Children's Home run by Pilgrims Corner Limited in Kent

Unique reference number SC390167 Inspection date 16/02/2011 Inspector Mark Blesky Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 23/11/2010 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 is a three bedded children's home in a location just outside a small seaside town. This home is built on two storeys and in 2009 underwent a major refurbishment. A garden is available and the home is close to bus services with a railway station nearby. Two young people are currently resident in the home.

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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 recommendation made at the last inspection in November 2010. These related to improvements to the fire safety and safeguarding procedures and also training for staff. Fire safety and referral of matters of safeguarding have been reviewed and comprehensive and effective procedures are now in place. Guidance has also been reviewed for all staff. Staff training is in place to ensure that staff are qualified in accordance with the National Minimum Standards.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection in November 2010, two requirements were made. The registered person was asked to improve the fire safety arrangements for the home and to ensure that notifications of safeguarding matters were made promptly to the local authority. Fire safety has now been reviewed and systems have been put into place to increase safeguarding related to fire safety and other known hazards.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendation was also made at the last inspection to train a minimum of 80% of staff to National Vocational Qualification in caring for children and young people level three or equivalent. Training has not yet reached the minimum standard, however current training schedules are on target to meet this aim. The registered person has taken appropriate steps to improve the quality of the home for young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home ensures that young people's privacy and confidentiality is respected. Staff act courteously and only enter bedrooms after they have been invited. Staff are aware of the need to show particular sensitivity at times of washing and dressing and staff are aware of the impact of mixed genders. All young people's information is kept privately and securely and no sensitive information regarding young people is discussed in public areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home maintains a formal complaints process and all young people are invited to make formal complaint or representation. Complaints are uncommon in this home and the acting manager stated that this is largely down to the effective relationships between staff and the young people. All staff undertake training and guidance regarding managing complaints and staff ensure that young people understand their rights to make representation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people’s welfare is supported by detailed and comprehensive safeguarding procedures. All staff undertake mandatory training in this area and the safeguarding co-ordinator oversees all matters of this nature. Procedures and guidance for all staff mirrors the principles of the local authority's safeguarding guidance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are protected from bullying and intimidation by staff that are aware of the signs and symptoms of this type of behaviour. Young people are risk assessed to consider any factors that may make them more likely to be bullied or indeed bully. Discussion of bullying and the relationships between young people is a regular feature of staff meetings and young people's meetings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When young people act in a less positive manner the staff will guide them towards behaviour that is more positive. All staff receive guidance and training regarding behaviour control. When negotiation and guidance from staff is not successful or when matters are more serious, staff may use a range of approved sanctions to modify behaviour. All sanctions are recorded and discussed with the young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home maintains effective health and safety and fire safety procedures to reduce risk and maintain the home in a satisfactory manner. All young people are subject to individual risk assessment based on historic and current behaviours. The home employs a fire safety consultant to ensure all equipment is in good order and prompt action is taken to resolve any area of maintenance identified. Fire evacuation drills are routinely held and specific drills are scheduled when a new member of staff or young person arrive at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All staff are recruited through an established recruitment panel and all statutory checks and references are gathered prior to any staff member working in the home. All visitors to the home are monitored and all visitors must identify themselves before entering the home and must sign in and out of the building. No visitor is permitted to have unsupervised access to the young person or to the home.

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