periodically covered during young people's meetings and is also referred to within the young people's guide. Staff take prompt action to deal with any incidents of bullying, high staffing levels help to reduce the risk of bullying.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Policies and procedures are in place and followed if a young person becomes absent from the home without consent. Notifications and communications are well recorded and the appropriate authorities are kept informed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff provide a consistent and fair approach to young people's inappropriate behaviour. Positive behaviour is reinforced through effective reward systems. Training in the management of behaviour is provided for staff. Individual incident reports are cross-referenced with bound records. Young people understand that boundaries are in place to keep them safe and respect this. There is good recording of restraints and sanctions occurring in the home at the present time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps are taken to keep young people and staff in the home safe through regular review and update of environmental and fire risk assessments. Fire tests are undertaken and equipment is serviced at regular intervals. Service certificates are kept up to date. Health and safety audits are routinely undertaken.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home follows sound recruitment and selection procedures. Proof of identity, references and work history checks are undertaken by the company. Criminal Record Bureau checks are not always in place before staff commence work and this practice may put young people at risk.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young people benefit from plans of care that contain very detailed assessments and helps to meet their needs in a comprehensive manner which determines the best outcomes for them. There is good recording and paperwork, with clear target setting and reviews completed in a timely fashion. Young people are encouraged to make comment, read and sign paperwork 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC067895 within their files. The young people in the home are engaging well with the staff and with outside services.

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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

22 March 2010 ensure no staff commences work in the home until the criminal records bureau check is in place (Schedule 2)

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Recommendations

There are no recommendations. 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC067895

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