Children's Home run by Evolution Children Services Limited in Newcastle upon Tyne

Unique reference number SC382595 Inspection date 17/12/2010 Inspector Leonard Hird Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 28/05/2010 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 children's home is a large, three-storey, double-fronted terraced property located in a quiet residential area of a major city. The home is registered to provide residential care services for up to five young people from 11 years old up to 17 years old. The main purpose of the home is to provide long-term care for young people and to help them prepare for independent living.

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

This unannounced interim inspection of the home assessed all of the key national minimum standards (NMS) for Children's Homes in the outcome area of staying safe. The home's policies, procedures and systems are being followed by staff to help the young people to live safely. Young people spoke well of their friendly but professional working relationships with staff and confirm they are encouraged by staff to take a full part in developing a safe lifestyle .The home is providing good levels of support to young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties in the area of staying safe.

p.4

Summary

As this was an interim inspection, it did not assess all of the key NMS. Consequently, there was not enough evidence to assess or amend the overall outcome judgement made at the previous key inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the home was asked to ensure that a complete record of medication administered to young people was kept. The home is now ensuring that all staff administering medications sign the administration of medication record at the time of delivery.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff support young people to live in a safe environment by following the home’s policies, procedures and guidance on safe living for young people. Effective systems are in place to ensure that all statutory health and safety checks and training occur within the appropriate timescales.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Before staff commence employment relevant vetting checks relating to working with young people are satisfactorily completed. All staff are formally interviewed and there is as a probationary period of employment to ensure they are suitable to work with young people. Personnel files are well managed and are easy to access at the home as well as at the company's head office.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Confidential information is maintained securely at the home and young people’s privacy is respected. Young people confirm they feel their privacy is well respected at the home. Young people can access various ground floor rooms to enable them to meet appropriately in private with friends, social workers or their family. All of the young people have easy access to either mobile or landline telephones to make and receive private calls.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All complaints are taken seriously, investigated and documented by the home. Young people are aware of the home's complaints policy and feel their concerns are promptly dealt with. There is an effective complaints policy and procedure available in the home as well as information about different independent youth support and advocacy organisations such as Child Line. Young people confirm that they can speak to any member of staff or the company if they have any concerns or anxieties about their life in the home.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has developed good links with placing authorities and staff receive regular training in child protection and safeguarding. Good systems are in place to report safeguarding concerns and staff are aware of these systems. Staff demonstrate a sound knowledge of how to address any safeguarding issues which might arise in the home.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff endeavour to create a friendly atmosphere at the home but will challenge any type of bullying, including physical, verbal or cyber bullying. The countering of bullying is promoted in the home in line with the company's policies and procedures. Staff acknowledge that young people do not always get on with each other, but confirm there is little bullying occurring.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good behaviour is promoted through the positive role modelling of staff, who support and encourage young people to behave in a socially acceptable way. Physical restraint is used only as a last resort by staff to manage behaviour considered to be a risk to the individual concerned or others. Staff receive regular training in the use of restraint and diffusion techniques. It is clear that when behavioural management measures are implemented, staff consider the age and understanding of the young person concerned and that these measures when implemented, are documented. If a young person absents themselves from the home without permission, staff are fully aware of the reporting and recording procedures they are to follow, including the updating of the young person's risk assessments.

p.5