Children's Home run by Capstone Care Provider Limited in Nottinghamshire

Unique reference number SC392712 Inspection date 11/01/2011 Inspector Joanne Vyas Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 28/07/2010 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 is situated on a main road close to the city centre. It provides care for up to three young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties aged between 15 and 18. Accommodation is arranged on three floors. There are three self-contained flats each containing a bed-sitting room, kitchenette and toilet and washing facilities. Office facilities, a communal sitting room and kitchen are situated on the ground floor. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property. Two young people are currently accommodated at the home. One young person was present during the inspection but did not participate.

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Summary

The overall quality rating is satisfactory.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This unannounced interim inspection focussed on the progress the service has made with the actions and recommendations made at the last inspection as well as reviewing all the key standards under the outcome area of staying safe. Actions and recommendations related to improvements to fire safety, medication, accommodation, the Statement of Purpose, meals, care planning, behaviour management, individual support to young people, records, policies and procedures. The outcome areas; being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic wellbeing and organisation were not looked at during this inspection.

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Summary

Substantial improvements have been made following the last inspection particularly to fire safety, care planning and risk assessment. However, minor weaknesses were still found in fire practices and the Statement of Purpose.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The manager has made substantial progress towards meeting the actions and recommendations made at the previous inspection. Medication systems have been improved which means that medication is now given as prescribed. Fire safety has substantially improved. Fire doors are now appropriate and well maintained. Fire drills are carried out regularly for all staff and young people as well as fire instruction which is provided for new admissions and staff. However, fire drills are not currently carried out at night. The home is being redecorated and some new carpets are being fitted. There is a good maintenance programme in place. Meals, as served, are mostly recorded in the young people's records. Although young people are given the opportunity to do the weekly food shopping with staff, they usually refuse. They do, however, have an input into the menus. New care plans and health plans have been introduced providing clear, accessible and up-to-date information about each young

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Improvements since the last inspection

person. Sanctions are now fair, reasonable and well recorded. New risk assessments have been introduced which are comprehensive. Young people are clearly provided with individual support and their records are kept secure and provide a clear record of their history and progress. Policies and procedures are currently being reviewed. Although the Statement of Purpose has been amended to reflect the aims and objectives of the home, it continues to be misleading and needs further amendment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected by the home's policies and procedures. Staff are competent in their knowledge of safeguarding young people and provide a safe and secure environment for them to live in. Staff ensure young people's privacy is respected and that all information is handled confidentially. Young people are provided with information about how to make complaints when they first arrive. There have been no complaints made by young people. A young person said via the manager that they didn't need to speak to the inspector as they are happy with everything. Complaints made by others have been responded to appropriately and swiftly. Staff follow the appropriate procedures when young people are absent without authority. Young people do not go missing for long periods of time and staff usually know where they are.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have all been trained in appropriate behaviour management techniques. They said they manage behaviour that challenges calmly, they never raise their voice and provide space for the young person to calm down. Sanctions are given appropriately and fairly. There have been no incidents of physical intervention since the last inspection. Young people are encouraged to develop socially acceptable behaviour and where behaviour is unacceptable, staff have a calm and professional response. There are clear rules and boundaries that young people are aware of as well as incentives for acceptable behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected by satisfactory recruitment procedures. Safety checks are completed and staff only commence employment when they have a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau disclosure and two satisfactory references.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has comprehensive risk assessments for all aspects of safety of the premises and grounds including fire and young people’s behaviour and activities. These assessments have taken into account the daily activities in and outside the home. All staff are given fire safety training during their induction and fire drills are carried out regularly. However, no fire drills have been carried out at night. Fire safety equipment is checked regularly and a detailed record kept. All visitors sign into the building and must show identification. Young people are protected by satisfactory health and safety procedures.

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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

1 ensure that the children's home is at all times conducted in a manner which is consistent with its Statement of Purpose (Regulation 4) 31/01/2011

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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):  ensure at least four fire drills, including fire drills held at night, take place in a 12 month period. (NMS 26.8)

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