Children's Home run by Bedford Borough Council in Bedford

Unique reference number SC409502 Inspection date 24/02/2011 Inspector Caroline Oldham Type of inspection Random

p.1

Date of last inspection 06/12/2010 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 service provides short-break support for families with children who have learning difficulties who may also have a physical disability. The premises have been developed to provide accommodation and adaptations to support the children using this service. There are two adjacent lounge areas, a dining room, a kitchen, two bathrooms, office and storage space, a covered play area outside and garden areas. The home is situated in a residential area within travelling distance of a range of community resources.

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 unannounced interim inspection focused on the progress the service has made with the two actions and one recommendation from the last inspection. These related to children's care plans, staffing issues, and medication records. In addition, a specific focus has been taken on reassessing the key standards under staying safe. As a result of this inspection and meeting the action set the quality rating for staying safe is now good. The outcome areas; being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic well-being and organisation were not looked at during this inspection.

p.4

Summary

The home has a long established staff team who are focused and committed to providing children with a high standard of care. They have a good understanding of how to support children with complex disabilities, and work well with parents and other agencies to ensure consistency of care. Staff remain highly committed to ensuring children are kept safe.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection has been completed less than three months after the previous full inspection. There have not been any additional staff employed since the last inspection but the policy regarding the recruitment of agency staff has been revised to ensure that any agency staff used will have full employment histories. Addressing this staffing issue ensures that children are cared for by staff who are suitable; this gives children a good, positive experience while in their care.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Care plans are now updated more quickly following a significant event and senior management are now able to access care plans electronically to keep records up to date. This helps to ensure that children's care needs are always appropriately met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The medication policy for the administration and security of drugs and medicines has now been amended to clarify the need for an endorsement from an appropriate health professional on the occasions of removing medication from the original container. This will help ensure that there is no error in administration of medication to children receiving respite care.

p.4

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home provides an environment where children feel safe and secure. There are a range of policies and procedures available to promote and protect the welfare of children. Staff receive training in keeping children safe and this is updated at regular six monthly training events. They are very aware of the vulnerability of the children, and all children have a 'keep safe' plan. Staff are aware of the potential for bullying and accommodate children to ensure that bullying does not become an issue on short break visits. Group events and display boards are used to help children express themselves to ensure that children are kept safe and free from intimidation and bullying.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's privacy and dignity are highly respected and staff are sensitive to gender issues in particular relating to issues of personal care. Staff know the children very well and are able to ascertain their wishes and respect them. All staff are familiar with the confidentiality and privacy policy. Children's personal information is held securely and only divulged to others on a need to know basis and after consultation with parents. Information and guidance on the complaints procedures are readily available for parents and children. There have been no complaints since the last inspection, and children have opportunities to express their views through monthly meetings with an external facilitator and have access to a complaints procedure in appropriate formats.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff approach to children's behaviour is managed with sensitivity, and is child centred. Staff know the children well, they work closely with other carers and agencies involved with the child to ensure a consistent approach to managing behaviour. An external advisor and training refreshers ensure that children's behaviour management is reviewed and considered. This help children have an enjoyable time with clear boundaries to manage their behaviour.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff take positive steps to ensure that children are kept safe from harm while in the building and the grounds. Behaviour and activity risk assessments are undertaken as part of the process of placement planning and at the child's review to ensure the child lives within a structured and safe environment. There are comprehensive systems for monitoring equipment and utilities, and management systems to oversee these. Regular maintenance is carried out on all appliances and services and when any defects occur there is a system in place to ensure that these are prioritised and quickly rectified, ensuring that the children have a suitable environment that is warm, safe and secure.

p.5

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has not recruited any new staff since the last key inspection and procedures are now in place to ensure that agency staff are fully vetted. There are suitable arrangements for monitoring and managing visitors to the home. These procedures and arrangements help to ensure that those in contact with children are suitable.

p.6