Children's Home run by Isle of Wight Council in Isle of Wight

Unique reference number SC395944 Inspection date 22/02/2011 Inspector David Coulter Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 17/08/2010 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 children's home is a purpose-built respite facility located in a semi-rural area close to a town. It is owned and operated by the local council. It is accessible to many of the town's facilities and major transport links.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The accommodation is specifically designed to meet the needs of young people with multiple disabilities; it is equipped with appropriate lifting equipment including overhead hoists. All young people are provided with their own rooms. The home is on one level and has a safe enclosed garden accessible to the young people.

p.4

Brief description of the service

It is registered to take up to six young people with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities between the ages of five and 17 years.

p.4

Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

This unannounced random inspection took place on a busy week day during the half- term holidays. The inspection focused on how the home is meeting key national standards in relation to staying safe. During the course of the inspection it was possible to meet with the manager and one parent. A full tour of the home was undertaken and a range of records and documents examined. A number of young people were observed enjoying themselves in the company of staff.

p.4

Summary

The home continues to develop the services it offers. Recent developments have included the appointment of a new member of staff to undertake outreach work with the families of young people who are accessing, or about to access, respite stays at the home. The home has also extended its residential provision to provide longer term care for two young people. Staff are also supporting more young people by providing regular 'tea time' visits. Staff are to be commended on their ability to successfully develop these services while meeting the needs of an extremely vulnerable group of young people with complex needs.

p.4

Summary

There are no actions or recommendations arising from this inspection.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations arising from the last inspection.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff operate a child centred approach to care in which each young person is treated as an individual with their own specific care needs. One-to-one working allows staff to respond effectively to the young people in their care. The privacy of each young person is given a high priority and each individual is assigned their own room for the duration of their stay. Each young person's room is prepared for them prior to their visit and specialist equipment introduced if required. Due to their vulnerability, staff carry out visual checks at regular intervals throughout the night. Non-intrusive systems ensure that young people's sleep will not be disturbed. Staff treat young people with dignity and respect and issues, such as personal care, are dealt with sensitively. Confidential information relating to each young person is kept in an appropriate locked facility.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has a well developed child protection policy and there are clear guidelines for staff on the reporting of any concerns to the area safeguarding team. All staff undertake child protection training during their initial induction and receive regular updates. Staff are clearly aware of their personal responsibilities in regard to reporting any protection worries or concerns and body maps are used to record any unexplained bruises or marks observed on a young person's body. The vigilance and accurate recording of concerns by staff has, in the recent past, prompted investigations by the local safeguarding team.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An excellent range of policies, procedures and working practices keep young people safe in both the home and local community. Staff operate within a risk management framework that subjects the service and its working practices to regular health and safety checks. Equipment and facilities within the home are well maintained. During their visits young people are provided with opportunities to increase their independence. The home has a range of special play equipment for young people who experience mobility difficulties. Since the last inspection a new purpose-built adventure playground has been installed in the rear garden. This will provide opportunities for young people to undertake a range of challenging activities within a controlled environment. There are effective monitoring systems to minimise the risk of fire and all staff are conversant with evacuation procedures. The home is appropriately secure and entry can only be gained via the main entrance. All visitors

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

have to report to staff on admission, produce identification and sign in. Risk assessments are developed in respect of each young person and updated in response to changing circumstances. Due to their vulnerability, none of the current residents are safe to leave the home unaccompanied. Staff carry key information on each young person when undertaking activities in the local community. This information can be relayed to police in the unlikely event of them going missing.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Behaviour management plans are developed in respect of each young person and provide clear and concise guidance for staff. Staff respond positively to acceptable behaviour, however, they are fully aware that many of the young people have limited control over their behaviour and experience involuntary actions that can unintentionally impact on others. Staff assist young people in understanding the link between their and actions and possible consequences. Staff deploy a range of diversionary techniques and periods of 'time out' to manage challenging behaviour. Physical interventions are only ever used if it felt a young person is putting themselves or others at risk. There is a good system for recording physical interventions and other significant incidents. Each incident and its antecedence are examined in an effort to prevent a reoccurrence.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

As many of the young people undertaking respite visits experience communication difficulties, staff deploy a range of techniques, including sign language and pictorial cards, to seek out their views. Staff are pro-active in addressing any worries before they develop into major concerns. Young people are introduced to the home slowly and complete a series of 'tea visits', to familiarise themselves with both staff and the environment, before undertaking any overnight stays. The home has a written complaints policy and all young people, their parents and placing social workers are made aware of it on admission. The service keeps a record of all comments received from parents. No complaints have been made since the last inspection and correspondence examined indicated there is a high level of satisfaction with the service. Positive comments were made in regard to the quality of care being provided and the dedication and professionalism of staff.

p.6

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Arrangements for the recruitment and training of staff are good. The service, being a local authority facility, adheres to a rigorous recruitment procedure that requires applicants to complete a detailed application, submit to a Criminal Record Bureau check and provide two written references. All new staff have to complete a detailed induction programme and successfully complete a six monthly probationary period before becoming permanent staff. New staff work alongside experienced staff until they are deemed competent. The home currently operates with a very experienced and well qualified group of permanent staff who are supported by a number of bank staff. Although staffing levels are appropriate, it is evident that the recent introduction of two longer-term residents is making additional demands on the permanent staff. The introduction of additional permanent staff would greatly assist members of the existing team achieve greater consistency in the delivery of their

p.6