Children's Home run by Hertfordshire County Council in Hertfordshire

Unique reference number SC379199 Inspection date 30/11/2010 Inspector Sandra Jacobs-Walls Type of inspection Key

p.1

Date of last inspection 27/01/2010 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

This is a long-stay children's home registered to accommodate six young people from the age of 13 to 17 years. The home is well equipped to meet the needs of the young people, some who present with challenging behaviour. The home's premises can accommodate wheelchair users and young people's bedrooms have en-suite facilities. Young people have access to ample communal space and educational facilities. The home is situated in a residential area close to local amenities. The home and grounds are secure and ample parking is provided.

p.4

Brief description of the service

Six young people were accommodated at the home, some of whom participated with the inspection process.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

This inspection was an unannounced key inspection. Its purpose was to assess the service against all key national minimum standards and gauge improvements to the home's service since the last inspection. No actions or recommendations were made at the previous inspection. This inspection examined all outcome areas.

p.4

Summary

Staff provide young people in placement with good quality care. Staff pay good attention to young people's health care needs, offer support to keep young people safe and encourage their academic achievement. Staff maintain good records of placement activity and work effectively with partner agencies. However weaknesses are noted in staff's administration of medication, staff's consistent use of sanctions and the development of relationship skills for some identified staff members.

p.4

Summary

The service has appointed a new manager, who is due to commence duties at the home shortly following this inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection resulted in no actions or recommendations being made.

p.4

Helping children to be healthy

Staff of the home encourage young people to live healthy lifestyles while in placement at the home. The home's cook provides young people with nutritious, balanced meals that are varied. Young people indicate that the meals provided by the home are generally good and to their liking. Staff offer a range of meal choice and encourage young people to make decisions about meal planning. Young people assist with shopping and preparation of meals if they so wish and staff encourage them to do so. The home provides meals that meet individual needs that address, for example, medical or cultural needs. Staff receive mandatory training in food hygiene, the kitchen area is well equipped and well organised.

p.4

Helping children to be healthy

Staff support and encourage young people to address their health care needs well. Young people's case files evidence excellent health care and medical histories and information about current health care issues. This is particularly the case for young people living with significant medical conditions. In such instances, specialist health care staff work closely and effectively with staff of the home to ensure all young people's health care needs are well met. Specialist staff provide training, support and advice to staff and young people.

p.5

Helping children to be healthy

The home develops for each young person an individual health care plan which is explicit in outlining how the service intends to meet identified health care needs. Upon admission staff promptly register young people with primary care services and document well the outcome of subsequent appointments and any necessary treatment plan. Where required, staff will initiate referrals to specialist services, including to the designated children looked after nurse. Young people have good access to this nurse and all have medicals upon admission.

p.5

Helping children to be healthy

Young people present with a range of health care and related issues such as alcohol and substance misuse, self harm, and sexual health issues. Staff are very experienced in ensuring that young people have an opportunity to explore these issues in a meaningful way and with relevant personnel. Staff regularly update young people's documented risk assessments and these are explicit in highlighting strategies to help minimise risks. The staff group receive training in first aid and the home has good systems in place to ensure first aid boxes contain appropriate materials. Records of all accidents and injuries that occur on the premises are maintained.

p.5

Helping children to be healthy

Staff encourage young people to access opportunities for physical exercise. Some young people use the local swimming pool, go on extended walks to assist weight loss and make use of recreational sport facilities in the garden.

p.5

Helping children to be healthy

Staff's administration of young people's medication is generally sound. Staff and young people benefit from the home's comprehensive medication policies to support staff practices. Staff keep all medicines securely locked in the medications cabinet, which is located in the staff office. Young people's medication is kept in individual containers in the cabinet and any specialised equipment is also kept locked. Staff maintain a smaller locked cabinet within the office medication cabinet to store controlled drugs. Recording of the administration of medication is largely comprehensive with good safeguards in place to help minimise error. For example medication is counted on a daily basis and records are monitored. Despite this however, on two occasions medication administration records did not contain staff signatures as required.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has comprehensive confidentiality policies in place and these are well known to young people and staff. Young people comment that they feel staff respect them and their privacy and that information shared is kept confidential. Young people's case files are stored in the staff office in a locked cabinet. All electronic information is password protected. Staff are encouraged to adopt good practices that safeguard young people's information, for example young people are interviewed in private and information is shared with others on a need to know basis only. Staff operate a 'knock and wait' policy, before entering young people's bedrooms. Young people benefit from a clear and sensitive policy regarding room searches and access to files. Young people have their own rooms and are given their own bedroom keys. Staff encourage young people not to access other young people's bedrooms and this is also the case for visitors to the home. This practice is in place to help maximise

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

security in the home. Young people's bedrooms contain a lockable facility for the safekeeping of private possessions.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The organisation has a robust and comprehensive complaints policy in place. Staff are familiar with its contents as are young people living at the home. Young people have good access to complaints information and staff support them through the procedure if they so wish. Current residents indicate that they are somewhat satisfied with services provided, staff monitor this in key work sessions, residents' meeting and in looked after children's reviews. Young people also benefit from fortnightly visits from the home's independent advocate who is well known to young people in placement at the home. Staff maintain a centralised log of all complaints and compliments received. Since the last inspection the service has received two written compliments and two complaints. Managers dealt with both complaints appropriately and in accordance with written procedures.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people and staff benefit from the organisation's robust and comprehensive child protection and safeguarding policies. Staff are familiar with these polices and receive regular child protection training. Newly appointed staff inductions includes training focused on safeguarding. Staff members also have access to e-learning whereby staff can access a range of training and learning materials covering a range of issues, including child protection. Weekly team meetings are also used as a forum to explore issues of safeguarding. Since the last inspection there has been one incident of a child protection nature. Managers dealt with this issue appropriately and in accordance with written procedures. Staff maintain good records of all incidents that are cause for concern and managers carefully monitor this information. All of the young people's files evidence current risk assessments to alert staff to potential risk factors.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has clear policies in place that address bullying. Staff operate a 'zero tolerance' stance towards such incidents and this is well known to the young people. Where incidents of bullying do occur, staff are prompt in taking action with the offending young person and offering good support to those who experience bullying. Staff maintain good records of all bullying incidents and creatively manage situations to ensure the safeguard of all residents. Similarly, there are policies in place to address young people who are absent from the home without permission and instances where young people are deemed missing. Staff and young people are familiar with these procedures and staff maintain very good records of action taken. Staff and the local police share protocols that effectively address young people deemed missing from placement and unauthorised absences from the home.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff and young people benefit from the home's clear written guidance in relation to behaviour management. The home has established house rules and boundaries in place which are well known to young people. In managing poor behaviour staff endeavour to make clear links between the behaviour and the sanction, so that young people understand the consequence of their actions. For example where young people make inappropriate purchases such as alcohol, they are subject to supervised spending. Staff maintain clear records of all imposed 'consequences', including any comments made by young people. However, there is a lack of consistency amongst staff with regards to decision making about consequences and young people consider this to be unfair. This is in need of attention to ensure that young people feel that they are treated equally by all members of staff. The staff group encourage positive behaviour of young people and attempt to limit the

p.7

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

involvement of the police if possible. Young people clearly benefit from this ethos. In discussing consequences, one staff member said, "Its about consequences, not punishment, but learning. They're kids, we've all got to learn".

p.7

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff receive ongoing training to equip them with anger management techniques to help diffuse difficult behaviour and situations. Staff practice is supported by the department's 'Keeping Safe' policies. Staff collectively review these intervention techniques on a regular basis and staff have access to refresher courses. The home maintains individual logs for each young person which details every instance that staff have needed to restrain the young person. Staff records are clear, comprehensive and in accordance with the requirements of the regulations.

p.7

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home's premises provide physical safety and security and young people feel safe while living in the home. The service has comprehensive health and safety policies in place and staff attend health and safety training periodically. The home has a designated member of staff who is responsible for health and safety matters in the home and attends additional health and safety training; key information is then cascaded to other staff members. The staff group are diligent in ensuring that there are sound fire precaution measures in place and they maintain good records that confirm that fire equipment and systems are tested regularly for faults. Staff also regularly conduct fire evacuation exercises, the outcome of which staff consistently document. The home's fire doors are kept closed and building windows are safely restricted. Staff update building risk assessments regularly.

p.7

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provider's human resources department is responsible for the selection and recruitment of new staff for the home. The service has clear and comprehensive staff recruitment policies in place which are adhered to.

p.7

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young people benefit significantly from very individualised care and support offered by the home. This is a keen focus of the service. The home's referral process and placement negotiations explicitly explore young people's individual needs and the service's ability to meet these identified needs. Staff documentation of individual needs assessments, the care planning process and risk assessments are comprehensive and current. Staff work with young people to address some very challenging and diverse needs such as anger management, self harm, substance misuse and significant medical conditions. Young people benefit from the effective link work focussed on their needs and development. Young people meet with their key workers regularly and comment that their relationship is based on trust and mutual respect. Staff maintain excellent records of all link work sessions held.

p.8

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The service pays good attention to educational and training achievements of young people. Young people's case files evidence a dedicated educational section and care plans include educational plans. Some young people are subject to statement of special educational needs. Staff have an effective working relationship with educational professionals and resources such as pupil referral units and local colleges. Staff also have access to the children looked after advisory teacher who provides advice and support with regard to educational matters. Staff encourage young people to explore educational and training options through the link work system and help facilitate training and educational placements. All young people currently living at the home are engaged in training or education.

p.8

Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people's files evidence comprehensive needs assessments and care plans. Needs assessments are thorough and address all aspects of the young people's lives as required. The placing authority devise these plans and the home completes its own support and placement plan. These plans outline the placement objectives and how staff are to address identified needs. Staff explore issues of identity well. Staff document placement plans comprehensively and revise them regularly. Staff also devise risk assessments that outline strategies to help minimise known risks.

p.8

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff have good systems in place to ensure that young people's needs and developments are regularly reviewed. Staff conduct regular link work sessions and complete periodical file summaries, which are shared with involved professionals. Staff invite local authority social work staff to regular meetings for discussion and update on work being completed with individual young people in placement. The home's weekly staff meetings routinely explore individual young people's placement issues and progress at the home. Staff ensure key information on young people's files is kept current and they and young people contribute to statutory looked after children's reviews to ensure that the placement continues to appropriately meet identified needs.

p.8

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff acknowledge the importance of young people being able to maintain positive relationships with friends and family members. Staff encourage and support young people to keep in contact with significant others if is deemed safe for them to do so. Young people's case files contain good information about individuals who are important and those who are prohibited contact. The home has clear and flexible rules about visitors, which are known to young people.

p.9

Helping children make a positive contribution

The home accepts planned and emergency placements. Staff and young people benefit from clear written guidance about the home's admissions and discharge policies. Staff participate in planning meetings often prior to placement start and ensure key information is available from social services representatives and young people themselves. Where admissions are planned, young people have the opportunity to visit the home, share meals and have an overnight stay prior to moving in. Where admission are not planned, staff are sensitive to the feelings and experiences of young people and offer reassurance and support. Young people receive useful information about the home's services, its function and purpose. Staff inform existing residents of any new admissions before they occur.

p.9

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff try as far as is possible to facilitate planned discharges from the home. Staff make keen efforts to ensure young people experience leaving the home as a pleasant and memorable occasion. Staff hold celebration teas, or parties in acknowledgement of the young person's leaving and gifts are shared. When young people move into independent accommodation, staff ensure they leave with essential items such as pots and pans, necessary small appliances, bedroom linen etc. If requested or deemed useful, staff offer post placement support; staff remain in regular contact with some former residents of the home.

p.9

Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people indicate that they feel staff have an interest in their opinions and encourage them to share their views about services offered by the home. Staff facilitate a weekly residents' meeting to explore more generally the functioning of the service. Typically these meetings explore meal planning, general house rules, working cohesively, group activities etc. Young people also have very good access to an independent child advocate who visits the home on a fortnightly basis. This is a well established arrangement and acts as another forum young people have available to share their views and influence the way the home is run.

p.9

Achieving economic wellbeing

The home is developing an intensive semi independent programme to assist prepare young people for adulthood. Staff encourage young people to develop practical skills such as meal preparation, shopping, household chores. Staff support young people obtain employment, access public transport safely and manage their own finances. This is an effective programme of skill development to prepare young people for adulthood.

p.9

Achieving economic wellbeing

Young people receive personal finances as negotiated by the placing authority. Staff have access to written guidance with regard to the financial management of young people's monies and staff maintain good records. Young people comment that they receive pocket money, clothing allowances and other funds consistently and they have good opportunities to shop for themselves. Staff are available to support them shop if they so wish.

p.10

Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is good. Staff complete placement plans which explore and address well the holistic needs of young people. These includes exploration of young people's identity needs. Young people's case files evidence good documentation of issues pertaining to young people's gender, age, ethnicity, religious and medical needs. Staff are committed to ensuring the home is able to effectively meet these needs. Risk assessments pay good attention to specific issues as these pertain to individual young people. Staff benefit from comprehensive polices in place to support their practice, ensuring that they work within an anti discriminatory framework. The staff group is representative of the gender and ethnic mix of its current residents.

p.10

Organisation

The home's Statement of Purpose is a comprehensive document that explicitly outlines the aims, objective and functioning of the home. It does not however, include required information with regards to the home's current manager. The document clearly outlines services offered by the home and how the home operates. The young people's guide contains key information for prospective and actual residents that outline what to expect from the services, their rights and house rules. The guide is creative, well written and geared towards young people's use.

p.10

Organisation

The home's staffing levels meet the needs of young people as outlined in the Statement of Purpose. There is a clear management structure in place that is understood by staff and young people. There is no Registered Manager in place, however a new manager has recently been appointed to the home and is to commence duties following this inspection.

p.10

Organisation

Staff of the home receive good support and guidance in relation to safeguarding and promoting young people's welfare and are committed to doing so. Staff receive child protection training as part of induction training and periodically thereafter. Staff training opportunities are good and they benefit from a vast range of training facilitated by the organisation and some external training. Staff are also able to access training electronically through e-learning systems. Managers utilise team meetings as another forum for training. Staff receive supervision regularly and appraisals are conducted annually. Staff are well qualified and experienced to conduct their duties. Young people indicate that generally their relationships with the staff group is very good.

p.10

Organisation

The home's monitoring systems are sound, managers and shift leaders are responsible for a range of monitoring duties on a day to day basis such as medication, finance and premises checks. The organisation facilitates monthly unannounced quality assurance visits. These visits explore the quality of care provided and include discussion with young people and staff. Subsequent monitoring visit reports are available on site and to Ofsted. Young people benefit from the organisation's overall commitment to continue to improve the home's service provision.

p.11

Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales.

p.11

Std. Action Due date

13 make suitable arrangements for the recording and safe administration of any medicines received into the home (Regulation 21(1)) 01/02/2011

p.11

Std. Action Due date

34 keep under review and, where appropriate revise the Statement of Purpose (Regulation 5(a)) 01/02/2011

p.11

Std. Action Due date

22 ensure that the home is conducted so as to promote the welfare of children living there, in particular to ensure staff are consistent when imposing sanctions (Regulation 11(1)(a)) 01/02/2011

p.11