Children's Home run by Bryn Melyn Care Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC372617 Inspection date 09/03/2011 Inspector Julian Parker Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 05/08/2010 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

This is a small children's home catering for one young person aged from 12 to 17 years. It is a two bedroom detached cottage-style property located in a rural setting. The layout of the home allows staff to quickly adjust the environment and the care being provided to respond to and meet the needs of the young people being accommodated.

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Summary

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

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Summary

The purpose of this unannounced interim inspection was to follow up the recommendation made at the last inspection and to assess key standards under the staying safe outcome area.

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Summary

The home provides a good level of care to young people. The recommendation made by the last inspection is commented on in the improvement section of this report.

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Summary

Safeguarding systems promote the wellbeing of the young people living at the home. Young people's good behaviour is encouraged and is managed positively to keep them safe and for eventual preparation for independence. Young people are protected and kept stable by consistent routines, good staffing levels and the rewards and incentives used in the home which support them.

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Summary

Young people are listened to. They make their views known through their behaviour and through compliance with the structure provided by their care plan. The home environment is being maintained to a good standard. Systems are in place to ensure that regular health and safety checks are carried out.

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Summary

No actions or recommendations have been made as a result of this inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the registered provider was required to introduce a system to notify the persons and appropriate authorities of the occurrence of significant events in accordance with Regulation 30. This has been introduced and an effective system, including an audit trail, has been put in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The importance of privacy and confidentiality of young people living in this single occupancy home is promoted, although high levels of staffing vigilance are evident to ensure ongoing safety. Young people have access to their own bathroom and toilet, and individual bedrooms promotes the concept of personal space. Any room searches deemed necessary to protect the safety of young people are done so in line with the registered provider’s procedures. Where high staff ratios are needed, this is managed sensitively. Young people have access to a telephone.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Respect for the privacy of young people is further promoted by staff ensuring high levels of administrative and practical confidentiality. Young people are aware of the situations where their carers are required to share information with other professionals. They can add comments to their daily records should they wish to exercise this choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are informed about the home's complaints system and what opportunities exist for them to discuss any matter they are unhappy with. Written information about the complaints procedure is available in their guide to the home. Young people can additionally express their comments through sessions with their key workers or by contacting available independent advocates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff always take seriously the concerns and complaints made by young people and respond quickly to them. Complaints are dealt with effectively by the deputy or home manager, and young people are kept informed of the progress and outcome of these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are very clear about what risks young people’s behaviour present and about their vulnerability, both living in the home and when out in the wider community. Specific risks, including the potential consequences arising from anti social behaviour, are made explicit and are well managed, using established and multi agency agreed procedures. These help to diffuse problems and promote longer term safety for young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are well trained and fully conversant with child protection and safeguarding procedures, having developed and maintained good links with the placing authority and the local safeguarding team. This ensures that all relevant information is passed on in a timely manner to protect and promote the emotional, sexual and physical safety of young people. The welfare and safety of young people is further promoted through the application of the registered providers formal policies and procedures. There is an anti- bullying policy in the home that staff and young people are familiar with. Young people have written details included in their guide and know what to do and who they can talk to if they feel bullied. They are practically protected from bullying given the scale of the home and high staffing levels.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people receive care from staff that are appropriately trained and understand the need to encourage good behaviour. This includes techniques that manage any challenging behaviour that may arise from individual disability. This includes, when essential, the appropriate and minimal use of redirection or physical intervention. Staff endeavour to understand the reasons for behaviours to predict and prevent any incident escalating. When sanctions or physical intervention are used, comprehensive recording provides a clear description of the event. There is good oversight of behaviour management, with patterns and trends being evaluated by the home’s Registered Manager and care team.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home uses risk assessments to evaluate all aspects of practice and home safety. Risk assessments are actively considered when planning daily activities, including organised trips. All staff and young people know the home’s fire safety instructions. Fire drills and evacuation practice are carried out regularly, with detailed records being retained confirming compliance. The home is protected by prescribed levels of insurance cover.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The building is being well maintained by timely and ongoing redecoration and refurbishment of damaged items. The safety of gas, electric, and portable appliances is regularly checked and up to date. Environmental risk assessments are comprehensive and regularly reviewed, confirming that children live in homes that provide physical safety and security.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Since the last inspection, new probationary company staff have been introduced to the home to supplement the regular staff team. The provider’s recruitment system includes Criminal Records Bureau checks at enhanced level with references being scrutinised prior to employment. The manager’s oversight of staff compliance and practice continues to ensure good levels of competent supervision by safe adults for resident young people.

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