Children's Home run by My Choice Children’s Homes Limited in West Sussex

Unique reference number SC364812 Inspection date 13/01/2011 Inspector Paul Taylor Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 29/06/2010 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Brief description of the service

This home is a three bedroom detached property in a residential area. The ground floor consists of an entrance foyer, a furnished lounge and a conservatory, which is the staff office. There is also a kitchen, dining room, shower and toilet on the ground floor. The first floor consists of two bedrooms and a shower/bathroom and toilet. The third bedroom is used by staff as a sleeping-in room.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The home offers accommodation for up to two young people between the ages of eight and 18.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection following up the areas for improvement identified at the last inspection and assessing the Staying Safe outcome area.

p.4

Summary

The home continues to provide a good standard of care to the young people living there. Systems to promote young people's well-being and safety are thorough and carefully monitored. Individual behaviour support programmes are detailed and carefully and sensitively delivered.

p.4

Summary

One action was made as a result of this inspection. This was in relation to the requirement for the acting manager to apply to Ofsted to become the Registered Manager. One recommendation was made in relation to training at least 80% of the staff team to National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in the Caring for Children and Young People or an equivalent qualification.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were made. The organisation which runs the home offers all members of staff training in the National Vocational Qualification award at level 3 in the Caring for Children and Young People. The ratio of staff that have this qualification has not yet reached 80% and the recommendation remains.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made that all members of staff receive training in the method of physical intervention used in the home. This has been achieved.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The young people's right to privacy is valued. Members of staff always knock before entering rooms and discuss personal issues with the young people in private. The staff work sensitively with young people if they need assistance and support with issues such as personal hygiene and self care. All confidential information is stored securely.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Complaints are taken seriously and are quickly and effectively dealt with. Excellent records show how each complaint has been investigated and resolved. Young people are confident to express their opinions and clearly know to whom they can complain.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All members of staff receive child protection training and are up to date with child protection procedures. Additionally they have access to local safeguarding procedures. They are clear as to their obligations in the event that they have concerns about a young person's well-being. Detailed records are maintained on any child protection concerns and how they have been resolved. The home's approach with regards to ensuring that any child protection matters are addressed and young people's safety promoted, is rigorous and involves close liaison with all agencies.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home makes it very clear to all young people that bullying is not tolerated. The staff team are very aware of any dynamics which may cause conflict and offer excellent levels of support to assist the young people in resolving these issues.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Individual protocols are in place for each young person should they go missing. These take into account each young person's vulnerability which has been identified in regularly reviewed risk assessments. The home follows the locally agreed protocol in relation to young people missing from care. Excellent records are maintained which show that the young people receive high levels of support when they have been missing.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Detailed individual behaviour management plans are in place which identify what strategies need to be used to support the young people at times of challenging behaviour and how to encourage and reward them for positive behaviour. The plans are regularly reviewed and updated by key workers and managers.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Sanctions are recorded, checked and endorsed by a senior manager. All members of staff receive training in the method of restraint used in the home. Records of incidents where physical intervention has been used are excellent. Risk assessments are made with regards to the premises and activities in which the young people partake. They are regularly reviewed and updated. The approach to risk management means that young people are able to take part in activities and outings with the support they need. Fire drills occur regularly and all fire safety equipment is checked and serviced when required.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are robust vetting procedures in place to ensure that all the required checks are carried out when a new member of staff is recruited. The staff files are very well maintained, with evidence of the checks clearly documented. Young people have the opportunity to meet with prospective members of staff and are able to provide feedback to senior managers as part of the organisation's recruitment process.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The systems in place and staff commitment to providing the young people with a safe and caring environment, ensures that their safety and well-being is promoted to an excellent standard.

p.6

Organisation

A new manager for the home has been appointed since the last inspection. She has not yet applied to Ofsted to become the Registered Manager.

p.6

Organisation

Members of staff feel well supported by their manager and records show that planned formal supervision is achieved on a regular basis. The training plan is varied and offers all members of staff regular opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge. There is a rolling programme to ensure that all members of staff obtain the National Vocational Qualification award at level 3 in the Caring for Children and Young People. The home has not yet achieved a ratio of 80% of staff who have this qualification.

p.6

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.

p.7

Std. Action Due date

34 ensure that the acting manager applies to Ofsted to become the Registered Manager. (Care Standards Act section 11 (1)) 29/04/2011

p.7

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.7

Recommendations

 ensure that 80% of all care staff complete the National Vocational Qualification award at Level 3 in the Caring for Children and Young People. (NMS 29.5)

p.7