Children's Home run by Doncaster Children‟s Services Trust Limited in Doncaster

Unique reference number SC032167 Inspection date 10/01/2011 Inspector Nicola McEvinney Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 17/05/2010 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 home provides up to 10 short break placements for children and young people who have physical and/or learning disabilities aged from six to 17 years of age. The accommodation consists of 10 single bedrooms and communal areas for eating, playing and relaxing. The home is in a residential area, approximately five miles from the town centre, and is close to public transport and schools. There are waking night staff on duty. The home owns their own mini-bus and there are appropriate beds suitable for the children and young people who use this service. Hoists are fitted in bathrooms.

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Summary

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

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Summary

The purpose of this unannounced interim inspection was to check on the progress made on the recommendations raised at the last inspection and to ensure children and young people are kept safe.

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Summary

The home continues to provide an invaluable service to a number of families in the city. This is a well established staff team who have a common ethos in providing a stable and nurturing environment for the children and young people.

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Summary

There were no requirements or recommendations made at this inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The home has addressed the recommendations made at the last inspection. Health care plans are incorporated into the care plan identifying the health needs of each individual, giving guidance on how these needs are to be met in the home. Behaviour management plans are in place to ensure a consistent approach in managing children and young people's behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are vigilant in ensuring children and young people's dignity is preserved. There is a intimate care policy in place and staff endeavour to have same sex carers deliver personal care; rotas are planned to ensure male carers deliver this care to the older male residents. Files are kept securely to ensure confidentiality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

One complaint has been received from a parent; this was dealt with sensitively to the satisfaction of the complainant. The home has received numerous thank-you cards from parents, appreciating the care their children have received whilst staying at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are no safeguarding concerns at this time. All staff have received basic safeguarding training and the senior team have attended an advanced course; it is planned that all staff will receive this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

None of the children and young people present any bullying behaviours; this is a settled group of children and young people and there is careful matching to ensure compatibility.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Whilst in the home, none of the children or young people try and leave the building unsupervised. However, there is detailed guidance for staff on what action to take in the event of a child or young person going missing whilst on an outing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have a clear ethos of promoting good behaviour by rewarding the children and young people when they are behaving well. As a result of this children and young people are not sanctioned. The home is very settled and the staff team work closely with the children and adolescent mental health service to seek guidance on behavioural issues. Behaviour management plans are in place to ensure a consistent approach to managing the children and young people. One restraint has been recorded since the last inspection; this was appropriate and the young person's views were sought following the incident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk assessments are in place for each child or young person identifying the risk with strategies in place to minimise this risk. The generic risk assessments are currently being reviewed to ensure that they continue to be relevant and effective. Fire records are in good order; fire drills are held regularly including at night to ensure night staff know what action to take in the event of a fire occurring at this time. The home ensures all staff, children and young people participate in a fire drill ensuring all know what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are vigilant in ensuring only authorised personnel have access to the home.

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