Children's Home run by Essex County Council in Essex

Unique reference number SC044975 Inspection date 15/10/2010 Inspector Kristen Judd Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 23/02/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 Crispins, 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.

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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.

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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

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Brief description of the service

The service is owned and managed by the local authority. The home provides respite care and accommodation for 12 children aged between five and under 18 years old. The home accommodates children who have emotional or behavioural difficulties, learning or physical disabilities.

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Brief description of the service

The home is situated in a residential area. It is separated into three flats, each accommodating up to four children. Each flat comprises a lounge with a television, kitchen, dining and bathrooms. Children have their own bedrooms. There are gardens to the rear of the building which are accessible from each of the flats. The gardens have both paved and grassed areas suitable for playing games. There are 12 children residing in the home at any one time.

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Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This is an unannounced, interim inspection. The judgements under outcome areas being healthy, enjoying and achieving, economic well-being and organisation were previously rated as outstanding. Therefore this inspection focused on the staying safe outcome group. Six children were present at the time of this inspection.

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Summary

The home continues to provide a highly individualised level of care and support to children. Compliments from parents demonstrate that the home operates in line with its stated aims and an excellent level of care is consistently provided. The home continues to be well managed and provides a high quality of care with excellent outcomes for children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations raised following the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s privacy is respected and information is confidentially handled. Staff maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality and records are securely stored. Children have their own bedrooms and can spend time alone if they choose to without unnecessary intrusion from staff or other children. Staff are aware of the balance between ensuring children’s privacy while at times needing to provide a higher level of supervision to help ensure their safety. Personal care is managed sensitively, discreetly and in private

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are procedures in place to deal with complaints; these are available in a variety of suitable pictorial formats for children who have complex communication needs. Children also have access to an independent advocate. A log of complaints is kept in the home, which shows that there have been no complaints since the last inspection. The service has received many compliments since the last inspection regarding the care and support given to children who use the service. One parent said: ‘The experience that my child has had through the home has helped to expand their horizons, increase their skills and move towards independence. I hope you all know how happy my child has been with you and are aware how important your work has been in helping my child mature into the person that they are now.' Another states: ‘I would like to say a big thank you and commend you all for the excellent care you offer and outstanding care facility that you run.'

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Bullying is not identified as a problem at the home. Placement plans identify potential issues and staff are vigilant in their supervision of children. Guidance is in place for staff to deal with any incidents. Staff have an excellent level of understanding about the needs of the children and know when they are upset or are trying to express their views. Children are provided with the ability to communicate their needs, thoughts and feelings through a variety of communication aids which staff are expert in using. Children and staff are working together on a bullying charter for the service which is on display. Staff are vigilant in their awareness of the whereabouts of children and the need to protect them from putting themselves at risk from running off. Placement plans provide detailed guidance for staff to follow when taking them into the community. There have been no incidents of children going missing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected through systems that are in place to prevent absence without authority. This ensures their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Placement plans comprehensively cover behaviour management and detail what measures of control strategies are to be used in order to develop positive relationships with children which are in line with their individual needs and ability. Staff regularly remind children of behaviour which is unacceptable. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for what they have done. Records of the sanctions and consequences used are maintained in a bound numbered book. Records indicate that there have only been a few since the last inspection. Consequences used may be, for example, a child being supported to make an apology. Records are well kept and are regularly assessed to ensure that they are appropriate. Staff are able to manage behaviour without the regular use of restraint. Restrictive physical intervention is only used when necessary to protect the safety of children or others. Staff are able to effectively work with children who may display challenging

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Child protection procedures are in place and staff receive mandatory training. Staff are aware of how to respond to safeguarding issues in relation to receiving information and reporting to relevant authorities. The manager confirms that there have been no child protection issues since the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps are taken to ensure that the children and staff are safe from the risk of fire and other hazards. For example, checks are undertaken on fire equipment and health and safety certificates are valid. Fire drills are undertaken monthly which ensure the children are familiar with the evacuation procedures. Records pertaining to health and safety continue to be well maintained. There is careful selection and vetting of staff prior to them working in the home. This ensures that children are protected from people who are not suitable to work in the home.

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