Children's Home run by Kent County Council in Kent

Unique reference number SC403850 Inspection date 13/06/2011 Inspector Sharon Lewis Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 04/01/2011 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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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 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the relevant regulations and meets the national minimum standards.

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About this inspection

The report details the main strengths, any areas for improvement, including any breaches of regulation, and any failure to meet national minimum standards. The judgements included in the report are made against the Inspections of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011) and the evaluation schedule for children's homes.

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding : a service that significantly exceeds minimum requirements Good : a service that exceeds minimum requirements Satisfactory : a service that only meets minimum requirements Inadequate : a service that does not meet minimum requirements

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Brief description of the service

This is a council-run, short break service for children and young people aged from five to 18. The home caters for up to six young people living with a learning and/or a physical disability. This includes young people with complex needs and those on the autistic spectrum.

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Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be good .

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Overall effectiveness

Young people benefit from a strong, effective management team who are focused on improving the quality of care. Young people continue to make positive progress, particularly in relation to their self-confidence and social skills. There is a good understanding of individual needs and enhancing young people lives. Young people enjoy the opportunity of mixing with their peers in a supportive environment.

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Overall effectiveness

Young people are very happy and comfortable in their surroundings. The broad range of facilities allows young people to engage in numerous activities. Staff empower young people by enabling them to express their desires and choices. Staff are enthusiastic and experienced. Nursing staff and specialist trained staff are available to manage young people's health needs.

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Overall effectiveness

The service has successfully changed the culture of the home from a medical to a social model of care. The leadership team are aware of the areas of development. This includes implementing the new legislative changes and recruiting a full staff team. The organisation is currently addressing these issues. The home is required to ensure staff receive appropriate training. Diploma training is in progress, this now has greater emphasis and, therefore, has a higher priority.

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Overall effectiveness

Staff demonstrate a competent understanding of safe working practices. To further improve practice recommendations are being made regarding record keeping. The shortfall relates to a few records. The risk assessments have not been consistently updated and do not fully highlight all concerns. This information, however, is available in other areas of young people's files. Care plans also do not comprehensively address daily living skills and the promotion of independence. Although this work is happening, staff are not documenting young people's progress.

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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 person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure staff enrol on the appropriate diploma training. (Regulation 27 (4) (a)) 01/12/2011

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Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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Recommendations

 promote actively the welfare of children though updating and recording all risks in their risk assessments (NMS 4)  ensure placement plan reflect young people's daily living skills. (NMS 25.2)

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Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for children and young people are good .

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people enjoy their short breaks, describing the home as 'fun', and 'nice'. The nurturing environment enables young people to express their individuality and respective choices. Young people learn to become confident in their own abilities and opinions. Independent living skills are part of young people's daily routine. At mealtimes young people help themselves to drinks and condiments. They also assist with clearing the table. Young people make their own bed and take responsibility for their personal care. Whilst out shopping they also have practice their budgeting skills.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Group living helps young people mature and develop their social and life skills. Young people are encouraged to think about each other. An example is being a mentor for new admissions. This involves showing another young person around the home and befriending them. Young people are also able to become a role model though volunteering at the home when they reach the age of 18.

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Outcomes for children and young people

The home has a minibus enabling young people to regularly access their local community and enjoy teenage life. Young people enjoy going swimming, to parks, airports restaurants and other attractions. Young people pursue their hobbies and interests. Within the home they engage in a range of activities. They state one of the best things about their breaks is the opportunity to spend time with their friends. Young people enjoy sharing their life experiences, dancing and listening to popular music. Young people are part of their local community External organisations make charitable donations to the home. Young people also have a connection with the local church. They attend a social club in the church hall and members occasionally visit the home.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Young people understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and take responsibility for their own health. An example of this is booking in their medication during their stays. Young people assist with maintaining the vegetation in the garden, this includes watering the plants. Young people take pride in the knowledge that they have contributed to the vegetables and fruit served at mealtimes.

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Outcomes for children and young people

The educational achievement within the home is good. Young people benefit from the home's strong links with their schools. This provides good continuity of care. Young people are able to extend their learning as they have a computer room and a library area with a selection of books. They also engage in educational activities which includes visiting museums.

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Quality of care

The quality of the care is good . Young people describe the care as 'good'. The service positively enhances their quality of life. Care planning details young people’s needs and there are clear measurable outcomes. The series of aims and strategies enable young people to focus on achieving their goals. Young people and their families take a central role in the care planning process. Young people are making progress in all areas of their lives. Plans addresses equality and diversity effectively responding to the individuality of each young person. Young people’s files detail their disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexuality and method of communication. This ensures young people receive focused care which embraces their unique qualities. The only shortfall relates to care plans not fully detailing daily living skills and the promotion of independence. Although this work is happening, staff are not documenting young people's progress.

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Quality of care

Consultation measures empower young people, enabling them and their families to influence decision making. Young people contribute during their monthly house meetings. An example is making suggestions for menus, activities and equipment for the home. These meetings additionally enable young people to discuss their concerns. Staff remind young people of their rights and staff also take the time to go through young people's files with them. Staff facilitate contact with families, even though young people are only away for a few days. Young people have their own payphone and also have the contact details of other organisations which can help them.

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Quality of care

Young people receive good health support. Young people have access to on-site nursing care. Medication arrangements protect young people. Staff securely store medication and accurately maintain administration records. Young people benefit from nutritious, balanced meals from a variety of cultures. The home effectively caters for young people’s dietary needs and preferences. There is a vegetable and fruit patch in the grounds. Young people enjoy this organic produce in their home made meals. Mealtimes are a social occasion, where young people and staff eat together. The dining room promotes a warm family atmosphere.

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Quality of care

Young people reside in a purpose-built bungalow, which is maintained to a high standard. The building is suitable for young people who mobilise using a wheelchair. Ceiling track hoists, adjustable beds, adapted bathrooms, specialist arm chairs and equipment contribute to a well-designed living environment. Young people have their own single bedrooms with wall mounted televisions. There is a choice of communal areas. This includes two lounges with televisions. One of these lounges is used for arts and crafts. Young people can relax in the sensory room or the soft play room. A separate room is available for them to use computers or play on the games consoles. The large garden has an adventure playground, basket ball net, outdoor seating and a go kart track. Young people can also enjoy playing football or other games on the lawn.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The service is good at keeping children and young people safe and feeling safe. Young people benefit from effective arrangements to safeguard and promote their welfare. The home is part of the local authority and has direct links with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The person who undertakes the Regulation 33 visits is part of the education safeguarding team and also delivers training. Procedures are currently being updated to reflect the changes in the regulations. Staff have received regular safeguarding training and are in receipt of new guidelines. This leaflet highlights the range of internal and external personnel they can contact if they have concerns. Staff receive ongoing training in safe caring principles. Topics include passenger safety, positive handling strategies, moving and handling and health and safety.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Health and safety has a high agenda within the home. A designated person leads on this area of work. Environmental risk assessments are discreetly on display throughout the building. The premises is currently undergoing an assessment and changes are being made to ensure its suitability for young people with visual impairment. The building is very secure, making it difficult for unauthorised entry. Certificates verify the safety of the environment. Young people understand the importance of fire safety. They participate in fire drills and benefit from visits from the local fire brigade. Young people also learn about personal safety from their visits from the neighbourhood police. The organisation endeavours to ensure unsuitable people do not work with young people. There is a thorough staff recruitment procedure. Staff are not employed until all checks have been received.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people receive assistance to behave in an appropriate manner. Staff promote positive behaviour through praise, discussion and encouragement. Staff rarely have to sanction young people. There has been no restraints since the last inspection. Young people enjoy their breaks and have a mutually respectful relationship with each other. There are no incidents of bullying or young people going absent without authority. Care plans identify risk factors for individual young people. All this information, however, is not always evident in risk assessments. Staff are currently updating and reviewing young people's risk assessments.

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Leadership and management

The leadership and management of the children's home are good . The management team consistently communicates high expectations regarding their vision for the service. There has been a successful shift from a medical to a social model of working. The home demonstrates a capacity for sustaining improvement. There is a focus on strategic development which is committed to enhancing the service for young people living with a disability. Management understand the strengths and areas for further development. There is a good awareness of the regulatory changes. Policies and procedures are currently being adapted to reflect the new legislation and inspection framework. The home has effectively complied with all actions and recommendations from the last inspection. Monthly regulatory visits report against the Every Child Matters outcome areas and strengthen the quality assurance system.

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Leadership and management

Young people benefit from an enthusiastic, culturally reflective staff. Staff are experienced and have a good understanding of young people's needs. The structured induction effectively prepares staff for their role. Diploma training is in progress, a cohort of staff are expected to start this training later in the year. Staff are currently completing Children's Workforce Development Council workbooks. The home closes specifically for training; this enables staff to focus exclusively on their learning. Staff benefit from general training in the promotion of equality and diversity. This is an ongoing agenda item at team and individual supervision meetings. Staff receive training specific to the needs of young people. Examples are updates regarding the administration of rectal diazepam, buccal midazolam and insulin. First aid training also includes a paediatric element.

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Leadership and management

There is strong, dynamic leadership and plans to further strengthen the staff team. This includes the introduction of new senior roles and the recruitment of specific night staff. Team meetings provide an opportunity to focus on the needs of young people. Staff receive ongoing support through regular supervision. These meetings assist with identifying training needs and discussing individual practice. The home has a good relationship with the local community which enhances the lives of young people. An example of this is the forthcoming fun day, which is an opportunity to showcase the home and fundraise.

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Leadership and management

Equality and diversity practice is good .

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