Children's Home run by St Hill Establishments Ltd in Kingston upon Hull

SC385633 Unique reference number 27 August 2010 Inspection date Fiona Parker 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 7 Inspection Report: SC385633

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Brief description of the service

This children's home is run by a private company. The home is registered to provide a service for up to five children or young people, male or female, aged between 10 and 17 years.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a three-storey building. There are two bedrooms for young people downstairs both with en suite facilities and three further bedrooms upstairs. In addition there are two staff sleep-in rooms in close proximity to all bedrooms. Downstairs there is an office, kitchen, dining room and spacious lounge with a quiet room also on the second floor.

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Brief description of the service

The home is close to a city centre. There are local shops, churches and health centres nearby. The home has a small car park and is close to major bus routes.

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Summary

This is an unannounced interim inspection to assess the progress as a result of the key inspection and follow up visit to the home. This visit explored the key standards in the outcome areas of staying safe and organisation. The overall judgement is satisfactory, which reflects the positive improvement the home has made in response to the previous inadequate judgement.

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Summary

The responsible individual and Registered Manager have addressed the breaches in regulations and the good practice recommendations from the key inspection. A good improvement plan has ensured the shortfalls have been addressed.

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Summary

Young people report they feel safe in the home and are happy living there. They report good relationships with the manager and staff. Safeguarding policies and procedures are now updated and comply with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Practice is accountable, records are clear and management monitoring is strengthened. The staff team are working well with local authorities and other agencies to meet young people's complex needs. Staff are proactive in keeping young people safe and supporting them to make appropriate choices.

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Summary

As a result of this inspection one recommendation is in place to clarify the individual strategies in risk assessments. The overall quality rating is satisfactory. This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection identified eight actions and eight recommendations. As a result, the Registered Manager submitted a detailed action plan outlining the action they had taken and what they proposed to do to meet the breaches in identified regulations. A further visit was undertaken to the home on 21 July 2010 to assess the progress on the actions. This visit concluded the home had met the requirements of the Statutory Notice and no further action was required.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The home has improved safeguarding arrangements, policies, procedures and formed links with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. As a result the decision-making role of the local authority designated officer is understood. Managers and staff have received guidance, briefings and information on safeguarding. Notifications have been forwarded to the relevant parties as 4 of 7 Inspection Report: SC385633 required by Schedule 5 of the Children's Homes Regulations 2001. The quality of recording for interventions has improved and monitoring ensures compliance with company policy.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The roles and responsibilities of the Registered Manager and responsible individual have been clarified and defined to avoid potential conflicts and blurred boundaries. Appropriate arrangements are in place for Regulation 33 visits and reports are produced as required.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Six recommendations have been met. Good practice guidelines for controlled drugs are available for staff to refer to; placement plans refer to any specific techniques; risk assessments include any considerations for special needs; the garden is well maintained; staff files include photographic identification and new staff receive the recommended level of supervision.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Two recommendations are partially met. Five staff have the formal qualification required and two staff have almost completed this. A further three staff are part way to achieving this. Therefore the 80% required is not in place but all reasonable action has been taken. Young people are able to use an independent telephone in a private area of their choosing and records support this is freely available. These two recommendations are not repeated this visit, as proportionate action has been taken.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Young people are suitably protected by appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures. Reporting processes are clear and discussions with the Local Safeguarding Children Board take place as required. Staff have received briefings and updates, as a result they are clear on their responsibilities. Notifications are forwarded as required by regulations. This ensures accountable practice is in place and any safeguarding matters appropriately responded to. Young people say they feel safe and like living in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Restraints and sanctions are not frequently used and there is a reduction in the frequency of these since the last inspection. Young people confirm sanctions are rarely used and they feel they are fair. Behaviour management techniques and strategies are appropriately recorded and included in plans. However, there is a lack of clarity on some agreed strategies in risk assessments to guide staff and ensure practice is consistent. Management monitoring is in place to review the interventions in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's complaints are taken seriously and clearly recorded. Where complaints lead to further actions this is clearly recorded. Young people feel they can talk to staff and they will be listened to. Young people report they are not concerned about bullying and enjoy mostly good relationships with other young people. Room searches are very infrequent but on occasion this has happened they are appropriately recorded and reflect the reasons. Young people feel they privacy is respected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people do not routinely go missing overnight from the home and any unauthorised absences during the day are regularly monitored. Young people are encouraged to keep themselves safe and take advice about their choices and decisions. Partnerships are in place with the police, local authority and other agencies to agree strategies and respond to individual 5 of 7 Inspection Report: SC385633 needs. Staff are proactive in searching for young people and negotiating compromises. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated in light of new information. This ensures staff are mainly suitably guided to minimise risks. Good risk assessments are in place for activities and holidays which young people are currently enjoying in the summer break.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire drills are taken seriously and all young people take part in evacuations. Individual needs are part of assessments to ensure safe responses in emergencies. Visitors are suitably vetted, sign into the home and have valid reasons for visiting. No new recruitment has taken place since the last inspection.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There are sound monitoring arrangements in place to review the quality of practice in the home. The Registered Manager reviews daily records and interventions. Independent visits take place monthly to review the quality of care and give opportunities for young people and staff to express their views. Reports are forwarded to Ofsted. Roles and responsibilities are now defined to ensure management practice is accountable. An appropriate Statement of Purpose outlines what the home offers and this includes specific approaches used in the home. This informs parties of the care provided and what to expect.

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Organisation

Sufficient staff are on duty and regular team meetings take place to discuss young people's needs and the running of the home. Staff numbers can increase where this is required to meet the needs of residents. Staff receive regular supervision and training to update their knowledge and skills. In particular, safeguarding briefings and updates have refreshed the team on reporting and liaising with agencies. This ensures they are equipped to meet young people's needs. As a result of dedicated efforts the remainder of the staff team will complete the National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in the near future. The staff team are mainly experienced and all new members have successfully completed probationary periods.

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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 risk assessments are carried out, recorded in writing and regularly reviewed. In particular, strategies in assessments are clear on agreed practice to guide staff. (NMS 26.2) 7 of 7 Inspection Report: SC385633

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