Children's Home run by Tulip Care One Limited t/as TulipCare in Kent

Unique reference number SC361090 Inspection date 26/10/2010 Inspector Joanna Heller Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 18/02/2010 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 children's home provides residential care and support for up to five boys aged between eight and 16 years old on admission. The home adjoins an independent school, registered for seven male pupils aged between eight and 16 years old. The school is included in the resources available to young people placed at the home.

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Brief description of the service

The home is situated in a semi-rural location. It is a detached property with no near neighbours. There is a plot of land to the side of the house and gardens to the front and rear, both of which are available for recreational purposes. Three young people are receiving care and support at the home, but, none were on site at the time of the inspection.

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Summary

The overall quality rating is satisfactory.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This was an interim, unannounced inspection, carried out as part of the annual inspection programme. All key national minimum standards in the outcome area of staying safe were reviewed and the standard of the building was checked. In addition, progress on actions and recommendations set at the previous inspection were reviewed.

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Summary

Management and staff have worked hard to address all the actions and recommendations set at the last inspection. This has resulted in the grading of staying safe and economic well being, being upgraded to good. As an interim inspection, all the key standards in other areas were not reviewed fully, resulting in no changes in these outcome areas. The previous overall grading of satisfactory remains.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider was asked to ensure the home is kept reasonably decorated and maintained. A program of refurbishment has been undertaken in the home, resulting in significant improvement in the standard of the building and the environment enjoyed by young people. Issues regarding the regularity of fire drills was raised at the last inspection. The provider now ensures fire precautionary arrangements in the home ensure young people and staff are safeguarded from fire in line with current good practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider was asked to develop care plans further and ensure that staff evidence the health promotion work taking place. Staff now maintain detailed care plans and clear records of all health checks and keyworking discussions regarding health promotion. Meals provided are plentiful and young people are able to help themselves to healthy snacks. There has been significant work in developing systems to evidence work undertaken to promote a culture where bullying is not tolerated. The move towards a therapeutic approach of care has ensured that staff are discussing issues of bullying and respect for others as they arise. The manager was asked to ensure that following any restraint young people are offered an opportunity to discuss their feelings. No restraint has occurred in the past year, but, improvements in recording systems and the therapeutic approach to behaviour management indicate that such discussions will occur.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider was asked at the last inspection to ensure that documents such as the children's guide and staff register meet regulatory requirements. The provider has amended these documents to ensure they now meet regulatory requirements. The provider has implemented more meaningful ways of engaging with young people to gain their feedback, this is also sought through the changed regulation 33 visits and will be included in the impending quality of care review.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are trained in safeguarding young people and are aware what to do should an allegation of a child protection nature be made. Young people say in their feedback questionnaires that they feel safe and well cared for in the home. Risk assessments are in place for young people which identify their vulnerability and any risks they may pose to others. Activity based risk assessments are also in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff respect young people's privacy. They focus on rewarding good behaviour and clear reward systems are in place. The home is working towards developing a unit based on therapeutic principles of working with young people to manage behaviour. No restraints have taken place in the past 12 months. Staff have had training in control and restraint and are clear as to the circumstances in which it is appropriate to be used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is able to demonstrate that complaints are effectively responded to, investigated and managed. Young people know how to complain and have confidence in the ability of staff to respond to any issues of concern which they may raise. Any issues of bullying are well managed. Young people who go missing are notified to the appropriate agencies in line with local guidelines. Where young people over the age of 18 are provided with support and accommodation, risk assessments have not been conducted. This has not had a significant impact on the care of other young people, but has the potential to do so in the future. Young people are safeguarded from unsuitable people gaining employment in the home through robust vetting practices. No staff are employed until checks on their suitability are completed. Management ensure that regular checks on the building take place to ensure a safe living and working environment. Fire precautionary

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

arrangements in the home ensure young people and staff are safeguarded from fire in line with current good practice.

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Achieving economic wellbeing

The accommodation provided is spacious and meets the needs of young people. Each young person has their own bedroom which they are able to personalise according to their wishes. Young people benefit from a choice of lounges in which to relax or enjoy interacting as a group. The building is well maintained and has recently undergone some redecoration in communal areas.

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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):

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Recommendations

 ensure there are systems in place to promote the safety and welfare of children; in particular, ensure a detailed risk assessment is in place regarding any risks that a young adult over the age of 18, residing in the home, may pose to young people. (NMS 17)

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