Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

SC390785 Unique reference number 21 July 2010 Inspection date Liz Driver Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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5 October 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 9 Inspection Report: SC390785

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Brief description of the service

A private company owns and operates this children's home which also provides education on site. It is registered to accommodate three children of either sex from ten years to 17 years at any one time who have emotional and or behavioural difficulties

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Brief description of the service

The setting is a detached house. Located on the ground floor is the lounge, kitchen, dining room and staff office. There are three bedrooms for young people and one staff sleeping in room on the first floor. Toilets are located on the ground and first floors with a bathroom on the first floor. On the second floor there are two staff sleeping in rooms. The garden is a good size with a grassed area and barbeque.

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Brief description of the service

Three young people were present and participated in the inspection.

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Summary

This full key inspection was unannounced and took place on a weekday. All key national minimum standards for children's homes were assessed during this inspection.

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Summary

Overall the setting provides excellent standards of care. The newly appointed manager has settled in very well and has gained much respect from her staff team and current young people. Outcomes for young people show the positive impact she had had in the home. She is supported by the senior managers in the organisation. Robust policies and procedures support the day to day practice that is of a high standard. Staff training is organised and very well structured. Clear boundaries are in place for behaviour management that young people respect and have resulted in excellent outcomes. 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 express their opinions. All aspects of the home are robustly monitored at very regular intervals. Staff work hard to gain the trust of young people and this has seen improved outcomes for

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Summary

young people since the last inspection. The young people are happy at the setting with relationships between them and staff excellent. However, key worker sessions are not always recorded and all staff have not participated in fire drills.

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Summary

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 at the last inspection carried out in October 2009.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Young people receive excellent food. They are provided with a fresh and nutritious diet. Young people are fully involved in choosing, budgeting, shopping and preparing meals. This is included into their independence plans and enables them to learn skills for an independent life. Staff provide much support for each individual young person to achieve this. Different cultural foods are encouraged and introduced through the home's cultural celebration programme. 4 of 9 Inspection Report: SC390785 Young people live in a setting that fully encourages and supports a healthy lifestyle. Up-to-date and well maintained records are kept that identify young people's individual physical, emotional and health needs. Individual health needs are regularly reviewed. The manager and staff work hard to ensure that the young people have access to local medical, dental and other health services, and provide individual support and guidance where necessary. Staff also liaise closely

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Helping children to be healthy

with any specialist health services that are involved in the care of the young people. Current young people have been assisted and supported to lessen their risky behaviours that may have an impact on their health, with excellent outcomes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young people benefit from the home having comprehensive policies and procedures in place for the administration of medication. Consents for the administration of medication and first aid provide protection for young people. Staff receive training in medication administration to enhance their competency. All medicines are kept safely and securely. Current practice of storage, recording and stock control is of a high standard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Overall, procedures at the home ensure that young people's welfare is promoted. Young people report that staff always respect their privacy and confidentiality and have no concerns relating to this area. All confidential information is securely stored in the home's office.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are given a copy of the home's complaints procedure and feel confident in using it. The manager would respond to any complaint in accordance with the company's robust complaints procedures. No complaints have been received since the last inspection. Procedures are in place for the investigation of external complaints and whistle blowing, again none have been received. Staff assist young people in voicing their complaints to external agencies, including placing local authorities. Complaints are closely monitored by senior managers in the company.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has very clear procedures for responding to child protection and safeguarding concerns. Staff work in accordance with the company's own policy that works alongside the policy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Child protection training is provided to staff who are very well informed of their responsibilities. The company is always looking at accessing new training that is both up to date and relevant to the staff team. The practice in the setting is underpinned by the senior members of staff in the organisation providing support to the manager to ensure that all young people are protected. The commitment, communication and awareness shown by the organisation in protecting young people is excellent.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is taken seriously with behaviour management plans in place that provide clear guidance for staff. The response and approach to bullying is made clear to young people on admission and during key worker sessions and house meetings. Staff are very aware of group dynamics in the home and manage young people's interactions very well. Currently there are no concerns around bullying behaviour at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Each young person has written information for staff to follow if they go missing or leave the home without permission. There is clear guidance as to whether it is an authorised or unauthorised absence. Staff work closely with the local police to implement missing children protocols. Incidents of young people absent without authority are rigorously monitored. 5 of 9 Inspection Report: SC390785 The home has complied without fail to notify the persons and appropriate authorities, listed in Schedule 5 of the Children's Homes Regulations, of all significant events that have occurred. There have been no notifications since the last inspection evidencing the excellent work being done to improve and change young people's behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Each young person has a comprehensive behaviour management plan in place. These outline what support they need in achieving positive behaviour, what may distress them and what agreed reward and sanctions are in place. Excellent outcomes have been achieved with the current young people to turn difficult behaviours around. Records of sanctions and physical interventions are recorded to a high standard, although no physical intervention has taken place since November 2009. The practice of dealing with challenging behaviour and conflict resolution is carried out to a high standard. Staff work hard to gain positive relationships with young people and provide a warm and caring environment where they feel at ease to express themselves with the knowledge that staff are consistently supportive.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home's health and safety procedures are robust and protect all who live and work in the setting. Regular checks are carried out of the fittings and equipment used in the home and the premises are very well maintained. Records of fire drills show that young people and staff know the emergency evacuation procedure for the home. Although records show not all staff are participating in regular fire drills; for example some staff have only taken part in one drill so far this year, with the recommended number being four in a year.

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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. Young people are actively involved in the recruitment process and are encouraged to give feedback to the recruitment panel carrying out the formal interviews, after they have met the applicants. The vetting of visitors is robust with good records kept.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Young people have care plans that address how support will be provided for them. Each young person has a key worker who meets with them on a regular basis to discuss their care plan, weekly plans and overall behaviour and progress. High standard weekly reports are forwarded to the organisation's head office and placing social workers. Staff clearly recognise and respect the individual needs of the each young person and work hard to ensure that their wishes and feelings are taken into account in all planning that takes place. Staff work very closely with the other agencies involved in the young people's lives in order to provide consistent support for the young people and to achieve good outcomes. Positive feedback from placing social workers and the youth law courts has been received. Feedback from young people is very complimentary about the care they receive. One young person stated `this is the best home I

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

have been in and the manager is excellent.'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Education is clearly valued by the home and young people are given high levels of support to maintain their placements at educational establishments with some excellent outcomes. School or college attendance is a an established part of the daily life at the home. The organisation has an experienced head teacher who oversees the education of all young people placed in the organisation's registered homes. This setting has a registered school on site with a dedicated teacher. Each young person has a personal education plan. These are up to date and include strategies and plans to help young people develop their education and life skills. Feedback 6 of 9 Inspection Report: SC390785 from placing authorities is very impressive regarding the ability of staff to engage young people in education, maintaining attendance and taking exams.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young people are encouraged to take part in leisure activities within the house and in the local community. Staff work hard to ensure they can access activities of their choice and enjoy the experience.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young people have their needs assessed effectively and comprehensively. Each young person has a detailed and comprehensive care plan in place, which covers short and long term plans. All looked after children's paperwork is kept on file. Young people are encouraged to take part in their reviews and do so proactively. Weekly reports written by key workers ensure progress is monitored and that any issues can be shared with the team, social workers, families if appropriate or external professionals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Contact arrangements for each young person are clearly outlined in each young person's care plan. Staff are very supportive of young people in facilitating visits. Strategies are put in place in order to ensure young people receive high levels of support during and after contact. Any restrictions on contact are also known and recorded. Written records are maintained of any contact.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people are introduced to the home in a planned manner. Expectations of what the young people can expect of staff are clearly explained, prior to admission and on admission. Leaving care is very well organised and structured by the home, however, this has been disrupted by poor local authority planning and contact. This has led to staff providing a huge amount of support and advice in the absence of the placing authority to do this work. Young people commented that the home provides a great deal of support and time in ensuring leaving care is a smooth process. They did not say the same about their placing authority.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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. Young people's meetings take place regularly where they can discuss areas such as menu planning, activities, summer holidays, changes in the home and any other areas they bring to the meeting. Key worker sessions are held regularly and provide the opportunity for young people to express their views and wishes; although records show that one young person is not receiving the required number of sessions as specified in their procedures. The manager is highly visible and approachable and senior management visit regularly and seek the views of the young people who happily voice their opinions. The young people are confident in expressing their views and this is encouraged by the staff team. Advocates are proactively sought for young people.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships between staff and young people are warm and respectful. Staff are clear of the boundaries and behavioural expectations and provide support for young people to be aware of these expectations. Staff are professional and competent in carrying out their roles, and always put the needs of the young people first. Staff are sensitive and supportive even during challenging times.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is outstanding. 7 of 9 Inspection Report: SC390785 Staff work extremely hard to ensure young people develop life skills according to their needs so they can move into adulthood confidently, with excellent outcomes for current young people. Liaison with social workers and other related professionals enable young people to gain as many skills as they need, to live an independent life when they leave care.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

There are opportunities provided for young people to buy their own clothing and toiletries, to express their individual preferences as well as to develop skills such as budgeting. Young people are able to spend their monies freely unless they are spending inappropriately. The company saves money every month for each young people and encourages them to do the same. They receive this money when they leave the home. All records are very well kept and checked regularly.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

Young people benefit from living in a house that is a good size with a garden. It is very well maintained and young people are in general respectful of their surroundings. The company's designated maintenance team respond quickly to any request or repair. Furnishings and fittings are of a high quality. Young people are able to have a say in the choice of furnishings and fittings and are able to personalise their own bedrooms. Toilets and bathrooms are of a good standard and sufficient in number. The home has a car for staff to transport young people.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. Young people are given equal access to all aspects of provision and care. Staff have undertaken training on equality and diversity. The monthly Regulation 33 reports now have a designated section covering equality and diversity and it is an agenda item at all meetings, from staff and managers meetings to individual supervision sessions. The home has a cultural celebrations programme in place.

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Organisation

The home has a Statement of Purpose and children's guide that gives a comprehensive description of what the home can offer and achieve. The children's guide is of a particularly high standard giving a wealth of information to young people. The guide makes it clear what rights and responsibilities the young people have and what they can expect from the home. It includes useful telephone numbers of external agencies to whom the young people can approach for advice or to complain to.

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Organisation

There are clear lines of accountability within the organisation. The home has employed a new manager since the last inspection who is completing the process for registration. She is supported by a strong senior management team, including the directors of the organisation. The manager has settled in very well and has a stable staff team in place who are very complimentary about her management skills. She sets clear boundaries, high standards of staff practice and monitors the home extremely well. The young people are also very happy with the new manager, with one young person stating, `she is an excellent manager, the best I have seen.'

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Organisation

Staffing levels are maintained on a basis of one to one giving the young people enough adults available to access high levels of support. There is a good gender, age and mix of experience in the current staff team. Young people are well informed of which staff are on duty. The on-call system enables staff to access support and advice from senior managers within the organisation. There is a very thorough organisational training programme on offer to all staff. Expectations are high for staff to access appropriate training and a closely monitored system ensuring all staff are up-to-date with their training. Training includes areas such as first aid, child protection, 8 of 9 Inspection Report: SC390785 food hygiene, physical interventions, behaviour management, complaints and whistle blowing, fire safety and the value of education. New staff commence an induction programme followed by enrolment on a National Vocational Qualification course in childcare. New staff have reviews

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Organisation

on a monthly basis carried out by the manager. All staff receive regular supervision that is of a high standard. Staff meetings are held regularly.

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Organisation

Monitoring of the home and its practices is of a high standard. The manager is supported by a senior manager in the organisation who visits very regularly to offer support and guidance. The Regulation 33 visitor provides excellent reports with actions and recommendations for the manager to address, although reports viewed resulted in no actions and only a few recommendations. The setting submits, without fail, each monthly report to Ofsted. These visits include consultation with the young people living in the home and feedback from placing social workers and families of the young people.

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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 all staff participate in at least four fire drills each year (NMS 26) • ensure all young people have regular key worker sessions that are recorded. (NMS 8) 9 of 9 Inspection Report: SC390785

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