Children's Home run by Archways Care Limited in Worcestershire

SC383941 Unique reference number 19 April 2010 Inspection date Carole Moore Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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18 August 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 8 Inspection Report: SC383941

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Brief description of the service

This is a children's home for four young people between the ages of eight and 17 with emotional and behavioural difficulties. It offers care to children on a medium to long-term basis and provides a nurturing environment in which to develop and prepare the young people for a return to family, foster care or independent living. The home is a detached residence with sufficient car parking space to the side of the house and a large garden at the rear. The home can access public transport and there is also a wide range of leisure activities in the close vicinity. The house has been tastefully decorated to a high specification, but remains homely.

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Summary

This was a full unannounced inspection that concentrated on key national minimum standards. All outcome areas have been inspected.

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Summary

The overall judgement for this service is good. The Registered Manager provides clear leadership to the staff team which ensures that the aims and objectives of the home are achieved. Young people are receiving care and support that is flexible but consistent in relation to their changing needs. Young people are able to make meaningful contributions to the running of the home because their views and opinions are valued.

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Summary

One recommendation has been raised in the enjoy and achieve outcome area in order to further improve practice. 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

There were no actions or recommendations raised at the last interim inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The food provided for the young people shows that staff have an understanding of what makes a balanced diet, have an awareness of nutritional issues and have put this into practice. Young people indicate that they are supported and encouraged to cook meals for themselves and that they are actively involved in planning the menus each week. Food is used well to help broaden young people's knowledge and awareness of other cultures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young people's health needs are systematically recorded within their individual health plan and daily observation record. These records confirm that staff play an active role in monitoring and maintaining the good health of young people. Staff's practice is comprehensive, addressing young people's social, medical and health-related needs. Young people receive prompt medical services because written consent for treatment and first aid is given. The home actively maintains links with external agencies and professionals to ensure young people can access and receive the appropriate services to which they are entitled. Young people can have access to individual therapy sessions from the in-house therapist to help and support their emotional well-being if this is part of their placement plan. Young people say that they feel safe, and are confident to go to staff if they have any concerns or health worries.

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Helping children to be healthy

4 of 8 Inspection Report: SC383941 Medication is stored safely in a designated lockable cabinet sited in the staff office. There are clear procedures for staff to follow, staff receive medication training as part of their induction and the manager takes responsibility for checking systems. First aid boxes are provided within the home and are regularly checked and maintained and there is always a first aider on each shift.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Young people's privacy and confidentiality are respected by staff. Staff knock on bedroom doors before entering. Records are kept locked away and young people's issues are not discussed openly. There is a good range of policies and procedures that relate to the protection of young people. Staff receive child protection training, and are following the latest inter-agency policy and reporting procedures. As a result, young people live in a stable and safe environment where their welfare is paramount.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a sound system in place to record any concerns made known directly by young people, or by independent professionals advocating on their behalf. This helps young people and staff to work together to ensure care is continually appropriate. Young people are protected from bullying as staff present a clear commitment to promoting behaviour that is respectful. They actively challenge any form of behaviour that may be perceived as harmful and upsetting. Young people confirm this view stating 'no bullies allowed here'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff develop positive, strong relationships with young people. They adhere to the behaviour management policies. As a result, sanction and restraint are used appropriately. Staff are acutely aware of the need to balance their interventions with positive feedback and rewards for young people's achievements. Rewards are creative and individual to each young person. All staff receive training in managing behaviour and physical restraints, and record all incidents within a range of recording systems. The home's practices help young people to develop socially acceptable behaviour through positive reward for acceptable behaviour and constructive response to inappropriate behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When young people's behaviour presents increased risks to themselves, such as leaving the home without permission, staff respond effectively to try and reduce these risks. The home uses risk assessments and reporting procedures effectively to support the safe return of young people to the home. Records detail the action staff take to safeguard young people and those at risk from being absent from the home without consent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home protects young people by ensuring a range of environmental risk assessments have been undertaken and regularly reviewed. The risk assessments cover all aspects of safety of the premises and grounds including fire and young people's behaviour and activities. These assessments are taken into account in the daily activities in the home. A similar process is followed for activities outside of the home, for example, trips out. The fire log book shows that there are regular checks of the alarm systems and the home has completed the required number of fire drills or evacuations and there is always a fire drill when a young person or member of staff moves into the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are clear procedures for the recruitment of staff which are supported by practices that are robust. As a result, young people's welfare is actively safeguarded. 5 of 8 Inspection Report: SC383941

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Key workers provide good support to young people. They establish plans, help young people to achieve them and ensure each young person's individual needs are met. This support acknowledges issues of gender, disability, race, culture and difference. As a result, staff meet young people's needs in a way which strengthens their individual identities. There is currently no independent advocate or listener whom they can contact directly about any personal problems or concerns but this is to be addressed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young people take part in a wide range of activities within and outside the home. Staff ensure leisure activities reflect the individual interests of the young people. They support them to take managed risks to build their confidence and increase their enjoyment of life.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The home has a strong relationship with the school the young people attend. Staff take an active role in supporting learning and communicating with the school, and as a result young people are making continued good progress at school. Where education is not immediately available the home are registered to provide education programmes until such time as a suitable educational placement is obtained. The home's practices ensure all young people are able to achieve their educational potential and enjoy education in its own right.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young people are supported by clear and concise placement plans which reflect their individual needs and wishes. Placement plans provide clear aims for the placement and strategies for supporting the young people to achieve these. Plans include risk assessments which ensure that the young person is able to maintain their levels of independence in a safe manner. All placement plans are regularly reviewed to ensure the changing needs of young people are reflected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff are pro-active in ensuring young people maintain contact with parents and significant others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people are given good support when they arrive and leave the home and these routines are based around individual needs and circumstances. Staff understand that moving home can be very difficult for some young people and this awareness is used to provide support and reassurance in these circumstances. Young people are encouraged to bring their own possessions into the home so they can personalise their own bedrooms.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people are respected as individuals. The views of all young people are taken into consideration with no young person deemed unable to express their views. Staff build a clear picture of their likes and dislikes, for example, what they enjoy eating. On recognition of young people's preferences, staff work actively to encourage them to try new activities and experiences. This helps staff to individualise the environment to suit young people's needs and thus broaden their horizons. Young people confirmed that they were more than able to 'have their say'.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. 6 of 8 Inspection Report: SC383941 The home is large, spacious, homely and welcoming. The accommodation is of a good standard. It is well maintained and in a sound condition. Young people have their own rooms which reflect their personalities and needs. The home's location, design and size are in keeping with its purpose and function. It meets the needs of the young people and, therefore, provides an environment which supports their development.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

There is sufficient space to accommodate creative and physical activities within the home. The gardens offer sufficient space for outside activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home provides a Statement of Purpose which clearly identifies the service provided to young people in placement. To support the Statement of Purpose, the home has a young people's guide which is in a child-friendly format.

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Organisation

The commitment from staff is a strength of the provision and most absences are covered from the existing team, or bank staff. The number of staff on duty is always enough to meet the needs of young people, which supports their welfare and protection. The staff training and development programme includes a good induction and further training opportunities for all staff. Most staff have completed, or are undertaking National Vocational Qualifications. As a result, they become sure of their job role and individual level of responsibility very quickly. Young people benefit greatly from this positive approach as they are cared for by motivated and suitable staff.

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Organisation

Staff are themselves well supported and receive regular supervision. Staff shift handovers are well planned to ensure all information is exchanged and shared. Staff meetings are held on a regular basis and form a valuable communication tool for staff to maintain their consistent approach and sort out any concerns and discrepancies.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is good. The home has written policies that reflect anti-discriminatory regulations successfully and which positively respond to diversity and difference. The staff team have undertaken specific equality and diversity training through the University of Warwick to raise their awareness in this area of practice and this has been an area for development.

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Organisation

Young people are making good progress because systems are in place to monitor the service and the daily lives of young people currently living at the home. The organisation has established a pattern of management monitoring and reporting procedures, which are effectively implemented by the Registered Manager. The home is well managed and this contributes to the positive impact on the care and support young people receive.

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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): • ensure each child has at least one person, independent of the home and the child's placing authority, whom they can contact directly about personal problems or concerns at the home. (NMS 7.8) 8 of 8 Inspection Report: SC383941

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