Children's Home run by Suffolk County Council in Suffolk

Unique reference number SC063110 Inspection date 25/02/2011 Inspector Sarah Oldham Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 18/10/2010 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 home provides care and accommodation for up to five young people of both sexes, aged between 11 and 16 years, who may have emotional or behavioural difficulties. The home accepts both planned and emergency placements.

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Brief description of the service

The home is a two storey, detached house. The ground floor accommodation includes a lounge, a dining room, a kitchen and an activities room, which is located in an annexe. The young people's single bedrooms are on the first floor, together with shower and toilet facilities. There is an enclosed garden and a separate car parking area.

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Brief description of the service

Four young people currently live in this home. Three were present and contributed to the inspection.

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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 October 2010. These related to night time fire drills, monthly regulation 33 reports being provided to Ofsted and the general décor and maintenance of the home. Appropriate action has been taken by the manager and staff to address these.

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Summary

Policies and procedures are in place and are followed by staff to promote the safety and well-being of the young people. Young people say that they feel safe living at the home and that staff are supportive.

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Summary

Being healthy, enjoying and achieving, positive contribution, economic wellbeing and organisation were not assessed at this inspection

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection in October 2010 three recommendations were made. These related to the inclusion of a night time fire drill, ensuring the home was in good decorative repair and maintenance and that the regulation 33 reports are sent to Ofsted on a monthly basis. Two of these recommendations have been addressed, with the third ongoing. The manager has ensured that a night time fire drill has been undertaken and monthly reports are being sent to Ofsted each month. At the time of the inspection; redecoration to the home had commenced with the young people's bedrooms having been completed. The redecoration to the rest of the home is ongoing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are aware of the importance in promoting privacy, dignity and confidentiality for young people. All documentation is securely stored and computers are password protected. Young people have their own bedrooms that they are able to lock, these locks can be overridden in the case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Information about how to make a complaint is provided within the Statement of Purpose and the children's guide. Staff also ensure that young people understand how to make a complaint and provide access to independent advocates. The young people say that they feel confident that any complaint that they make will be addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff receive training on the promotion of the welfare and safety of the young people. This includes responding to any unauthorised absence appropriately and supporting young people with any issues they may have with regards bullying. Young people say that when there have been incidents of bullying they have felt supported by staff. There are clear missing from home policies and procedures in place. Staff have a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if a young person is missing from care. Records inspected demonstrate that the procedures are followed. This ensures that young people's safety is effectively supported.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are supported to develop socially acceptable behaviour through the encouragement of positive behaviour and the establishment of positive relationships with staff. Behaviour management training is provided to all staff, including de- escalation strategies and the use of physical intervention. Placement Plans and risk assessments identify behaviour management strategies, many of which have been discussed and agreed with the young person. Great emphasis is placed on acknowledging achievements across a range of areas and positive reward systems are in place to celebrate these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk assessments are carried out in relation to the premises, grounds and activities and a system of review is in place. The fire detection system is tested regularly and fire evacuation drills take place at different times including a drill at night. Fire safety training is provided for staff and a fire risk assessment is in place. Electrical equipment is tested appropriately. These measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the young people. Suitable procedures are in place for the recruitment and checking of staff. Records of visitors are maintained and proof of identification is requested where appropriate. These practices reduce potential risks to the welfare of children living at the home.

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