Children's Home run by Aspris Children’s Services Limited in Herefordshire

Unique reference number SC402426 Inspection date 04/01/2011 Inspector Dawn Taylor Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 19/05/2010 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 service accommodates up to five young people of either gender from 11 years to 18 years of age. The majority of young people admitted to the home have significant care needs and behaviour problems in both the care and education setting. Most young people have a Statement of Special Educational Needs as a result of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and are deemed as ‘vulnerable’ by their children's services.

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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. This inspection focused on the key standards in staying safe. This home continues to be judged as good and the outcome judgement for staying safe is good. The Registered Manager provides clear leadership to the staff team, which ensures that the aims and objectives of the home are achieved. Young people are receiving care and support that addresses their changing needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There was one recommendation made at the last inspection to ensure the home is decorated and furnished to a standard that creates a pleasant domestic environment, appropriate to the number, gender mix, disability, age, culture and ethnic background of the young people being accommodated. At the time of this inspection this work was ongoing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The safety of young people is given priority. Staff promote an individual's growth and development whilst managing risks and keeping them safe. They reinforce positive behaviour and young people are encouraged and supported to behave in ways that promote respect for others. Discussions in key worker sessions and house meetings supports this process and helps young people learn skills that will sustain them in the community once they have achieved independence. Staff receive induction and a programme of training that supports them to develop the skills to promote confidentiality and privacy, resolve concerns and worries, address bullying issues and manage challenging behaviour. However, new staff members have joined this staff team from within the organisation without up-to-date training on the use and techniques of physical restraint.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people who are absent from the home without permission are reported correctly to the external agencies. Staff do their best to locate young people. Staff maintain open communication with the local police and clear records are maintained of all action taken to locate and find young people. Staff ensure that safe and well checks take place when young people return to the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's safety is promoted by an established health and safety policy, which ensures risks are identified and appropriate action is taken to manage and reduce them. Young people and staff are involved in fire drills and there are regular checks on all fire and electrical equipment to ensure it is in good working order. All staff are appropriately trained in health and safety matters including first aid and fire awareness. All young people are provided with personalised risk assessments. This means that staff are educating young people about potential problems and minimising risks related to their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff vetting was not inspected on this occasion but the last key inspection found that there were robust systems in place.

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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 all staff are aware of, trained in and follow in practice the registered person's policy on the use and techniques of physical restraint. (NMS 22.8)

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