Children's Home run by Derbyshire County Council in Derbyshire

Unique reference number SC035976 Inspection date 06/01/2011 Inspector Mark Ryder 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

This children's home is registered to a local authority and is located in an urban area. The home can accommodate up to four boys or girls aged between 10 and 17 years with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The home provides medium- to long-term care.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a large detached bungalow set back off a street with other residential properties. The young people have single bedrooms with bathrooms located nearby. There is a large lounge and kitchen with a dining area. A sun lounge provides a computer room for young people. There is a garden and car parking at the front of the property. The home is close to local shops and leisure facilities and there is access to public transport.

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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 looked at the progress the setting has made with the requirements and recommendations made at the last inspection on the 28/07/2010 as well as all key standards under the staying safe outcome. These included concerns regarding the safety and welfare of young people, inadequate reporting and recording practice and inconsistent health care planning. However, there has been significant improvements in all aspects of this home which, as a consequence, has developed the service to a satisfactory level that meets the needs of young people well.

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Summary

One good practice recommendation has been made with regards to the out-of-date electrical installation certificate which could compromise the overall safety of young people living in this home.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were 8 actions and 6 recommendations made at the last inspection. The staff and management of this home have addressed and met all of these previously identified shortfalls.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The Registered Manager was asked to provide to Ofsted a summary of complaints over the last 12 months as well as a development plan of the service. Both reports have been received. Complaints are regularly monitored to identify any patterns or traits which cause concern. Plans provide information to all stakeholders, the young people, with a clear overview of what the expectations will be on the future development of this home. Safeguarding concerns were identified at the last inspection. The provision has made considerable changes to the records to reflect that young people are now safeguarded and that staff follow the correct child protection procedures in the event of an allegation or identified concern. This means that young people's welfare is of paramount consideration in such incidences.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Records that refer to young people missing or absent were of a concern at the last inspection. However, changes to the reporting format provide clear records indicating that young people are, as far as possible, suitably safeguarded.

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Improvements since the last inspection

An area of improvement was identified with relation to evidencing that all staff have received suitable checks for employment to this home. The Registered Manager has recorded, under a monitoring report, that all staff have been vetted and checked before they work with the young people. This means that young people are cared for by staff who are considered safe to work at this home.

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Improvements since the last inspection

An area of concern was raised at the last inspection with regards to bedroom facilities for young people as well as concerns around privacy which could not be maintained due to a broken bedroom door lock. This has now been repaired and sleeping accommodation is equipped with furniture and storage facilities that meets the needs of young people. This ensures young people have the necessary privacy and a sense of belonging.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Supervisions were identified as not being consistent during the last inspection. However, staff now receive regular formal support and guidance to help them effectively care for young people. Young people, therefore, benefit from a staff team that is well managed and supported.

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Improvements since the last inspection

With regards to health care planning this is much improved since the last visit. Administration of medication procedures are also safely managed. This ensures that young people's health concerns are suitably addressed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Fire safety checks now comply with the settings own procedures and ensure a consistent approach to this aspect of the service. Young people, staff and visitors to the home are therefore protected.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Care plans have been amended to reflect the individual needs of young people. This includes religion or spiritual needs that young people may have. This ensures that young people can live in a home in which their views, backgrounds and experiences are respected.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Staff now understand and are aware of procedures in which emergency reviews can be arranged. This ensures any concerns or views with regards to the safety and wellbeing of young people whilst on contact are discussed and appropriately assessed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home provides a satisfactory service to young people in safeguarding and protecting their welfare. Complaints are addressed without delay and reports include the nature of the concern and the action taken. Young people are aware of the complaints procedure and are able to use the system effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are aware of and are able to identify bullying within the home. Young people are provided with sufficient information to understand the impact of bullying and who to contact if they are concerned. Risk assessment of young people's vulnerability is recorded and regularly reviewed. Staff are, therefore, able to anticipate any potential bullying and respond accordingly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a positive culture within the home that challenges threatening and aggressive behaviour. Staff are trained in diffusing such behaviours and have the necessary skills to deal with young people in a manner consistent with good child care. The use of sanctions are proportionate and fair. Behaviour management records are regularly monitored. This ensures that staff work within the organisation's own guidance and procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Health and safety checks within the home are much improved since the last inspection. However, the hard wiring certificate is out of date. This means that electrical installations have not been appropriately checked within nationally agreed timescales. This potentially puts all who live, work and visit this home at risk of harm. Recruitment procedures for staff are sound.

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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 electrical installations are checked at least every 3 years. (NMS 26.4)

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