Children's Home run by Stockton on Tees Borough Council in Stockton-on-Tees

SC035387 Unique reference number 26 May 2010 Inspection date Bill Drumm Inspector Random Type of Inspection

p.1

27 November 2009 Date of last inspection .

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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: SC035387

p.3

Brief description of the service

Care and accommodation is provided at the home for up to six young people aged 11 years old to 17 years old. The home is detached with an enclosed rear garden. The house has two floors. On the ground floor there is a lounge, kitchen, laundry room, games room, quiet room and staff office. On the first floor there are six bedrooms used by young people, two family sized bathrooms, two toilets, a staff sleep-in room, an education room and the manager's office.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The home is situated in a residential area and is near to local shops. The home is close to local bus routes, which provides easy access to the town centre, with its larger shops and leisure facilities.

p.4

Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection of the home. The outcome areas for young people in the area of staying safe were inspected and found to be good. The four recommendations made at the previous inspection were also looked at, three have been met and one is still outstanding. Young people receive good levels of help and support from a well trained, committed and experienced staff team. Care planning arrangements are good and young people appear comfortable talking with members of staff about their needs and aspirations. The home's records are maintained to a good standard and all information relating to young people is kept safe and secure. The home is well managed and the outcomes for young people are outstanding.

p.4

Summary

One young person was present at the time of the inspection although they did not contribute directly to the inspection process. The overall quality rating is good. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the manager of the home has undertaken a countering bullying risk assessment of the times, places and circumstances in which the risk of bullying is greatest. In addition, all members of staff have updated their training with regard to the safe holding and restraint of young people. The time at which fire drills are held at the home are now recorded.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home has policies and procedures in place which explain what action members of staff should take when it is necessary to search a young person's bedroom. One room search has been carried out since the last inspection. Written room search records have been completed appropriately and comply with national minimum standards. Personal information relating to each young person is stored securely to prevent unauthorised access. Young people have their own bedroom, they are encouraged to decorate their bedrooms in a style of their own choosing and to keep them clean and tidy. Young people have access to a telephone and are able to make personal telephone calls in private. The privacy of young people is respected. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC035387 There are up to date policies and procedures in place for dealing with complaints in an effective and timely manner. There have been no complaints made since the last inspection. The young

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

people's guide provides information to young people about the complaints process and information about making complaints is available to young people around the home. Young people know how to complain if they are unhappy about anything.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures is available in the home. All members of staff working at the home, have undertaken training in child protection. No referrals have been made to the safeguarding board since the last inspection. Young people living at the home are protected from exploitation and abuse.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has policies and procedures in place with regard to countering bullying and there have been no recorded incidents of bullying since the last inspection. The young people's guide to the home includes information for young people about what action they should take if they feel they are being targeted by bullies. Members of staff have received training in countering bullying. Young people are protected from bullying.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has policies and procedures in place with regard to what action members of staff should take if a young person is absent without authority. Procedures comply with national minimum standards. There have been a small number of occasions since the last inspection when a young person has been absent without authority. However, members of staff actively encourage young people not to run away from the home or to be absent without authority and to keep themselves safe. Young people who are absent without authority are treated with respect on their return.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has policies and procedures in place relating to the safe holding or restraint of young people, and members of staff have received appropriate training. Restraint records are retained within a separate bound and numbered book used specifically for that purpose. The manager and members of staff make every effort to promote socially acceptable behaviour by offering support and encouragement to young people. The home also has policies and procedures relating to the sanctions that can be used to help young people improve their behaviour. Records of sanctions used to help young people moderate their behaviour are retained within a separate bound and numbered book used specifically for that purpose.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected from fire and other hazards within the home. There are good systems in place to ensure that young people, members of staff and visitors to the home are kept safe and free from hazards. Fire drills are carried out at regular intervals and these include some undertaken at night. The home's insurance certificate clearly states that the home has current public and employee liability insurance up to a minimum value.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home ensures the careful selection and vetting of all staff. Safety checks are carried out to ensure the suitability of each applicant and each member of staff has provided references from previous employers or those that know them. Young people are protected from exposure to potential abusers. Visitors to the home are asked to clearly identify themselves on their arrival and to sign the visitors' book.

p.5

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC035387

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Regular staff meetings are held at the home and the home's manager makes himself available to talk with members of staff on an informal basis at other times. However, not all members of staff receive regular, formal supervision. Young people may not be looked after by members of staff who are generally well supported.

p.6

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.

p.6

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that all members of staff receive formal supervision on a monthly basis. (NMS 28.4) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC035387

p.6