Children's Home run by Lodge Group Care UK Limited in Redbridge

Unique reference number SC064182 Inspection date 21/01/2011 Inspector Sharon Lewis Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 01/06/2010 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 home was initially registered on 19 January 2006. The home currently provides accommodation and care to young people of both genders aged between 12 and 18- years-old with learning disabilities. This includes providing a service for young people on the autistic spectrum. The home is registered for up to a maximum of six young people.

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Brief description of the service

The home is spread across two floors, with young people’s bedrooms located on the first floor. The bedrooms are well furnished and individually decorated. Young people have access to two lounges, a sensory room, a timeout room and an activity room. There is a garden with a patio area and a large trampoline. The home is situated within walking distance of local shops and is served well by transport networks.

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Brief description of the service

At the time of this inspection, two young people were residing at the home break. They both communicated non-verbally that they were happy at the home.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This interim unannounced inspection focused on the staying safe outcome area. It also examined the progress the setting has made with the action and recommendation from the last inspection. The home demonstrates a continual commitment to improving the outcomes for young people. Young people continue to benefit from a good service. Young people receive care which focuses on maximising their potential. The high staffing ratio ensures young people have individualised attention. Young people are very comfortable in their surroundings and have a good relationship with staff.

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Summary

The only shortfall related to one young person not having a written risk assessment. Staff, however, were aware of the risks related to this young person's needs and behaviour.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the home was required to address one action. This related to the need for an electrical installation inspection. The manager promptly responded and immediately arranged an appointment. This ensures that young people are not subject to any unnecessary electrical risks. Young people reside in a safe environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The home was also asked to consider one recommendation, to further improve practice. This related to ensuring staff receive further specialist autism training. Staff are currently undertaking a series of training with a nationally recognised organisation for autism. There are also plans to extend their expertise through the accreditation process. Young people benefit from an increase in the staff team's skills and knowledge. This contributes to better outcomes for young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people reside in an environment with promotes their safety and well-being. Staff confidentially manage and securely store personal information. Staff succeed in building strong working relationships with young people. There is a good understanding of young people's needs. Staff support young people in a dignified and respectful manner. Care practices focus on fulfilling the potential of each young person.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures are available to enable young people or their representatives to complain about the service. There have been no complaints for several years. The organisation, however, is not complacent and periodically seek feedback from relatives. This provides an opportunity for parents to highlight their satisfaction and any areas requiring improvement. Feedback is generally very complimentary. The service positively responds to constructive criticism. This contributes to the cycle of improvement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home recognises the importance of safeguarding young people. Staff receive regular updates from the Local Safeguarding Children Board. This ensures staff are aware of current developments and good practice. This complements the refresher training staff receive every year and during their initial induction. The high staffing ratio ensures young people receive individualised attention and effective monitoring. This contributes to there being no problems with bullying or young people going missing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people greatly benefit from the nurturing support they receive from staff. Young people adapt well to the consistent boundaries. Young people learn to develop their social skills through a system of praise, encouragement and reward. Staff communicate their expectations regarding a young person's behaviour. This helps to teach young people self-responsibility. Staff do not need to sanction young people and rarely restrain them. Young people continue to respond well to the home's reward system. Young people enjoy receiving additional monies for their personal achievements. The home provides a safe and secure environment for young people. Specialist engineers confirm the safety of the fire equipment, gas and electricity supplies. Young people promptly evacuate the premises during fire drills. Staff frequently test the fire alarm and emergency lighting. Young people receive protection due to the good food hygiene practices in place. There is generally a good risk management

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

system. Documents highlight the hazards throughout the building and for individual young people. The exception is one young person who did not have a written risk assessment. Staff, however, were able to articulate the variety of risks associated with this young person.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff recruitment meets the necessary regulatory requirements. Young people receive care from suitable staff with relevant care experience. Young people benefit from good continuity of care. Young people receive support from a relatively stable staff team. In the event of an emergency, bank staff cover specific shifts. Young people receive protection due to the home's stringent monitoring of visitors. Staffing levels ensure that visitors do not have unsupervised access to young people. Staff also maintain a visitors book.

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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.

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Std. Action Due date

26 ensure that unnecessary risks to the health and safety of children are identified and as far as possible eliminated. This relates to producing a written risk assessment for each young person. (Regulation 23 (c)) 01/03/2011

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