Children's Home run by Broadlands Hall Limited in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC060936 Inspection date 10/12/2010 Inspector Deirdra Keating / Kristen Judd Type of inspection Key

p.1

Date of last inspection 11/02/2010 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

The children's home provides care, accommodation and education for young people with learning difficulties and emotional and behavioural difficulties, aged between 11 and 17 years.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The home is a large detached property with extensive grounds and hard surfaced areas for outside ball games. It is situated in a rural village within reach of a nearby town and local amenities. Each young person has their own bedroom some with en suite bathroom facilities. A number of communal areas are provided for recreational activities. Separate facilities are provided for staff, together with office space.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The ground floor houses a lounge, with satellite television, a dining room, kitchen, games room and small kitchen for young people's use. There is a large separate education building with white boards, computer access and fitness equipment. The first floor has bedrooms, bathrooms, staff office and overnight sleep room. The second floor has three large bedsitting rooms with separate kitchen facilities. Eleven young people currently live in the home all of whom were present during the inspection.

p.4

Summary

The overall quality rating is satisfactory.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

At this unannounced full inspection, all key standards were inspected. This is a satisfactory service with some aspects that require improvement. Young people's welfare is satisfactorily promoted by staff who have developed sound relationships with them. The education of young people in the service is supported well.

p.4

Summary

Food options are adequate and young people are encouraged to take some exercise. Young people leave the service with basic skills to support them into adulthood. The staff in the home work with other agencies in order to meet the full range of young people's needs. Contact is maintained with young people's families where beneficial.

p.4

Summary

The manager and staff are qualified and trained. Staff are supported adequately by the manager who is dedicated to the home and young people. However, there are some management areas that require addressing.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The Registered Manager was asked to improve the policy, procedures and guidance supporting disciplinary and restraint measures, including the behaviour management plans. This has been addressed and records of these interventions have all improved. She was also asked ensure all outstanding requirements or recommendations relating to the home from the environmental health authority were complied with and all fire doors work effectively. Fire doors now work, however, some health and safety issues were raised again during the inspection because current building work to the premises has not been completed.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendations raised regarding staff access to programmes of training has been partly addressed. The service was also asked to produce a written development plan that is reviewed annually. The home now has a detailed plan of developments and current operational resources.

p.5

Helping children to be healthy

Young people are provided with food in adequate quantities throughout the day. They sit with staff at meal times and are encouraged to adhere to clear rules whilst in the dining room. Subsequently, meal times are generally ordered, safe and sociable. Young people can request snacks if they are hungry, and snacks are routinely offered at supper time. Menus are devised by the housekeeper and discussed individually with young people to gain their ideas and food choices. Overall, the menus reflect a varied diet that is sufficiently healthy and meets the needs of the young people in the home.

p.5

Helping children to be healthy

Individual health reports and care plans identify how each young person is provided with the guidance and support of health care professionals. Appointments are recorded with review dates to ensure that optical and dental needs are all adequately addressed in accordance with young people's individual needs. The systems for administering medication in the home ensure that all medication is received and administered safely. This is overseen by a senior member of staff to ensure that staff record accurately and carefully. Specific training has been provided for staff who administer medication.

p.5

Helping children to be healthy

Staff encourage young people to take part in regular exercise such as football, walking and horse riding. Staff also monitor young people's food intake to promote appropriate amounts of food and help them work towards healthy food choices.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people’s dignity and privacy are respected at the home. Bedroom keys are provided for young people where appropriate and staff knock prior to entering bedrooms. Most bedrooms have en suite bathroom facilities giving each person the space and privacy to manage their own personal care. There are also communal bathrooms that staff use to support and facilitate young people’s personal hygiene and care. One of these bathroom houses a designated clinical waste unit which permeated a strong unpleasant odour in the bathroom and adjoining corridor. This is due to the waste being stored for up to two weeks.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are secure within the home. Doors are locked, visitors to the building are monitored and there is an electronic locking system for internal doors. This enables staff to closely supervise young people, by knowing their exact whereabouts and keep them safe. Young people use the grounds for walks, ball games and to access the on-site education facilities. These are currently undergoing major building development work and are close to completion. Despite the unfinished building work, unattended building tools and materials, this area was in use by young people and staff. This could put the health and safety of young people and staff at risk. This was raised on the first day of the inspection and the registered provider took immediate and substantial action to secure and make all areas of the work safe. In contrast, health and safety precautions within the house are effective. The interior of the

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

home is free from hazards and fire prevention equipment is checked regularly to ensure it is working properly. Fire drills are conducted at different times of the day and records demonstrate this. Young people practise what to do on hearing the fire alarm, therefore, know what to do in the event of a fire.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A general overview of information about the home has been simply compiled to provide a children’s guide regarding how the home holds confidential information and enables young people to make a complaint. This ensures that young people are aware of the complaints procedure. Young people are offered support to make internal complaints, although none have been recorded since the last inspection. In addition staff encourage young people to voice their concerns at weekly house meetings. Young people’s participation in meetings is encouraged by staff and this helps address issues, such as bullying, and promote a safe environment. High levels of supervision mean that bullying incidents are few. Potential risks in relation to intimidating behaviour are recorded in placement plans and discussed with young people. This helps promote safe prevention of bullying. Staff support young people to develop socially acceptable behaviour by providing appropriate interventions.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Physical restraints are carried out when necessary by staff that have been trained in the safe control of challenging physical behaviour. This is closely monitored by the senior management team who ensure that training is regularly provided. Sanctions are also used to promote acceptable behaviour. These include making a small financial contribution towards any damage incurred to the house. However, the recording of these are not made with other sanctions and this system does not meet the requirements of the regulations.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare and safety of young people is promoted by written procedures that provide clear guidance for staff to follow. All staff complete a mandatory induction programme that includes child protection training. Staff demonstrate a sound understanding of the procedures that are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB), including recognising symptoms of abuse and making child protection referrals. However, staff did not inform Ofsted about a safeguarding incident. In addition records of the investigation were not available making it difficult to know the outcome. Young people’s safety regarding suitable adults is assured because they are cared for by carefully recruited staff. New staff undertake Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks prior to commencing employment. Written references and additional safeguarding checks are obtained and recorded on staff files.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The protocol for young people missing from care is carried out in accordance with placement plans to reflect the individual need and vulnerability of each young person. Preventative methods are discussed and relevant authorities quickly notified to ensure young people are kept as safe as is physically possible while missing from the home. This ensures that the ongoing safety and welfare of young people is prioritised.

p.7

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The home has a strong commitment to promoting education and achievement. Facilities have been refurbished to provide a separate area from the home and make a distinction between hours in education and the home environment. This project is at the final stages of completion and young people are currently in a transitional stage of using some areas in the home and the new buildings in the grounds. The young people have been involved in the development of this area which provides ample space and specialist equipment to meet their complex and changing needs.

p.7

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Education in the home is valued highly by care and education staff. This has resulted in young people who are making consistent progress and reaching their potential given their abilities and starting points. Good routines and clear organisation of the day ensures that all young people are up and ready for education in a timely manner. Individual support is provided by staff and this enables some young people to attend college and make significant achievements. Others make good progress because their personal education plans ensure that learning is tailored to suit their individual ability and style.

p.7

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Leisure activities are actively encouraged and organised well. Young people regularly participate in horse riding, football and visit the skate park. Evening activities include; bowling, visiting the cinema, drives out and walks in the grounds. During school holidays young people visit theme parks, the coast and specialist activity centres. Young people take part in a wide and varied range of activities tailored to their particular interests and enjoyment. This is maintained well by the generous allocation of funds and adequate staffing levels.

p.7

Helping children make a positive contribution

Staff support and involve young people in making decisions about their lives and care while at the home. Staff are usually responsive and caring in their support of young people. This has resulted in relationships between staff and young people that aim to be based on mutual respect and trust. Staff are generally consistent in their support of each young person's needs. This is recorded on the care plans, which are updated by key worker staff. However, information is generally added as opposed to revised and this results in some conflicting information which may impact on the care provided. Reviews of care are conducted at the home within required time scales. These include the attendance of parents, professionals and young people and ensure that specific needs are addressed in light of individual progress and the views of young people are sought.

p.7

Helping children make a positive contribution

Young people are able to maintain contact with families and friends where constructive. These arrangements are flexible and change in line with individual developments and needs. Care plans provide guidance for staff on how to best support young people with family visits and telephone calls. Generally staff are aware of family events and dynamics and offer tailored support. This helps young people come to term with their fluctuating feelings and emotions.

p.8

Helping children make a positive contribution

Admissions to the home are planned and considered to ensure that the service maintains a safe and stable environment. Clear guidelines are shared with young people in order that they know what to expect from the service. Young people's opinions are valued and sought. Daily meetings at the end of the school day are provided in addition to weekly house meetings. This provides an arena for young people to make their household grumbles known; talk about plans and their positive experiences at the home.

p.8

Achieving economic wellbeing

The home is a large building that has been adapted to accommodate young people's needs and take into account their comfort, safety and security. Refurbishments in the house have been completed and there are new kitchen facilities downstairs and adjoining the self-contained flats on the second floor. These are accessed from the stairwell in the home and provide a comfortably furnished and contained area where young people can develop their independent living skills. Young people preparing for independence take pride in keeping their personal space and belongings clean and tidy.

p.8

Achieving economic wellbeing

Young people are prepared as well as possible for moving out of the home; they manage personal washing and some cooking activities with staff support tailored to their individual capabilities. The home provides some flexible placement arrangements and works with other agencies to assist young people with future accommodation. Young people choose clothes and toiletries while shopping with staff who ensure that they have clothes suited to the seasonal weather.

p.8

Achieving economic wellbeing

The registered provider is fully committed to improving and developing the home. New facilities and building works are currently well underway for the new education block and these are being carried out to a good standard. However, the standard of decoration varies in quality. There are areas, such as the new kitchens and one longue that are comfortable, clean and freshly decorated. In contrast; the main corridors, halls, stairwells and ground floor communal rooms are in a poor state of decoration and cleanliness. This means that some young people spend much of their time in areas that are not maintained or cleaned to an adequate standard.

p.8

Organisation

The Statement of Purpose sets out an overview of the home and has been updated in the last year. A more reader-friendly version for young people is provided in a brochure with pictorial timelines showing the routines of the home. This is under review in order that it will accurately reflect the new facilities and equipment purchased by the registered provider. The home is managed by the Registered Manager and senior staff who are closely supported by the senior management team. The registered provider is dedicated and strongly committed to the service. Ambitious plans to improve the facilities are well on the way to completion and there are further plans to provide more specialist care for specific needs.

p.9

Organisation

The registered provider has an in-depth knowledge of the staff, young people and day-to-day running of the home. This is provided by observation, monitoring visits and working occasional cover shifts at the service. The Regulation 33 visits are carried out within the required timescales and report on matters required. However, the reports are not forwarded to the manager in a timely manner and this may affect action taken to address the shortfalls. In addition, the visits are carried out by someone who is directly connected with the home which does not meet the criteria set out in the regulations.

p.9

Organisation

The home is staffed by a large staff team to ensure the care and support given to young people is appropriate. Staff are experienced and some staff members have worked at the home for a number of years. Staff's views are valued and reflected. For example, working patterns have been adapted to reflect some shift preferences at the weekends. Training at the service is generally promoted adequately. New staff complete mandatory induction training. Staff attend regular updates on key areas of practice, such as restraint, first aid and child protection. In addition some staff are working towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3 and this is supported by the service. While staff value and enjoy training there are some areas of practice that would benefit from guidance and specific training. Staff receive supervision to provide specific support and guidance. However, there are some months when supervisions are not carried out and there are no records. This does

p.9

Organisation

not give staff the guidance that they need. Handovers between shifts aim to promote communication between staff and ensure good continuity of care for young people. However, there are some areas where inconsistencies in staff practice and differences of opinion means the needs of the young people are not always fully met.

p.9

Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is satisfactory. Young people's individual needs are generally met and specific support sought to help. The home enhances their experiences through helping them participate in group and team activities taking on new challenges where young people start to appreciate and respect one another's differences. This gives individuals a sense of self-worth and achievement raising esteem and emotional well-being. Food reflecting young people's cultural backgrounds is sometimes cooked. Staff always challenge discriminatory remarks or behaviours. This helps young people feel safe and equally valued.

p.9

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.10

Std. Action Due date

24 ensure that home is kept clean, reasonably decorated and maintained (Regulation 31 (2) (e)) 27/12/2010

p.10

Std. Action Due date

26 ensure that the children's home is kept free from offensive odours and makes suitable arrangements for the disposal of clinical waste (Regulation 31 (3)) 27/12/2010

p.10

Std. Action Due date

26 ensure that unnecessary risks to the health and safety of children accommodated in the home are identified and so far as possible eliminated with particular reference to the current building works being carried out (Regulation 23 (c)) 13/12/2010

p.10

Std. Action Due date

32 ensure that the visits in accordance with Regulation 33 are conducted by an employee or partner who is not directly concerned with the conduct of the home are forwarded to the manager to read and respond (Regulation 31 (2) (c)) 27/12/2010

p.10

Std. Action Due date

22 ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any measure of discipline used in the children's home that a written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose (Regulation 17 (4)) 27/12/2010

p.10

Std. Action Due date

17 notify in accordance with Regulation 30 of the instigation and outcome of any child protection enquires involving a child accommodated in the children's home (Regulation 16 (2) (c)) 13/12/2010

p.10

Std. Action Due date

2 revise placement plans to show on a day-to-day basis how each child will be cared for and how this will be promoted by all staff in the home (Regulation 12 (1) (a) (2)) 27/12/2010

p.10

Std. Action Due date

28 ensure that staff receive appropriate training and supervision to meet young people's needs. (Regulation 27 (4) (a)) 20/12/2010

p.10

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.11

Recommendations

 ensure the Registered Manager of the home exercises effective leadership of the home’s staff and operation, such that the home is organised, managed and staffed in a manner that delivers the best possible child care (National Minimum Standard 34.6).

p.11