Children's Home run by Progressive Care Limited in Sheffield

SC002930 Unique reference number 23 June 2010 Inspection date Robert Curr Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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7 January 2010 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: SC002930

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Brief description of the service

This setting provides up to nine long term placements for young people aged from 14 years old up to 17 years old. The accommodation consists of seven single bedrooms and two independent self-contained flats. There are spacious communal areas for eating, studying and relaxing.

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Brief description of the service

The home is in a residential area, approximately two miles from the town centre and is close to public transport. One of the main aims of the setting is to support, advise and to assist young people with their emotional development, education, work and independent living skills.

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Summary

This was an unannounced inspection. All of the key standards were checked and improvements made since the last inspection were noted.

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Summary

This is a good service. Young people's education is encouraged and promoted. Leisure needs are met and a multi-disciplinary approach ensures young people's views are taken into account when planning their future.

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Summary

A policy on equality and diversity is in place and the staff demonstrate an appreciation that individual young people may have a range of possible needs arising from diversity.

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Summary

Young people's welfare is enhanced by the positive relationships fostered by the staff team. The service is monitored, thus enabling the registered provider to oversee the operation of the home. 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 last inspection the registered person was asked to take action in relation to aspects of staying safe, enjoying and achieving, and organisation. These included the recruitment process, professional supervision and staff training.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff only commence employment prior to the issue of a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau disclosure and all relevant vetting checks are completed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Young people have access to a computer with internet access. This benefits young people when they are undertaking schoolwork or pursuing leisure interests.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Supervision sessions are provided for new staff at the recommended intervals to provide support and guidance in safeguarding and promoting young people's welfare.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A well-maintained training matrix shows when staff have had training in the various subjects.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Although progress has been made in relation to staff training, National Vocational Qualification ratios do not meet current standards. 4 of 8 Inspection Report: SC002930

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young people benefit from healthy and nutritious meals. They are well supported to become involved in choosing and preparing their own food. Comprehensive information about food values and healthy eating are available in the education room.

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Helping children to be healthy

Fresh fruit and vegetables are offered as part of very well planned menus. Young people enjoy a variety of dishes that reflect the preferences of the group. Young people said that they sometimes choose to have a take away.

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Helping children to be healthy

The health needs of each individual young person are carefully identified and regular links with healthcare professional services that meet individual needs are sought. Records are maintained and show that dentists and opticians have been used as required. Staff demonstrate a genuine concern for the young people who receive positive support within the home. There are sufficient staff trained in first aid to ensure consistent support at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Systems for the administration and storage of medicines are maintained. Staff have received training in the safe handling and administration of medication to enable them to safely store, administer and record the medication that they are responsible for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The systems that are in place ensure the safety, protection and well-being of young people living at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff demonstrate respect for young people by not entering their bedrooms without permission. All confidential information is kept in lockable cabinets. Young people have access to a telephone to make and receive calls. Sufficient space is available to enable young people to meet with visitors and have key work sessions in private.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All complaints are taken seriously by the home and fully investigated. Young people are aware of the complaints policy and feel any of their concerns are addressed promptly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Systems are in place to report child protection concerns and staff have received relevant training. Sensitivity is demonstrated by staff in their understanding of the complex needs of young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Comprehensive individual risk assessments are in place for managing young people's complex needs. Close links are maintained with the placing authority regarding the level of risk or vulnerability of the young people who abscond. Staff use diversion techniques to deter young people from leaving the home. Constructive support is available for young people when they return to the home that includes counselling about keeping safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Anti-bullying is promoted in the home in-line with the organisation's policies and procedures. Young people agree that they do not always get on with each other, but confirm there is no bullying at the home. Staff endeavour to create a harmonious atmosphere and openly challenge any form of bullying, including verbal abuse. 5 of 8 Inspection Report: SC002930 Behaviour management involves rewards for positive behaviour. Young people are aware of the consequences of their unacceptable behaviour that can result in the temporary withdrawal of a privilege. It is clear that when measures of control are put in place, staff consider the age and understanding of the young person concerned. Restraints are rarely used to manage behaviour considered to be a risk to young people or others. Staff receive training in the use of such interventions. However, records do not fully describe the nature and method of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective systems are in place to ensure all statutory health and safety checks are carried out within the required timescales.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Checks on fire fighting equipment are up to date and fire drills take place regularly. Records of fire drills accurately record who was present. All staff and some of the young people have undertaken fire awareness training. This upholds the health and safety of the young people residing at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected by the recruitment and selection process as pre-employment checks are carried out to ensure staff are suitable to work with children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Care plans reflect the individual needs of young people and are based on full initial assessments with regular reviews of progress. Two young people said that their key workers set up regular meetings for them to 'discuss things'. It was clearly evident that key workers have developed positive relationships with the young people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The range of activities is good. Young people enjoy playing a variety of games at home along with outings to the cinema and other outside activities. Young people have access to a computer within the home to undertake schoolwork or pursue leisure interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

School and educational attendance is encouraged, even with people who have a history of poor school attendance and exclusion. Educational achievement is valued and young people are well supported with accessing a variety of educational placements. One young person shared their gratitude to the staff for assisting them to secure education and helping them to plan their future via further education. This is improving young people's prospects in later life.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young people benefit from placement plans which set out how the home will meet their assessed needs. Young people and their key worker attend reviews. Together they effectively contribute to the reviews and reports are up to date which enables staff to measure any progress that has been made.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people say that they are able to maintain valued relationships with family and friends through appropriate contact arrangements. These arrangements are agreed with the young person and any restrictions are clearly recorded. Young people have full access to a telephone.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All the young people are positive about their involvement in the day-to-day running of the home. One young person stated, 'we are always allowed to make our views known at the house 6 of 8 Inspection Report: SC002930 meetings' and staff will advocate for them if they do not have the confidence to speak out. This system is highly effective in ensuring young people's decisions are valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff are able to fully understand the perspective of the young people with whom they work. Staff respond appropriately and constructively to challenge the young people's use of inappropriate or offensive language. Interactions between staff and young people are genuinely positive and relationships formed are valued.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. The opportunities provided for the young people to buy their own clothing and toiletries gives them experience in expressing their individual preferences and develop skills, such as budgeting, that will be essential throughout their life. They are allowed to spend money freely unless they have been found spending it inappropriately.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The house is in satisfactory decorative order. Individual bedrooms are well proportioned and young people's personal belongings are in evidence, according to their individual preferences. One young person noted in their survey that they are involved in choosing furniture and décor in the home. However, the blinds in the lounge do not close properly and are in a poor state of repair. Young people have brought this to the attention of the manager via the house meetings.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. This service which provides a safe setting for young people with complex needs, and a positive and supportive learning environment for staff. The staff team are very motivated and professional. The promotion of equality and diversity is good.

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Organisation

The Statement of Purpose sets out what the home will provide and is clear about the way in which this will be achieved. A welcome guide to the service is given to all young people on their first visit and the guide is presented in a child-friendly format.

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Organisation

Staff state that they receive regular supervision sessions which provides them with support and professional guidance and they receive training on a wide range of subjects such as safeguarding and managing conflict. A comprehensive training matrix is maintained. This is clear evidence that at all times staff working in the home are suitably qualified, competent and experienced.

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Organisation

Not all of the appropriate staff have achieved a qualification at National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3 in caring for Children and Young People and the Registered Manager has not yet completed an appropriate management qualification. This means that the qualification recommendation is not met.

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Organisation

Staffing levels are appropriate to meet the needs of young people.

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Organisation

There are a number of quality assurance processes arranged by the registered provider, including monthly monitoring visits that include consultation with young people. The manager also produces a monthly report. Action points from the visits are followed up and these lead to improvements in practice. 7 of 8 Inspection Report: SC002930 Young people's individual case files are confidentially stored and are arranged in a manner which make them readily accessible to staff. This upholds young people's privacy and confidentiality. One young person said that they are aware that they can access their files and have done so. The files examined are very well maintained and organised.

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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 June 2010 ensure that any measure of control, restraint or discipline is recorded, in particular a description of the measure used (Regulation 17 (4)(c)) 31 July 2010 ensure that all parts of the home are suitably furnished and equipped, in particular the lounge windows. (Regulation 31(2)(c))

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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 a minimum ratio of 80% of all care staff complete a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People or an equivalent (NMS 29.5) • ensure the Registered Manager has a professional qualification in management. (NMS 34.3) 8 of 8 Inspection Report: SC002930

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