Children's Home run by New Forest Care Limited in Hampshire

Unique reference number SC068046 Inspection date 07/09/2010 Inspector Roy Bega Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 06/05/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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 Crispins, 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.

p.3

About this inspection

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 outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004 and the relevant National Minimum Standards for the service.

p.3

The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

p.3

Brief description of the service

A private organisation owns and operates this children's home. It is located in a rural area within close proximity to community services. The organisation also has similar services located in the area.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The setting supports and cares for a maximum of one young person of either sex between the ages of 10 and 18 years who has complex emotional, behavioural and educational difficulties.The unit specialises in the care of more vulnerable individuals who may pose a specific risk to the community and/or themselves.

p.4

Brief description of the service

Through various approaches the home seeks to enable young people in recognising and accepting responsibility for their inappropriate behaviours. It then encourages the development of more socially acceptable, sustainable behaviours to improve young people's quality of life as they work towards independence.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The organisation has a team of specialist practitioners who provide professional support and guidance for care staff and young people.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The organisation provides an approved behavioural approach to education known as the Award Scheme for Development and Accreditation Network which follows the National Curriculum. Designated facilities are provided and appropriately trained staff are employed to deliver the scheme.

p.4

Brief description of the service

One young person is currently living in the home.

p.4

Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

p.4

Summary

This is an overview of what the inspector found during the inspection.

p.4

Summary

This is an unannounced interim inspection. Only the key standards relating to the outcome group Staying Safe are assessed on this occasion.

p.4

Summary

There are no actions or recommendations raised resulting from this inspection.

p.4

Summary

Young people benefit from the home's excellent procedural guidance on privacy and confidentiality. Staff have excellent knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and receive annual training. Young people are appropriately safeguarded by the organisation's robust and stringent recruitment procedures. Through consistency, continuity and development of positive relationships the home promotes supporting individuals in developing self control and socially acceptable behaviour.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

No action points or recommendations were raised resulting from the previous inspection.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Comprehensive policies and procedures in place which promote privacy, safety and confidentiality exceptionally well. This includes the completion of bedroom searches in instances of concern for young people's welfare with their knowledge and them being present. Young people also benefit from non-invasive close monitoring in the interest of their welfare and safety. Discussions and records show young people's privacy is well respected with written and verbal information managed effectively to preserve confidentiality.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The complaints procedure is easily accessible to young people and they know how to use it. There are good relationships between the young people and the staff, and an open culture encourages young people to raise any issues they have freely. Each complaint is kept in a central file, with the outcome clearly recorded. Each piece of documentation evidences that staff have taken the outcome of the complaint back to young people and encouraged a response. The complaints process is presented in the young people's guide and records. Staff have a clear understanding and commitment to ensure and enable young people to express any concerns they may have. Young people continue to be very well supported in this area.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home works very closely with other agencies relating to child protection and safeguarding issues. The safeguarding policy is up to date. Staff receive annual training and discussions confirm that they are very well informed of their responsibilities to protect young people. Young people benefit from in depth work around safeguarding and staying safe that is underpinned by a high standard of comprehensive risk assessments. The commitment, communication and awareness shown by the manager and staff in protecting and safeguarding young people is excellent.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is taken seriously, with comprehensive risk assessments and behaviour management plans in place that provide clear guidance for staff. Discussions show staff ensure they gain specific knowledge of the young people in their care to work with them to raise their awareness of anti-bullying. Observations and discussions confirm staff are vigilant about maintaining professional relationships between themselves and young people. There are detailed risk assessments and plans for what to do when young people go missing without authority. The plans comprehensively describe what action to take, including who is to be notified. Any unauthorised absences by a young person are dealt with appropriately and sensitively. Staff are proactive in resolving situations and maintaining high levels of individual care.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Comprehensive care plans and risk assessments clearly outline young people's behaviour management programmes and include specific methods of agreed intervention. Young people benefit from a staff team who understand their particular needs and receive specific training in providing a holistic approach in supporting them. The service takes a multi-agency approach to behaviour management, liaising with the organisation's and external specialist therapeutic professionals ensuring methods used are as effective as possible. Sanctions are only imposed if they are meaningful to the individual young person involved and are dependent on the level of their understanding. The Registered Manager and Regulation 33 visitor also monitor all records relating to behaviour management and take action to address any noted issues or questions raised.

p.6

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 which are carried out at the required timescales. The service also completes and reviews very thorough risk assessments to ensure young people's welfare and safety is maintained at all times.

p.6

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 young people are appropriately safeguarded. All recruitment is carried out by senior management and the organisation's human resources department.

p.6