Children's Home run by Newcastle City Council in Newcastle upon Tyne

Unique reference number SC033642 Inspection date 03/03/2011 Inspector Shaun Common Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 28/04/2010 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

The children's home provides care and accommodation for up to six young people of either sex aged from 11 to 17 years of age. It is close to main bus routes into the city centre where there is access to a variety of amenities. There are also local shops and amenities nearby. The premises include a kitchen, bathrooms, a dining room, two sitting rooms and a games room. There is also an integral flat that young people can use to prepare for independent living or that can also be used as a bedroom. Young people have their own bedrooms and there are two staff sleep-in rooms. There are two offices, both on the ground floor. There is car parking to the front of the home and a garden to the rear.

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Brief description of the service

Six young people live at this home and one was present during the inspection.

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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 unannounced interim inspection examined the outcome area of staying safe. It also looked at the progress the setting has made with the recommendations made at the last inspection in April 2010. These related to revising the Statement of Purpose, revising complaints information for young people and ensuring all parts of the children's home are kept reasonably decorated and maintained. The provision has taken appropriate action to resolve two of these matters.

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Summary

Being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic well-being and organisation were not assessed during this inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The registered persons were asked to make three improvements at the last inspection. They were asked to revise the Statement of Purpose to include the staffing policy and to ensure all parts of the home are kept reasonably decorated and maintained. These matters have been addressed. They ensure accurate information is available about the home and its services and the home's environment is conducive to the positive care of young people.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The registered persons were asked to revise complaints information for young people to include matters important to them. Although some progress has been made, this has not been fully addressed. A recommendation will be made in this report.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's information is stored safely and securely and they are afforded privacy, which promotes their rights. They have access to a telephone to keep in touch with people important to them. Some young people also have their own mobile telephones. The home has a policy regarding searching young people's possessions, where appropriate, for their welfare and safety. Records are in place of any searches that have taken place and young people are encouraged to write their views in this record.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A complaints procedure is available, which is known and fully understood by staff so they can provide support where necessary to young people. Information provided for young people about complaints is good, though some information that would help them understand the procedure better is lacking. There is information in various formats and places in the home, which gives young people easy access to information should they need it. They can contact external persons such as advocacy services or the local authority complaints officer. The home has a 'have your say' box, where young people can place complaints. This can also be used by them to share their views or make any suggestions about the home or their care. There have been no complaints made since the last inspection. A young person stated they had no concerns, but knew how to complain if they needed to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and the home's own child protection procedure is available. They are known and understood by staff who know what to do to keep young people safe. A young person stated that they feel safe. Staff communicate effectively to ensure that information is shared that helps them protect young people. They work with other professionals and alongside young people developing plans that are in the best interests of promoting young people's well-being and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An anti-bullying policy and procedure is in place that is known by staff and helps them to keep young people safe. Young people and staff commendably, have worked together to gain anti-bullying accreditation for the home. This was awarded by the local authority. Records are kept of any bullying matters, which shows any incidents, action taken and any ongoing matters that staff are addressing in order to keep young people safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has in place a protocol developed with the local police force in relation to young people absent without authority. Staff understand this protocol and follow it to help safeguard young people. A record is kept of all absences with action taken. The home works alongside other professionals to develop safeguards, strategies and risk assessments. Young people are provided with support, advice and guidance from a specialist team who are independent of the home and who specialise in this area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people and staff have excellent relationships. A young person spoke very highly of staff and the home. There have been no physical restraints since the last inspection; however an appropriate record is in place if ever needed. There are records kept of any sanctions. These show measures used are appropriate to the misdemeanour. Recording shows clearly the focus is on helping young people develop socially acceptable behaviour. They also show that young people can negotiate sanctions and they can write what they think may help them to manage their behaviour in the future. Young people continue to consistently write their comments about sanctions generally and sign this record. This shows they are encouraged to understand the impact of any negative behaviour and develop responsibility.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk assessments are devised and implemented in relation to the home's premises and grounds. They include appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate risks to young people. Health and safety matters are managed very well, such as maintenance of fire equipment, portable electrical appliances and the fire alarm. Fire drills and tests are undertaken as required and include staff names and young people's initials. All these matters help to keep young people safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

No new staff has been recruited since the last inspection. The home has in place a policy and procedure for the safe recruitment of new employees. This policy sets out how the right people to work with children will be employed.

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 revise the complaints information given to young people to include the matters set out in the national minimum standards. (NMS 16.3 and 16.5)

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