Children's Home run by Island Choices Ltd in Isle of Wight

Unique reference number SC399866 Inspection date 21/12/2010 Inspector David Coulter Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 20/07/2010 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

Island Choices Ltd is a children's home registered for up to four young people, including those with learning difficulties. The home is situated in a coastal location on the Isle of Wight. The home is within walking distance of a range of amenities including shops, sports and leisure facilities. The aim of the service is to provide individualised care, within a homely environment. During their placements young people are helped to develop a range of social and life skills. All young people are provided with their own rooms and can access a number of communal areas. The home has a secure garden at the rear of the property.

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Summary

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

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Summary

The aim of this unannounced random inspection was to assess how the standards and outcomes relating to staying safe were being met.

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Summary

The inspection took place on a busy afternoon during the week leading up to Christmas. While one young person was met and spoken with, the other was out visiting friends in the local community. During the course of the inspection it was possible to meet a number of staff and examine a range of records and documents relating to staying safe.

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Summary

It is evident that the vulnerabilities of residents have been identified by staff and strategies developed to keep them safe. The needs of each individual are monitored on an on-going basis and risk assessments updated in response to changing circumstances. Staff provide young people with clear and consistent boundaries. The current residents respond positively to this approach and are making significant progress in many aspects of their lives. Since the last inspection staff, including those recently appointed, have completed a training programme on safeguarding. All staff are aware of their individual responsibilities in regard to reporting child protection concerns. Evidence indicates that the staff team are continuing to provide high quality care for vulnerable young people.

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Summary

No actions or recommendations were identified during the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations arising from the last inspection report.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home operates within a risk management framework and risk assessments are used to ensure that young people reside in a safe and secure environment. The home's fire alarm system is tested regularly and evacuation exercises carried out. Access to the building is restricted and all visitors have to report to staff on admission, produce identity and sign in.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is currently accommodating vulnerable young people who can, through their actions, put themselves at risk both within the home and the local community. Staff have identified areas of potential concern relating to each individual and have developed policies, procedures and working practices to address them. Appropriate staffing levels, close supervision and behaviour management plans are used to minimise any friction between residents. Staff reported that though the current residents have very different needs and interests, they peacefully co-exist. Staff receive regular training on child protection issues and are aware of their individual responsibilities in reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

On admission each young person is made aware of the potential risks they could face if they leave the home without the knowledge or permission of staff and the obligations on staff to report them missing. Staff have developed pen pictures and physical descriptions of each young person that can be relayed to police in the event of them absconding. Although the home does not experience many serious events, one recent incident, when a young person was experiencing mental health difficulties, required police intervention. Staff are to be commended on the support they offered the young person and the way in which they liaised with key agencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a clear acknowledgement on the part of staff that young people need to acquire the knowledge and skills to risk assess situations themselves. Rather than avoid areas of potential risk, young people are provided with support and guidance in order to assess them. Young people are encouraged to think through the possible consequences of their actions. This approach has proved very successful and a number of the current residents have acquired the self-confidence and skills to travel independently using public transport. Staff maintain phone contact with young people if they are engaged in activities away from the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

While the home operates as a communal unit, young people are treated as individual's with their own specific physical, social and emotional needs. Staff operate a key-worker system to ensure the specific needs of each young person are clearly identified and continually monitored. Young people are accommodated in their own rooms that have been decorated and furnished to meet their specific needs. Both staff and young people respect each other's personal space. Confidential information relating to each young person is kept in a secure facility and all personal issues discussed in private. Young people are afforded privacy when making and receiving personal phone calls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through communal living and the development of social and life skills, young people are encouraged to develop socially acceptable behaviour both in the home and in the wider community. Young people have behaviour management plans that provide clear guidance for staff on how each individual's behaviour can be managed. Staff reinforce positive behaviour by both praise and rewards, such as an increase in privileges. There is an expectation that young people will assess their own behaviour. Sanctions are used sparingly and normally consist of a withdrawal of privileges. The home has a non-physical intervention policy and staff use diversionary techniques if faced with challenging behaviour. One-to-one sessions provide staff with opportunities to discuss issues or concerns relating to behaviour. The young person spoken with confirmed that his views are regularly sought about all aspects of his life within the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Since the last inspection a staff bank has been created. The new staff have been recruited via a well established recruitment process. This process requires all prospective staff to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau check, provide references and undertake an interview. New employees have to successfully complete a detailed induction programme before assuming their full responsibilities.

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