Children's Home run by 2nd Nurture Limited in St Helens

Unique reference number SC413223 Inspection date 21/02/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Malcolm Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 12/10/2010 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 registered to accommodate one child or young person of either gender, aged from eight to 17 years. It is a detached property, located in a residential area. On the ground floor, there is a self-contained kitchen, lounge, toilet and conservatory, which leads to an enclosed garden. On the first floor, there are three bedrooms, including staff sleeping in accommodation, offices, bathroom and toilet. The house also accommodates an integrated garage that young people can use.

p.4

Brief description of the service

The home is close to a range of local amenities and good public transport routes.

p.4

Summary

The overall quality rating is satisfactory.

p.4

Summary

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

p.4

Summary

This is the first inspection of the home since it was registered in October 2010. The provider was given short notice on the day of the inspection.

p.4

Summary

The home is currently not providing accommodation to children and young people. Our inspection methodology relies on evidence found at the time of inspection and this essentially includes children and young people's views about the service. As this evidence is not available when there are no children and young people present we have completed a proportionate inspection; the purpose of which is to decide that should an admission be made the service would be able to work to a satisfactory standard.

p.4

Summary

The outcome of this visit strongly confirms that the home has the capacity to accommodate children. The home will accept its first placement within the next few days.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection of the service.

p.4

Helping children to be healthy

The home provides a healthy environment. Arrangements to identify health needs, provide appropriate health services and promote young people's health are good. Young people will be integrated into the shopping routines and can help with the preparation of home cooked meals and baking. The home has processes to ensure that information is obtained to ensure that young people's individual health needs can be met. The home has developed a good relationship with the looked after children's nurse and developed other links with health professionals who provide training and support to the staff team. Staff plan to encourage young people to participate in regular activities that promote their fitness and overall well-being.

p.4

Helping children to be healthy

The homes policies and procedures for administering medication and providing treatment ensure young people's safety. There are appropriate systems in place for the secure storage, administration and monitoring of prescribed, non prescribed and controlled medication. All staff are trained in the administration of medication and first aid.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are suitable arrangements that promote young people's safety and welfare. These are supported by good policies and procedures, staff training and development opportunities.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Policies and procedures in place support young people's dignity and confidentiality. Young people do not share rooms and it is deemed as their private space. All confidential information about young people is securely stored and shared. This includes information in the visitor’s book. Staff take responsibility to sign in visitors and keep the visitors book in a secure place. This ensures that it cannot be inappropriately viewed by unauthorised people. Young people have access to a telephone where they can make calls in private. These systems promote respect for people's privacy and confidentiality.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are provided with the complaints procedure. Staff are able to explain the details in relation to young person's age and understanding. Provision is made for people who wish to make external complaints and compliments.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are safeguarded by clear policies and procedures. These are ratified by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and are accessible in the home. All staff are trained in safeguarding young people and know how to respond to young people regarding allegations, suspicions or known abuse. Staff are knowledgeable and alert to bullying behaviour and protecting young people who go missing without authority so that they are adequately protected. Staffing levels ensure that young people are monitored. These measures promote young people's safety and welfare.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people will be encouraged to develop socially acceptable behaviour. Clear policies and procedures promote this practice. They help staff to understand their role and responsibilities in this area and develop consistent boundaries. Systems in place encourage and promote positive behaviours. Talking to young people and keeping them occupied is the preferred option to engage with them and develop positive relationships. As a last resort, systems are in place should physical intervention or sanctions need to be imposed.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate health and safety arrangements ensure that young people live in a safe environment. Sound systems ensure regular checks on the fire prevention system. Risk assessments for the environment are in place. Identified risks that young people present are developed, implemented and followed when they move into the home. The arrangements for appointing staff are sound. They ensure that young people do not have contact with adults who are unsuitable to care for them.

p.6

Organisation

The Statement of Purpose accurately describes the services that children and young people can expect to receive at the home. The children's guide is colourful, child friendly and can be personalised.

p.6

Organisation

The promotion of equality and diversity is satisfactory. Policies and procedures underpin the homes strong values in this area and ensures that young people are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

p.6

Organisation

This is a newly developed staff team. The manager is appropriately supported and there are clear deputising arrangements in place. There are a sufficient number of staff who are well qualified, experienced and trained to care for young people. A range of staff related policies and procedures are in place that inform and support staff, including safe care practices. This is particularly relevant to the home because young people are cared for on a one to one basis. Staff are expected to familiarise themselves with the information available to them. This ensures that they are clear about their role, responsibilities and are accountable to their practice. Staffing rotas are available and there are systems to ensure a daily handover of information regarding young people. This ensures consistent practice. Appropriate systems are in place to prepare and support staff to undertake their role. This includes training and

p.6

Organisation

further development, supervision of all staff, including the manager.

p.7

Organisation

The home has not yet had a regulation 33 visit and the manager has not monitored the quality of care. This is due to there being no young people at the home at present. The manager is aware about their responsibility to ensure this happens at regular intervals.

p.7

Organisation

Young people's files are securely stored and confidentially maintained.

p.7