Children's Home run by Bryn Melyn Care Limited in Telford and Wrekin

Unique reference number SC397092 Inspection date 22/03/2011 Inspector Catherine Ross Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 11/11/2010 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

This is a rurally located children's home based in a large detached period property set on a country farm estate. The home looks after up to two young people who are assessed to be able to benefit from the absence of distraction and the high staffing levels that this setting provides. The home has been totally renovated and refurbished to provide a spacious living environment. Although rurally located the home has easy vehicular access to the recreational amenities in some nearby towns and the company's educational services.

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Brief description of the service

Because of its rural location the home has been used as a setting for young people who have a propensity to be absent without authority or be vulnerable from influences from peer groups.

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Summary

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

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Summary

This was an unannounced interim inspection. The inspection focused on the outcome area of staying safe. The other outcome areas were not inspected on this occasion.

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Summary

There has been a period of change within the home since the last inspection. The new manager has now taken over the running of the home; there have been staff changes and changes in the young people living at the home. The manager, young people and staff are now going through a period of adjustment and are encountering challenges following these changes. Staff work hard to provide a consistent approach for young people and the welfare of young people is promoted.

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Summary

There is one action as a result of this inspection which relates to the recording of physical intervention.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no actions or recommendations made at the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are aware of how to respect young people's privacy and knock before entering bedrooms. Staff are sensitive to young people's needs, for example when entering bedrooms early in the morning when young people are just waking up. Room searches are conducted rarely and confidential files and data are kept securely. Therefore young people's privacy is respected and information is confidentially handled.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people feel they are not always listened to by staff however evidence shows they are aware of the process involved in making complaints and know the telephone numbers of external bodies such as Ofsted should they wish to contact them. Young people also have the opportunity to discuss concerns in young people's meetings. Complaints are followed up quickly and sent to the appropriate people. Young people feel staff would support them in making a complaint when necessary. Young people are kept up to date on the status of their complaint by the manager.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff receive regular safeguarding training. Young people's safety is protected and there is clear evidence safeguarding concerns are treated seriously and in a timely manner. All relevant persons are notified including Ofsted, relatives of young people and the local authority. Outcomes of safeguarding concerns are acted upon appropriately and inform practice within the home. Young people are aware of who they can contact if they are ever concerned about their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff create an atmosphere where bullying is known to be unacceptable and this is also covered during key working sessions. Staff have identified areas within the home where they feel bullying behaviour might be likely to happen. Therefore opportunities for bullying are minimised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff follow appropriate procedures when young people are absent without authority and have a good working relationship with the local police. Staff respond positively to young people on their return. Young people feel protected by these measures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people's individual needs are identified in behaviour management plans and each plan states how young people should be supported to develop socially acceptable behaviour. Young people are encouraged to take on jobs around the home such as building the garden shed and to move toward becoming part of the local community. Staff receive regular training in behaviour management techniques and techniques such as physical intervention are used as a last resort. Young people dislike the use of physical intervention and are given the opportunity to talk with staff and comment on their feelings. However, when physical intervention has been used it is not always recorded in a timely manner, consequently systems for recording are not robust which could lead to an inconsistent response for young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps are taken to keep young people, staff and visitors safe from risk from fire and other hazards. Health and safety requirements are in place. The home has robust fire safety mechanisms and fire drills occur monthly, consequently young people know what to do in the event of a fire. Staff personnel files were examined ahead of this inspection and confirm that only appropriately checked and cleared staff are appointed to the home.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions, which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes Regulations 2001 and the National Minimum Standards. The Registered Provider(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Std. Action Due date

22 ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any measure of control, restraint or discipline, a written record is made in accordance with regulations. Regulation 17 (4) 01/04/2011

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