Children's Home run by Progressive Care Limited in Sheffield

Unique reference number SC002930 Inspection date 25/11/2010 Inspector Robert Curr Type of inspection Random

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Date of last inspection 23/06/2010 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 setting provides up to nine long-term placements for young people aged from 14 years old up to 17 years old. The accommodation consists of seven single bedrooms and two independent self-contained flats. There are spacious communal areas for eating, studying and relaxing.

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Brief description of the service

The home is in a residential area, approximately two miles from the town centre and is close to public transport. One of the main aims of the setting is to support, advise and to assist young people with their emotional development, education, work and independent living skills.

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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. Matters looked at during this visit relate to the outcome of staying safe and recommendations made at the last inspection. Details of the previous recommendations are outlined in the improvement section of this report.

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Summary

The outcome area of staying safe is met and staff have a very good understand about keeping young people safe from harm. Young people's privacy and confidentiality is respected by staff. Good systems exist for young people to be supported to raise any issue or concern they may have about their care and support.

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Summary

As a result of this inspection, recommendations have been raised for a second time. The organisation's aim to have the appropriate number of staff hold a National Vocational Qualification must be maintained and the Registered Manager must complete a management qualification.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the registered person was asked to take action in relation to aspects of staying safe, economic well being and organisation. These included the recording of physical interventions, the window blinds in the lounge which were in a poor state of repair, and staff training.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The lounge windows have new blinds fitted.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Records fully describe the nature and method of any restraints that are used.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A well-maintained training matrix shows when staff have had training in the various subjects. Although progress has been made in relation to staff training, National Vocational Qualification ratios do not meet current standards.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The Registered Manager has not yet completed an appropriate management qualification.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people live in a stable and safe environment that successfully counteracts their previous lives. The home has clear systems in place that aid to safeguard young people from abuse. The staff are knowledgeable with regard to minimising the risks to young people’s welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures are in place that provide a rapid response to incidents when young people are missing. However, a significant event involving a young person has not been notified by the registered person to Ofsted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Staff are vigilant with regard to relationships within the home and take action if bullying is suspected. Staff appear highly committed to supervising young people’s activities. One young person was observed with staff enjoying cooking and using the kitchen facilities in a safe manner. All staff have completed food safety training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Sanctions are implemented for unacceptable behaviour and are agreed with the young person. The staff and management clearly demonstrate their experience and training in relation to managing challenging behaviour by promoting an atmosphere in which positive behaviour is promoted. Staff are actively involved in a local sexual exploitation practitioners' group. This approach is ensuring good outcomes for young people.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Clear and accurate fire safety records are held. Monthly fire drills take place and checks on fire fighting equipment are up to date. Records indicate that the young people resident are routinely involved in fire drills. This upholds the health and safety of the young people residing at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people are aware of who they can turn to if they have a complaint. Clear policies are in place to ensure complaints are managed in an appropriate way. There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young people’s safety within the home is protected by careful use of the visitor’s book. The staff verified the inspector’s identity on arrival at the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All staff employed undergo rigorous checks to ensure they are suitable to work with children.

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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

20 notify without delay the persons indicated in respect of column 2 in Schedule 5. (Regulation 30 (Schedule 5)) 15/12/2010

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Recommendations

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

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Recommendations

 ensure a minimum ratio of 80% of all care staff complete a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People or an equivalent (NMS 29.5)  ensure the Registered Manager has a professional qualification in management. (NMS 34.3)

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