Children's Home run by Stellakis Miltiadous in Haringey

Unique reference number SC039213 Inspection date 19/01/2011 Inspector Muhammed Harunur Rashid Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 17/08/2010 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 registered children's home provides services to six young people of either sex aged between 12 years and 17-years-old who have emotional or behavioural difficulties. The home comprises three storeys and is situated in an urban residential area within easy access to a local shopping centre and public transport.

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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 which looked at the outcome area of staying safe. It also looked at the progress the service has achieved with the previous actions and recommendations made at the last inspection dated 17 August 2010. Being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic well- being and organisation were not assessed in this inspection. No actions have been raised as a result of the inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The service was asked to ensure that staff record evacuation time from the premises when they carry out fire drills. The service has acted upon this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's home has a confidentiality policy. Young people are provided with single-bedroom accommodation and staff encourage them to hold bedroom keys. Information regarding young people and staff is kept in a locked cabinet. Staff are sensitive to gender issues when dealing with young people of the opposite sex.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An appropriate complaint policy and procedure is in place. Staff maintain a complaint log book and keep records of all complaints received from neighbours and young people. The Registered Manager investigates all complains within the appropriate timescale. Young people know what to do should they have a complaint and follow agreed procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A comprehensive safeguarding policy and procedure is in place which provides guidance for staff to protect young people. Staff have attended safeguarding training and have an awareness of safeguarding issues. The home has an anti-bullying policy. Staff have sound knowledge and skills to deal with bullying if it is suspected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a policy and procedure in place for dealing with unauthorised absence from care. The missing person log book examined showed that a number of young people have been absent without authority from the home. Staff take appropriate action when a young person is suspected of being missing from care. Staff record the date and time in the missing from care log book and contact the appropriate agencies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are provided with guidance and training to improve young people’s socially acceptable behaviour. Young people’s socially acceptable behaviour is appropriately rewarded. There are agreed measures by which to deal with unacceptable behaviour, such as the use of appropriate forms of sanctions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have attended health and safety training. They take appropriate steps to keep young people, visitors and themselves safe from the risk of fire and other hazards. Staff carry out regular fire alarm testing and fire drills. Staff record the evacuation time from the premises when they carry out the fire drills. Current gas and electrical test certificates are available for inspection. The risk assessment of the premises is updated. Restrictors are put on the widows of young people's bedrooms with consultation from the fire services. Staff complete weekly health and safety monitoring sheets. An electrical services company has issued a fire detection and alarm system commissioning certificates to the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a thorough recruitment policy and procedure in place to protect young people. The Registered Manager ensures that all necessary information is obtained prior to the appointment of staff. However, the home has not recruited any care staff since the last inspection.

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