Children's Home run by Adeza Care Homes Limited in Waltham Forest

Unique reference number SC032468 Inspection date 08/03/2011 Inspector Sharon Lewis Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 04/08/2010 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 organisation owns two children's homes within the locality. This home caters for an older age range with an emphasis on semi-independent living. The home is registered to provide support and accommodation to four children of either gender. These young people may have emotional, behavioural or learning disability needs or a mild mental disorder.

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Brief description of the service

The home is located in a residential area close to local shops and amenities. The property blends into the neighbourhood and is not identifiable as a children's home. Young people have their own lockable room with a fridge. Communal facilities include a conservatory, lounge area and a garden.

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Brief description of the service

At the time of the inspection two young men were living at the home. One young man was seen during the inspection. They provided very positive feedback regarding their care.

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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

At this unannounced interim inspection the outcome area relating to staying safe was examined. Young people continue to benefit from an outstanding service. Young people are making exceptional progress, which their placing authorities recognise. Young people thrive within an environment which provides them with consistent encouragement and nurtures their strengths. All young people are in education and wish to undertake further study. Young people receive excellent support and are learning the necessary skills for adulthood. The stable, experienced and professional staff team empower young people and assist them with developing self- responsibility. There are no actions or recommendations arising from this inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection there were no actions or recommendations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people live in a home which has excellent arrangements for promoting their safety and well-being. Young people feel safe and state 'it is good living here'. Young people greatly appreciate the caring, encouraging semi-independent environment. Care focuses on the home's core values of respect, trust, openness and honesty. Young people confirm that staff are 'trusting' and they have a mutually respectful relationship. Young people have appropriate privacy. They have keys for their room and food cupboards. The home is registered with a data protection agency. This contributes to their high regard for maintaining confidentiality and securely storing personal information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff empower young people by encouraging them to openly communicate their wishes and feelings. Young people regularly participate in children's rights events. A recent example is their attendance at an event which enabled them to contribute to the Professor Munro report on child protection. The home has a complaint procedure, however, young people have not had to use this channel. The complaint procedure provides young people with a selection of external organisations and persons who can assist them with their concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safeguarding young people is of central importance. A range of effective policies, procedures and practice contribute to the overarching commitment of protecting young people. The strong links with the Local Safeguarding Children Board enables staff to access regular training and keep up-to-date with relevant guidance. There is an excellent awareness of safeguarding, which also includes technology. Relevant safeguards are in place for internet use and social networking sites.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff attend forums with the local police regarding young people going missing. Although, the home does not have an issue with unauthorised absences. Young people having a stable base and spend the majority of their time relaxing at home. There are no issues with bullying, young people enjoy each others company. Young people and the staff team regularly enjoy going out together on social outings. Recent trips include going to the theatre, drives to the West End and Brighton.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff continue to excel in their ability to help young people make positive changes in their lives. Young people are making remarkable progress. All young people are in education and wish to embark on further studying. Young people have realistic aspirations and demonstrate an increase in their self-esteem. Local authorities acknowledge young people's outstanding progress. A recent example is young people receiving celebratory awards for their achievements. Staff benefit from holistic training which enables them to effectively work with young people. Training topics include communication, mental health and psychotherapy. Staff routinely reflect on their practice and behaviour management research also informs their ways of working.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people thrive within the structured environment which has firm but fair boundaries. Staff assist young people with identifying their strengths and nurturing their interests and talents. Staff provide young people with additional tuition to meet their educational goals. Staff also arrange specialist workshops on topics suggested by young people. Workshops assist young people in building their skills and raising their awareness in a variety of areas. These include money management and budgeting, sexual health and personal safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people demonstrate greater maturity and are successfully developing socially acceptable behaviour. Young people are fully aware of the need to make the right choices and understand the consequences of their actions. Staff rarely have to use of sanctions and restraints are minimal. Young people enjoy negotiating their rewards in recognition of their progress and positive behaviour.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home provides a physically safe and secure environment for young people. Staff undertake regular health and safety checks. Engineers also confirm the safety of the gas and electricity supplies and electrical equipment. Risk assessments additionally highlight any hazards relating to young people or the building. The home has excellent fire safety arrangements. Staff and engineers regularly check the fire safety equipment. Young people participate in monthly fire drills. Young people are also able to undertake a specialist course in fire safety. This is a useful qualification which they can also use in adult life.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people continue to benefit from a very stable, experienced and professional staff team. The majority of staff having been with the organisation for over a decade. Recruitment procedures are in line with regulations. Volunteers and social work students complement the existing staff team. The large staff team enables the home to effectively meet the individual and collective needs of young people. Staff efficiently maintain a visitors book and ensure visitors do not have unsupervised access to young people.

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