Children's Home run by Quality Protects Children Ltd in Knowsley

SC356929 Unique reference number 23 June 2010 Inspection date Sonya Robinson 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: SC356929

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Brief description of the service

This service provides residential accommodation for up to three looked after young people, all with complex needs.

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Brief description of the service

On the ground floor of the premises there are two lounges, a kitchen, separate dining room and staff office.

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Brief description of the service

Children’s bedrooms are all single and are located on the first floor. There is an outside area to the rear of the property that is large enough for relaxation and socialising. Parking facilities are situated to the side of the property.

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Brief description of the service

On the day of this visit no young people were present.

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Summary

During this interim unannounced inspection the home's response to the actions and recommendations made at the inspection in March 2010 were discussed. In addition, staying safe was also examined and continues to be judged as good. A tour of the building was also undertaken and is commented on in achieving economic well-being.

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Summary

The young people who live at this home achieve good outcomes from their placement. Staff provide a safe environment. Safeguarding procedures and regular training ensure staff are fully aware of their responsibilities to keep young people safe. Staff have a good knowledge of young people's behaviour and this enables them to respond quickly and appropriately to any behavioural issues that arise. The support for young people is based on promoting positive behaviour in a nurturing environment.

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Summary

As with any domestic dwelling there are some areas now in need of attention in order to ensure that young people live in a pleasant and maintained 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 Manager was asked to ensure that staff files contained all of the relevant information as set out within the regulations and to ensure that all staff have received child protection training. Both of these have been completed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The Registered Manager was also asked to ensure that at least four fire drills, including the evacuation of staff and children from the building and fire drills held at night should take place within a 12 month period. While systems have improved this has been highlighted again within this report.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. 4 of 6 Inspection Report: SC356929 Young people’s privacy and confidentiality are well respected. There are bathroom facilities that promote privacy and young people have their own bedrooms where they can spend time alone if they wish. Information about young people is managed confidentially and held securely in the office. This means that staff respect young people's privacy in a way that is consistent with good parenting and the need to protect young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an established and thorough complaints procedure accessible to young people, their families and professionals. Young people know how to complain and have good access to information about the complaints procedure of both the home and the placing authority.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Child protection procedures are in place and staff take their responsibility to keep young people safe seriously. Staff confirmed that they have had appropriate training and have access to written procedures. The home has good links with the local safeguarding team and other professionals. Staff use key worker sessions and young people's meetings to good effect to discuss with young people about the importance of staying safe and how they can keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A policy to counter bullying is in place and young people are aware that bullying is not acceptable. Staff work hard to help young people develop their awareness of bullying and to also feel confident to respond appropriately if they become victims of bullying.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The staff at the home encourage young people to develop socially acceptable behaviour. Young people know what standards of behaviour are expected and this has resulted in young people demonstrating an increasingly mature and responsible approach to how they conduct themselves. The use of sanctions is minimal with the culture in the home focusing on encouraging positive behaviour through rewards and incentives. Those that are used are proportionate, for example, withholding a young person's pocket money for a day or two.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff view young people in a positive light and show a good understanding of the issues that may influence young people’s behaviour, such as their past experiences and adapting to new environments. Staff are good at helping young people feel positive about themselves which helps build self-esteem.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is a safe place to live and work. At present young people are very settled and absences from care are not regular occurrences from the home. Young people are well protected by thorough staff recruitment practices that are designed to ensure all staff recruited to work with young people are suitable to do so. Additionally, there is a robust approach to the vetting and supervising of visitors which also helps ensure young people are kept safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Overall, health and safety are taken seriously. Staff carry out regular health and safety checks, including the maintenance of utility certificates along with fire records. However, the number of fire drills does not meet the recommended four within a 12 month period. This is to give staff and young people a regular prompt of what to do in the event of a fire.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is not judged. 5 of 6 Inspection Report: SC356929

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. The accommodation provided is warm and welcoming. Young people live in a spacious environment that includes two lounges, a dining room, and a kitchen on the ground floor, along with bedrooms and bathing facilities on the first floor. However, parts of the home are now looking worn, in particular, the flooring in the hallway and dining area, the decoration, sealant and some of the tiles in the bathroom and the curtains in the lounge. The ceiling in the lounge is also in need of attention.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The outdoor area provides young people with space to relax and play.

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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

31 July 2010 ensure that the home is maintained in good structural repair both externally and internally. (Regulation 31.2)

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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 that at least four fire drills, including the evacuation of staff and children from the building and fire drills held at night, take place within a 12 month period (NMS 26.8) • ensure that the home is decorated and furnished to a standard which creates a pleasant domestic environment. (NMS 24.2) 6 of 6 Inspection Report: SC356929

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