Children's Home run by New Forest Care Limited in Hampshire

SC068046 Unique reference number 6 May 2010 Inspection date Roy Bega Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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17 November 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 10 Inspection Report: SC068046

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Brief description of the service

A private organisation owns and operates this children's home. It is located in a rural area within close proximity to community services. The organisation also has similar services located in the area.

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Brief description of the service

The setting supports and cares for a maximum of one young person of either sex between the ages of 14 and 18 years who have complex emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties. The unit specialises in the care of more vulnerable individuals who may pose a specific risk to the community and/or themselves.

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Brief description of the service

Through various approaches the home seeks to enable young people in recognising and accepting responsibility for their inappropriate behaviours. It then encourages the development of more socially acceptable, sustainable behaviours to improve young people's quality of life as they work towards independence.

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Brief description of the service

The organisation has a team of specialist practitioners who provide professional support and guidance for care staff and young people.

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Brief description of the service

The organisation provides an approved behavioural approach to education known as the Award Scheme for Development and Accreditation Network which follows the National Curriculum. Designated facilities are provided and appropriately trained staff are employed to deliver the scheme.

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Summary

At this unannounced inspection all the key standards are assessed. There has been a change of manager since the previous inspection. An application for registration from the new manager is pending.

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Summary

The home continues to provide an excellent standard of care to the young people who have complex needs. Young people live in a home that is fully committed to ensuring they receive the best possible care. Robust policies and procedures support the day to day practice that is of a high standard. The acting manager is clearly effective and fully supported by the staff team. Staff training is organised and very well structured. Young people receive outstanding care across all outcomes of Every Child Matters. Health care needs are robustly identified and met. Clear boundaries are in place for behaviour management that young people respect. Young people feel safe at the setting and fully protected by staff. Each young person's voice is important and numerous avenues exist to enable them to voice their opinions. The setting is well maintained and respected by the young people. There are no actions or recommendations

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Summary

made as a result of this inspection. The overall quality rating is outstanding. 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 made as a result of the previous inspection. 4 of 10 Inspection Report: SC068046

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The young people choose and enjoy the food in the home. Observations show they are encouraged to shop and cook for themselves in line with their independence programme. Individual needs and preferences are encouraged and well provided for. Where assistance is needed with regard to healthy choices or cooking skills, this is given by the staff. This ensures that the young people can make their own informed choices and enjoy cooking and preparing food for themselves and others. Mealtimes are viewed as opportunities to be pleasant social occasions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young people's individual health needs are identified and assessed as part of the pre-admission process and is ongoing throughout their stay at the home. Health care plans are detailed, organised and reviewed regularly to a high standard. Discussion and records show young people receive excellent support from care staff and a wide range of specialist professionals within the organisation regarding their health and emotional well-being. There are several examples where staff and the organisation have worked beyond their expected responsibilities to ensure that as much support as possible is offered to young people.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young people benefit from all staff completing recognised first aid training. The storage, handling and recording of medicines is well organised and kept safe within the home. Staff are trained and competent to administer medication with clear procedures for recording. Young people can receive household medicines only after instruction from their doctor, ensuring that their safety is protected. Staff are trained and competent to administer medication with clear procedures for recording.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Observations and discussions show staff have a high regard to privacy and maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality. Whilst young people require close monitoring by staff this is done in a non invasive manner. This was observed during the visit.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people benefit from having access to a robust complaints procedure. The young person's handbook provides clear guidance about who they can complain to with contact details. Young people confirm they feel comfortable in voicing their opinions or issues and are able to voice these concerns at house meetings, key worker sessions or a more formal route of the complaints procedure. Staff receive training in complaints and whistle blowing. Parents, family and other adults are provided with procedures to use if they wish to make a complaint. Discussions and records show there have not been any concerns raised subsequent to the previous inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home continues to work very closely with other agencies relating to safeguarding issues. All records are of a high standard and very well maintained. The home's safeguarding policy and procedure is up-to-date. Discussions show that staff are very well informed about their responsibilities to protect young people. Young people benefit from in-depth work around safeguarding and staying safe that is underpinned by high standard risk assessments. The commitment, communication and awareness shown by the acting manager and staff in protecting and safeguarding young people is excellent. Young people say they feel safe at the home and staff protect them. 5 of 10 Inspection Report: SC068046 Management and staff create an atmosphere where bullying is known to be unacceptable. Bullying is taken seriously, with behaviour management plans in place that provide clear guidance for staff. Individual triggers are noted and staff work well to lessen the risk of bullying, with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

very good results. The response and approach to bullying is made clear to young people on admission and during key worker sessions and house meetings. Staff manage young people's interactions very well and work with the young people to raise their awareness of anti-bullying.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Records and discussions show prior to admission each young person is fully risk assessed regarding them becoming absent without authority. Staff confirm they are provided with specific written procedures to follow in any incident of a young person becoming absent without permission. Where there is a high risk of a young person becoming absent staffing ratios are agreed with placing authorities and where applicable the courts. Individual rolling daily reports which include records of change of clothing enhance the home's practice and vigilance. Close communication with the local police and consistency of staff practice enable the whereabouts of young people to be identified. Any incident of absence without authority is rigorously monitored by the acting manager. Staff facilitate discussions with the young people on their return. Discussions and records show there have not been any incidents subsequent to the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Each young person has a behaviour management plan in place with risk assessments that are regularly reviewed. The behaviour management plans outline what support they need in achieving positive behaviour, what may distress them and what agreed rewards and sanctions are in place. The acting manager closely monitors practice and records relating to sanctions and physical interventions. The home is committed to promoting restorative justice and reparation work. This has proven to result in good outcomes for young people. All sanctions are overseen by the acting manager with excellent records kept. The number of physical interventions has decreased significantly. The organisation has its own members of staff who have been trained as instructors in behaviour management, approved de-escalation and physical interventions. All staff undertake an annual two day refresher course in methods of de-escalation and restraint. All new staff receive a four day course within the first three months of their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has updated risk assessments for all aspects of safety of the premises including fire and activities. Records show that the electrics, gas and fire safety systems are professionally checked at suitable intervals. There are regular fire drills carried out in the home that staff and young people participate in. Internal checks are carried out on a weekly, monthly or three monthly basis. All records relating to checks are of a high standard. The home has a comprehensive fire risk assessment in place. The acting manager monitors all records relating to health and safety to a very high standard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The organisation has a thorough recruitment process that ensures all necessary checks are completed prior to a member of staff starting work. The company's human relations department attend conferences and training to ensure they are up to date with changes in legislation relating to safer recruitment. The vetting of visitors is robust with records kept.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The organisation employs a range of professional specialist staff and has well-established links with external supporting agencies. Discussions show staff are highly motivated, resourceful 6 of 10 Inspection Report: SC068046 and proactive in earnestly securing the appropriate services for meeting young people's individual needs. Whilst also facilitating assessment programmes, comprehensive care plans for young people address how support is to be provided during their stay at the home. Discussion and records show young people have a key worker who meet with them formally on a weekly basis to discuss their progress and weekly assessment targets. Monthly reports include comments on areas such as diet, behaviour, activities, education, health, and contacts. Discussions show the continuum detailed care planning, specialist intervention and assessment process enables staff to ensure that the young people receive a consistent approach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Discussions show management and staff are vibrant in their approach to education and its value for young people in their personal development. The organisation provides an approved behavioural approach to education known as Award Scheme for Development and Accreditation Network. Designated facilities are provided and appropriately trained staff are employed to deliver the scheme. Young people's personal education plans are linked along side personal goals which form part of the assessment programme. The young people together with their education key worker discuss these to provide a sense of achievement. Therapeutic time is planned into the education programme. This provides an opportunity to look at emotional issues surrounding current or previous education and learning experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Each young person's preference relating to leisure and activities are known to staff. Staff provide numerous opportunities for young people to participate in an excellent variety of activities that they enjoy. Feedback from young people, staff and placing authorities is all very positive about individual support, education and activities provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The home's operational policy and Statement of Purpose enables it to provide short term placements and assessment programmes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Discussions and records show the organisation and home follow a holistic approach in meeting the needs of young people by working in partnership with placing authorities, parents and where applicable the judiciary. Records, discussion and observation shows that during their stay at the home young people have a comprehensive placement plan that identifies their health, physical, social, educational, cultural and leisure needs and wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Observations and comments show a combination of the building and staff provide a stable homely environment for the young people living there. Records and discussion show young people are actively encouraged to fully participate in their assessment process and reviews.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Where appropriate young people are actively encouraged to maintain contact with family and significant others in accordance with agreed conditions. Management and staff also actively support young people to rebuild relationships where they have become estranged as part of the assessment process.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a clear written procedure in place which sets out a structure for introductions to the home for new admissions. The process is clearly explained in the Statement of Purpose. Visits take place prior to young people moving in. 7 of 10 Inspection Report: SC068046 Young people have numerous opportunities to discuss the running of the home and how they are being cared for. It is clear that young people's views and opinions are valued. Key worker sessions are held weekly and provide the opportunity for young people to express their views and wishes. Discussions show the acting manager is highly visible and approachable. Comments received by the inspector show young people are confident in expressing their views which are encouraged by the staff team.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

It is clear that young people are encouraged to make their own decisions, assisted by risk assessments and support from staff. Relationships between staff and young people are warm and respectful. Discussions show young people are happy at the home and complimentary about the staff. Staff are clear about the boundaries and behavioural expectations and provide support so young people are aware of these expectations. Staff are professional and competent in carrying out their roles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The organisation's philosophy is to work closely in partnership with placing authorities on completion of the assessment process in supporting young people to move on from the home to either facilities within the organisation or other providers. Discussions show this is effective in practice. For example, staff from the home frequently work with placing authorities where young people return too. The aim being to provide continuity in meeting the young people's complex needs. Staff from the organisation reside within close proximity to the new placements and work alongside the new care provider for an agreed timescale.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is outstanding. Supporting young people in acquiring the skills for moving on to suitable agreed placements is a fully integrated part of the assessment process. Discussions and records show staff are very competent and resourceful in working alongside young people and placing authorities to set achievable and agreed goals. Where appropriate and with full participation of the young people and significant others, staff work through areas of skills that need developing as part of the pathway and leaving care plan. This is set for their age and level of understanding. An element of this is money management and budgeting skills. Staff receive training in helping young people move towards independence and have close, established links with other relevant agencies.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Observation and discussion show the standard of the young people’s clothing is very high enabling them to feel proud of their appearance among their friends and peer group. Young people informed the inspector they are fully involved in planning the spending of the budget allocated to their personal clothing and toiletries. They are enabled to exercise choice in the clothes and personal requisites through normal shopping arrangements. Records of personal allowances paid to the young people are maintained to a high standard, but avoid an institutional approach.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The home is decorated and furnished to a standard which creates a pleasant domestic environment. Young people show pride in their bedrooms by personalising them with possessions and posters.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

There is a good maintenance and repair programme for the building. The organisation employs its own maintenance staff to ensure faults are rectified as soon as possible. 8 of 10 Inspection Report: SC068046

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Young people accommodated in this home are provided with first class care and education driven by competent management and leadership and an intelligible rationale. A written, up-to-date, Statement of Purpose sets out in sufficient detail the principles and methods for the care of young people and the running of the home. This includes accurate representation of the facilities and services that support its operation. Apart from fulfilling the regulatory requirements, the Statement of Purpose provides information that young people, parents and placing authorities are likely to find helpful in terms of the care experience a young person accommodated in the home might reasonably expect.

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Organisation

Staffing arrangements are fully commensurate with the approach to young people's care as set out in the Statement of Purpose and their assessed needs. Total staffing and their efficient deployment ensure that the young people receive the high degree of individual attention they need to meet their care and education requirements and to enable them to enjoy a good quality of life.

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Organisation

In recognition of the skills and other demands of the task, the organisation makes proper provision for the support, training and development of staff. All staff undergo a comprehensive induction programme and foundation training that equips them with the home's particular therapeutic approaches. The staff having ready access to the registered provider's ongoing in-service training and staff development programmes are able to continuously update their knowledge and skills and thereby form a largely very skilled team able to respond appropriately to the young people's changing needs.

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Organisation

Staff state that they are well supported with regular supervision, staff meetings and surgeries to assist with any difficulties they encounter in helping the young people to manage challenging behaviours.

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Organisation

The home achieves a good mix and balance in the permanent staff team. There is a reasonable balance of male and female staff of diverse age, racial and cultural backgrounds. In promoting consistency and continuity in the care of the young people the home employs permanent staff. However, in the event of staff shortages the organisation draws upon their own specialist bank staff who are all familiar with and trained in the home's methods for the care of the young people.

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Organisation

Maintenance of the high standard of the young people's care is, in part, achieved by the home's system of monitoring and quality control. This involves the acting manager and the organisation's representative conducting regular audits of all aspects of the running of the home and the care of the young people.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is excellent. This is, for instance, reflected in the home's equality and diversity policy and the approach to the care of the young people, which properly addresses their gender, diverse and complex needs, race and religion. Each young person's individual needs are known and met by the staff team. The staff team value and promote differences between any person's background, whether they be a young person, parent or a member of staff. Diversity is seen as an opportunity to learn from each other and to be enjoyed and celebrated. 9 of 10 Inspection Report: SC068046 Excellent administrative arrangements are in place for supporting the young people's care. These arrangements ensure each young person's exclusive and confidential records include all the information necessary to plan and deliver their care and reflect their progress. The files containing these records are carefully organised to permit ease of access to particular information

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Organisation

and would be helpful to any young person who wishes to access his or her own records.

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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. 10 of 10 Inspection Report: SC068046

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