Children's Home run by Reflexion Care Group Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC366090 Inspection date 01/02/2011 Inspector Dawn Taylor Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 13/07/2010 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 accommodate two young people, of the same gender, with an age range from 12 to eighteen years.

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Brief description of the service

The home is rurally situated in a small village but is within easy commuting distance of a large town. This detached home is set in its own enclosed garden.

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Summary

The overall quality rating is outstanding.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This inspection was an interim visit. The inspection focused on the arrangements for keeping young people safe.

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Summary

The overall quality rating for this setting is outstanding, with an outstanding outcome judgement for staying safe. This company has established policies and procedures, which are underpinned by a comprehensive framework of staff training. This ensures high quality practice, which is robust and sustained. This service is consistently achieving outstanding outcomes for young people. Young people live in a home that proactively and effectively safeguards and protects their welfare. Staff have a professional focus on matters relating to young peoples' protection and the manager provides strong leadership that consistently promotes an environment where safety is important.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations made in the last inspection report. The home continues to monitor and improve the quality of care provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The continuing promotion of young people's safety and well-being is outstanding and paramount to the staff team. There are clear policies, procedures and staff guidance on promoting safeguarding and privacy, managing challenging behaviour, preventing absence without permission and addressing concerns and incidents of bullying. They are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect developing practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

These policies and an established programme of training underpins strong working practices that ensure staff have the skills to keep young people safe. The company has made a commitment to ensure all their Registered Managers and seniors complete local authority training for designated safeguarding officers. This is in addition to child protection training that all staff receive as part of their induction and on-going training. The company's training department also continues to be proactive in coordinating staff training with the local authority for all independent sector children's services.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff continue to be proactive at supporting young people to develop strategies for improving behaviour, coping with difficult situations and keeping safe. Staff are well equipped to help young people through difficult emotional times because they receive comprehensive mandatory training that includes transactional analysis, attachment disorder and cognitive behavioural therapy as well as de-escalation and physical intervention training. Young people and staff are further supported by a team of therapists, employed by the company, who have a therapeutic base but will also visit young people in their home and who attend all staff meetings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective behavioural management ensures that the use of physical interventions and sanctions are consistently low. The staff team focus on discussions and creating a safe environment where mistakes can be made and learnt from. They promote positive experiences and celebrate success. They are effective at listening to young peoples worries and concerns and advocate on their behalf.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's physical safety is safeguarded through effective health and safety policies. Detailed assessments of risk ensure dangers are identified and actions are put in place to reduce risk. Staff are well informed of each individual's needs through risk assessments and a placement plan. These ensure there are effective strategies that support young people to progress and learn new skills whilst ensuring their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Records relating to staff recruitment and selection were checked at the company's headquarters during the key inspection. The company's recruitment and selection process is robust and the procedure undertakes checks over and above those required in the children's homes regulations.

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