Children's Home run by Hampshire County Council in Hampshire

SC066277 Unique reference number 3 August 2010 Inspection date Roy Bega Inspector Key Type of Inspection

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8 February 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 9 Inspection Report: SC066277

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Brief description of the service

The setting is owned and operated jointly by a Local Authority Children's Services Department and a National Health Trust. It is situated in an urban area of a city close to local transport and amenities.

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Brief description of the service

This short-breaks service provides care for up to nine children and young people aged between 0 and 17 years of age who have a physical and or learning disability and also may have sensory impairment.

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Brief description of the service

Accommodation is provided within a single storey building with appropriate adaptations and facilities for the children and young people who visit the service. Children and young people are provided with single bedrooms, specific and shared communal areas including activity and sensory facilities. Two large specially equipped gardens provide opportunity for safe play, adventure and relaxation. An inner sensory quadrangle garden provides opportunity for tranquillity.

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Brief description of the service

There were eight children and young people at the unit at the time of the inspection being actively interacted with by staff.

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Summary

This is an unannounced full inspection where all key standards are inspected. No actions or recommendations are raised resulting from this inspection.

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Summary

The standard of care and individualised support provided for children and young people in the unit is excellent. Staff are proactive and creative in their approach to caring for children and young people and are motivated and committed to providing a safe, fun and educational environment. A holistic approach is taken to the care of each individual child and any changing needs are observed and promptly addressed. Although children and young people only reside at the home for short periods of time staff take an active interest in their overall well-being and development and strive to support them to reach their potential.

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Summary

Management and monitoring systems within the service are also of an excellent standard and detailed records are maintained and kept up to date. The service has a consistent record of improvement and development and continues to seek ways to improve the service for children. 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

No actions or recommendations were raised resulting from the previous inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Discussions and records show careful attention is paid to the dietary needs and preferences of children including any cultural or religious observances. Nutritious well-balanced meals are provided and specialist diets are catered for. For example, the unit has provided specific meals 4 of 9 Inspection Report: SC066277 to ensure continuity with special diets that children have been put on to help with particular medical conditions. Very detailed information is recorded about the dietary needs of children including any allergies they may have. This information is kept in a file in the kitchen as well as in children's case files so that the information is readily available for those people preparing food for children. Individual diets are closely monitored especially where there are health concerns and staff encourage children to try new foods and eat healthily. Careful consideration

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Helping children to be healthy

is also given to the support children require with eating and drinking to ensure that they enjoy mealtimes and remain as independent as possible.

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Helping children to be healthy

The unit is a short breaks provision therefore parents and carers remain responsible for meeting the healthcare needs of their children. However, care plans contain very comprehensive details of each individual child's healthcare needs and any action staff should take to meet these. The unit often supports children with very complex medical conditions and care is taken to develop clear guidelines to ensure that staff are consistent in their practice. This contributes to enhancing the well-being of children who use the service. Staff work very closely with children and their families and as a result are prompt to identify and address any changes in the well-being of children. Staff support families to seek professional healthcare support when required and maintain excellent links with all those involved in the care of individual children to ensure a consistent approach to their care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Discussion and records show staff receive regular training to ensure they are appropriately skilled to meet specific health needs. For example, on the use of gastronomy devices and epilepsy. Specialist healthcare professionals are invited to team meetings periodically to provide advice and guidance on specific issues. All staff hold a paediatric first aid qualification and receive training on food hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Robust systems are in place for the safe storage, administration and disposal of medication. Staff receive medication awareness training and new staff are fully supported in the administration of medication until they have the confidence, skills and experience to safely carry out these duties. Staff also monitor the effect of medication and pass relevant information on to parents and healthcare professionals where relevant.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The privacy and dignity of children is prioritised within the unit. The individual needs and preferences of children with regard to their personal space and support needs are taken into consideration. Staff support children to be as independent as possible to avoid any unnecessary intrusion of their privacy. Appropriate policies and procedures are in place with regard to confidentiality and these include clear guidance for staff about their responsibilities in relation to dealing with sensitive information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A robust complaints procedure is in place. Parents, staff and children are made aware of their right to complain if they are unhappy with any aspect of the service and any complaints made are taken seriously and dealt with promptly. Questionnaires are adapted taking into consideration the most effective means of communication for individual young people so that they are able make a complaint. A detailed record is maintained of any complaints made including any action that has been taken and the outcome of the complaint. There have not been any concerns raised since the previous inspection. Records maintained are monitored by the Regulation 33 visitor. 5 of 9 Inspection Report: SC066277 Staff are very clear about their responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children and are able to report any concerns that they may have. Clear policies and procedures are in place and staff receive regular training updates on child protection matters. This includes training that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

supports the specific needs of staff working with children with disabilities. Staff monitor relationships between children and address any issues as soon as they arise to minimise any incidents of bullying and the impact this may have. Bullying is rare within the unit and incidents between children are often as a result of difficult behaviours displayed rather than bullying. Becoming absent without authority within the unit is almost non-existent as staff ratios are high and the building secure to keep children safe as a result of their complex needs and vulnerabilities. However, risk assessments are completed for any child where there is an identified risk of them becoming absent and action is taken to minimise this risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All staff receive regular training on behaviour management techniques including physical restraint. Very thorough processes are in place that ensure any challenging behaviour is addressed in a positive manner in the best interests of the child and others who use the service. Individual placement plans include information about how to encourage positive behaviour. Sanctions are only imposed if they are meaningful to the individual child involved and are dependent on the level of understanding of that child. The service also takes a multi-agency approach to behaviour management, liaising with healthcare professionals to ensure that methods used are as effective as possible. The manager and Regulation 33 visitor also monitor all records relating to behaviour management and take action to address any noted issues or questions raised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures are in place and are adhered to by staff. Detailed records are maintained for all health and safety checks that take place and these are carried out at the required regular intervals. The service also carries out very thorough risk assessments of any possible or identified risks to children and reviews and updates these regularly to ensure that the welfare and safety of children is maintained at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Robust recruitment policies and procedures are in place and all required checks are completed prior to individuals commencing work to ensure that children are appropriately safeguarded. All recruitment is carried out by the local authority human resources department.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Staff are adaptable in meeting the individual needs of children in a constructive and creative manner taking particular note of their cultural and religious needs and incorporating this into the daily routine. All children are allocated a key worker who takes responsibility for ensuring that their care plans are up to date and individual needs met. Risk assessments are completed in relation to risks identified for individual children and careful consideration is given to providing stimulating, challenging and enjoyable activities that take into consideration individual strengths and preferences. Children are encouraged to take controlled risks to support them in reaching their potential and achieving as much independence as possible. Comprehensive informative daily records are maintained that clearly indicate the young person's experiences while staying at the unit.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

As a short-breaks service parents and carers retain responsibility for the education of the children who use the service. However, staff liaise with educational placements regarding the care of children and strive to support them to achieve and reach their potential. For example, 6 of 9 Inspection Report: SC066277 children may be given responsibility for certain tasks within the unit or supported to reach specific goals identified within their care plans. Staff also support children with their homework where appropriate and maintain a copy of school reports.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The service has a wealth of activities available to children within the unit. The rear garden contains outdoor play equipment that is accessible to children with disabilities. Indoors there is a sensory room, games console books, toys, CD player, arts and crafts, television and computers. When visiting children are encouraged to bring in personal items with them like pictures and posters. Staff also support children to access leisure activities in the community that they would otherwise not be able to use for a variety of reasons. The needs and preferences of individual children are always considered when planning activities. On the day of the inspection children enjoyed a trip to the New Forest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The needs of children are assessed prior to them using the service and detailed care plans are developed and then updated as staff get to know children and their changing needs. Each child is allocated a key worker who is responsible for maintaining their care plan. The detail in care plans is such that they provide a clear picture of the child, their personality, preferences and influences as well as comprehensive information about their basic care needs. The care plans promote and protect the welfare of children and encourage their individuality. Clear objectives are in place along with clear guidance for staff about the best way to meet the needs of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff take an active role in statutory reviews for children and the management team also contribute to these. Children are encouraged to contribute, where possible, and staff routinely advocate on behalf of children in this forum. Detailed review reports are completed for review meetings and actions agreed during the meeting are promptly followed up by staff and monitored by the management team.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children live with their families and only attend the unit for short periods of time to provide a break for them and their families. Therefore it is not part of the service remit to arrange contact. However, parents and carers are able to maintain contact with children while they are staying at the unit and clear information is recorded in placement plans regarding any restrictions on contact that are in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Very clear protocols are in place for introducing children to the unit. Visits to the unit take place, such as tea visits so that children can familiarise themselves with staff and their peers. Children are able to meet with their key worker during this time. Staff also ensure that children are fully supported when they move on from the unit into adult services. For example, a slow induction takes place, the child will visit for short periods of time and the manager liaises closely with the new service to ensure that they are aware of the child's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The individual communication needs of young people are clearly recorded to ensure that they can be actively involved in any decision making wherever possible. Questionnaires are adapted taking into consideration the most effective means of communication for individual young people so that they are able to contribute their views regarding the service provided at the unit. Parents and carers and other stakeholders are also encouraged to express their opinions about the service and an open and transparent system of working is adopted by the unit. The 7 of 9 Inspection Report: SC066277 unit arranges a communication day that involves seeking the views of parents, carers and children in a creative and fun way while still enabling them to do this confidentially if they wish.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The provision is good. Care plans show that children and young people are encouraged to develop self-help skills and become as independent as possible. Staff are creative in the way they do this using the interests of young people to motivate them. The unit liaises closely with the local authority to ensure that children are prepared and supported as much as possible with the move into adult services.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The accommodation is decorated and furnished to a standard which creates as much a homely environment as possible with appropriate aids and adaptations in place. Children and young people are accommodated in single rooms and bring in personal belongings when they come to stay such as soft toys, pictures and photographs. The communal areas of the home offer good facilities and are suitably equipped with modern entertainment items such as DVD, CD players and computer games consuls. The sensory room is a central part of the setting providing children and young people with a well equipped and tranquil area to enjoy and relax.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Young people who stay at this short break service are provided with first class care driven by competent management and leadership The Statement of Purpose for the unit is kept up to date and contains all of the required information. There is a children's welcome guide that incorporates different methods of communication. For example, by using signs, symbols and photographs.

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Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. The setting provides a service tailored to meet the specific individual needs of children and young people and promotes a holistic approach that considers all aspects of diversity. Staff are very knowledgeable about the needs of children and are consistent in their approach to meeting them seeking specialist professional support and guidance where required.

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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 comprehensive care plans. Staffing levels and their efficient deployment ensures that children and young people receive the high degree of individual attention to meet their specific needs.

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Organisation

In recognition of the skills and other demands required in caring for children and young people with complex needs, management ensures staff receive continual professional support and training. All new staff complete a comprehensive induction programme and foundation training that equips them with the service's particular holistic approaches. Staff also have access to the provider's ongoing in-service training and staff development programmes. Staff comment that they are well supported by management in having an open door policy, regular supervision and staff meetings.

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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 and cultural backgrounds. In promoting 8 of 9 Inspection Report: SC066277 consistency and continuity the service employs permanent staff. However, in the event of requiring additional cover the organisation draws upon their own specialist bank staff who are all familiar with and trained in the service's methods and approaches of care.

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Organisation

Excellent monitoring systems are in place that cover all aspects of the day to day running of the service. The manager regularly monitors and comments on all records and takes steps to address any inconsistencies or shortfalls. Regulation 33 visits are also carried out on a monthly basis and detailed reports prepared and prompt action taken to address any issues identified.

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Organisation

Excellent administrative arrangements are in place for supporting the care of children and young people. 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. Records are carefully organised to permit ease of access to particular information and are securely stored.

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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. 9 of 9 Inspection Report: SC066277

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