Children's Home run by Castle Homes Limited in Bromley

Unique reference number SC419334 Inspection date 09/03/2011 Inspector Muhammed Harunur Rashid Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 18/11/2010 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 residential care for up to four young people aged between eight and 17 years old, on a medium to long term basis. The home has a registered school on site and if the young people are not attending mainstream school or equivalent then they are educated at the home. The home has a living area, fitted kitchen, dining/reception area and an education room. Each young person has their own bedroom. There is also a rear garden available for recreation and leisure pursuits. The home is in urban location providing access to community amenities and resources.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This interim inspection was conducted as part of the integrated inspection lead by the inspection service provider. This inspection looked at the outcome area of staying safe and also looked at the progress the service has achieved with the previous action and recommendations made at the last inspection on 10 August 2010. No shortfalls have been identified as a result of this interim inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The service was asked to ensure that all staff receive formal supervision at appropriate intervals, to review staff working hours arrangements and ensure that policies and procedures are easily accessible. The service has acted upon these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people live in a safe environment. Their privacy and confidentiality are promoted by the policy in place, the practice of staff, and through the secure storage of young people’s records. Young people are provided with single bedroom accommodation, and a sufficient number of bathrooms and toilets are available. Information regarding young people and staff is kept in a locked cabinet. Staff are sensitive to gender issues when dealing with young people of the opposite sex.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

An appropriate complaint policy and procedure are in place, and the procedure is made accessible by being displayed in the home. An outline of the complaint procedure is in the young people’s guide. Staff maintain a complaint log book. Complaints are appropriately recorded and managed according to the home’s procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A comprehensive safeguarding policy and procedure is in place which provides guidance for staff to protect young people. Staff have attended safeguarding training and have awareness of safeguarding issues. The home has an anti-bullying policy. Staff have sound knowledge and skills to deal with bullying if it is suspected. One member of staff is designated as the anti-bullying supporter.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are provided with guidance and training to improve young people’s socially acceptable behaviour, and their socially acceptable behaviour is appropriately rewarded. There are agreed measures to deal with any unacceptable behaviour, such as the use of appropriate forms of sanctions. Staff have a good knowledge of safeguarding issues and training in the use of restraint is provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff have attended health and safety training. They take appropriate steps to keep young people, visitors and themselves safe from the risk of fire and other hazards. Staff carry out regular fire alarm testing and fire drills. Current gas and electric test certificates are available for inspection. Comprehensive risk assessment of the premises are in place. A valid employers liability insurance certificate is displayed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are recruited according to the policy of the organisation which ensures that young people are protected. The human resources department ensures that all necessary documents, including enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure certificates, are obtained prior to the appointment of staff. The home maintains a central register which confirms that all the necessary checks on staff were carried out as required by regulations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All staff receive regular supervision and annual appraisals from their line manager. They have opportunities to attend various training for their professional development. Appropriate staffing levels are in place and the Registered Manager reviews staffing levels according to the needs of young people. Staff have access to all policies and procedures which are electronically stored and a central folder is maintained.

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