Children's Home run by North East Lincolnshire Council in North East Lincolnshire

Unique reference number SC033127 Inspection date 17/01/2011 Inspector Sarah Urding Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 17/11/2010 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

This home is part of the children's disability service offering care for children aged between five and 17 years with learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

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Brief description of the service

The property is purpose built, all on one level and provides accommodation for seven children receiving respite services. Longer-term care can be offered to three young people within an attached bungalow, which is self-contained.

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Brief description of the service

The home is well equipped, offering very good facilities for young people. Externally there are three separate and well-equipped play areas.

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Brief description of the service

The home is situated near a town centre and public transport is accessible.

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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 was an unannounced interim inspection to assess how well children are safeguarded. All of the key standards within staying safe were looked at. None of the other outcomes were inspected on this occasion.

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Summary

The home safeguards children exceptionally well because children are empowered to make safe choices; staff are knowledgeable and proactive; and responsive monitoring systems are in place. There is a minor shortfall in relation to recording the risk of bullying.

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Improvements since the last inspection

No actions or recommendations were made at the last key inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The strength of the relationships between children and staff and the very detailed information held about children ensures safe practice within the home. Children and young people's complex needs are well understood and met by staff which promotes their wellbeing. Personal care is sensitively practiced and staff show respect for children's personal space and their need for privacy. This promotes both dignity and independence skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people are safeguarded because staff are well trained, knowledgeable and there are highly effective monitoring systems in place. Of note, is the manner in which senior managers record and monitor a range of safeguarding issues. This ensures staff vigilance and prevents issues from being overlooked or missed. All safeguarding issues are appropriately managed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff manage challenging behaviour safely and in a way that enables children to learn acceptable behaviours. The number of incidents occurring in the home has reduced and responses to unacceptable behaviour are measured and appropriate. Staff implement clear behaviour management plans and this promotes consistently safe practice. Staff are outward looking and seek advice from other professionals readily. This enhances the care provided and some positive changes to harmful behaviours have been made.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are proactive and responsive. Direct work undertaken with children is communicated effectively and in a format that children with different communication needs can understand. This enhances learning and encourages children to make a positive contribution. For example, bullying issues are addressed promptly and discussed openly with children on an individual basis and in groups. An excellent piece of work has also been undertaken with children about fire prevention which included a visit from the fire brigade. This results in a safer environment for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A new programme of activities and the very good attention to the mix of children receiving respite services at a given time has enhanced relationships and increased the opportunity for staff to spend more quality time with children. Staff use this time to seek children's views and as a result children have a voice. This contributes to an effective and accessible complaints process. There is a low incidence of unauthorised absence in the home because of the high levels of staffing and the positive manner in which staff engage children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children and young people live and stay in a safe environment because staff are safely recruited and visitors to the home are effectively monitored. Health and safety is managed exceptionally well. A recommendation is made to further improve practice in relation to reviewing the bullying risk assessment. This presently does not assess the times, places and circumstances where the risk of bullying is greatest.

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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 that the risk assessment relating to bullying records the times, places and circumstances in which the risk of bullying is greatest. (NMS 18.5)

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