Children's Home run by Cumbria County Council in Westmorland and Furness

Unique reference number SC034158 Inspection date 30/11/2011 Inspector Bill Drumm Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 10/03/2011 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

The children's home provides short break care for up to four young people of either sex aged from 11 years to 16 years of age who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The local authority owns and operates this setting.

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Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be satisfactory .

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Overall effectiveness

Young people receive a satisfactory level of care. They feel safe and enjoy a wide range of positive experiences and activities. Relationships with staff are positive and based on mutual respect. Feedback from young people, staff and social workers is positive. The individual needs of young people have not been formally assessed prior to admission and comprehensive care plans have not been written. Evidence from consultation questionnaires with family members and young people themselves show that, despite this, young people are making progress from their stating points.

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Overall effectiveness

Records of restraint, young people being missing from the home, risk assessments and notifiable incidents lack detail and accuracy. Therapeutic techniques used by staff are not described within the home's Statement of Purpose. Members of staff have not received sufficient training in the use of these techniques and there is no ongoing supervision of their use.

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Overall effectiveness

The independent visitor to the home does not routinely seek the views of family members or relatives. The young people's guide to the home and the Statement of Purpose have not been reviewed and up dated for some time. The home does not have a Registered Manager in place.

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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

17B (2001) ensure that within 24 hours of the use of any measures of control, restraint or discipline in a children's home, a written record is made in a volume kept for that purpose (Regulation 17B (3)) 29/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

23 ensure that any activities in which children participate are so 29/02/2012 (2001) far as reasonably practicable free from avoidable risks (Regulation 23 (b))

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) interview, with their consent and in private, such as the children accommodated there, their parents, relatives and persons working at the home as appears necessary in order to form an opinion of the standard of care provided in the home (Regulation 33 (4)(a)) 29/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) compile in relation to the children's home a written Statement of Purpose which shall consist of a statement as to the matters listed in Schedule 1 (Regulation 4(1), Schedule 1 (26)) 29/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) compile in relation to the children's home a written Statement of Purpose which shall consist of a statement as to the matters listed in Schedule 1 (Regulation 4(1), Schedule 1 (5)) 29/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) appoint an individual to manage the children's home. (Regulation 7 (1) (a)) 29/02/2012

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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

 ensure that each young person's placement is underpinned by an up to date assessment of the young person's needs and family circumstances (Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 5: Children's Homes; paragraph 3.2)  ensure that young people understand, within the level of their understanding, the purpose and content of their plan and the reasoning behind any decisions about their care (NMS 25.1)  ensure that each young person's care plan is monitored by a key worker within the home who ensures that the requirements of the plan are implemented in the day-to-day care of that child (NMS 25.2)  ensure that the results of all statutory reviews and reviews of placement plans are recorded on the young person's file, and individuals responsible for pursuing actions at the home arising from reviews are clearly identified (NMS 25.8)  ensure that any young person who has been restrained is given the opportunity

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Recommendations

to be debriefed by a responsible adult who had not been involved in the restraint (Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 5: Children's Homes; paragraph 2.103)  ensure accurate, written records are retained within the home of all instances when young people are missing from the home (Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 5: Children's Homes; paragraph 2.82)  ensure that the children's guide to the home is accurate, up to date and reviewed at least annually (NMS 13.3)  ensure that staff are equipped with the skills required to meet the needs of the young people and purpose of the setting (NMS 18.1)  ensure that a full, written record is maintained which includes details of action taken, and the outcome of any action or investigation, following a notifiable event. (NMS 24.2)

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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

There are a number of good examples where children have been helped and supported to understand why they need to spend time away from home and how they can develop coping skills to move forward. One young person was present at the time of the inspection, who was sociable, confident and outgoing. A range of activities are arranged to allow young people the opportunity to experience new things and to challenge themselves. Recent activities enjoyed by young people include participation in a countering bullying focus group, attending a drumming group and visits to local museums and galleries. This helps young people to develop their self-esteem, gain confidence and to work in partnership with others.

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Outcomes for children and young people

Positive relationships with staff give young people a sense of belonging and attachment. A staff member said, 'this is a good place for children, it has a good atmosphere, we all have a good sense of humour and we care.' Young people who completed questionnaires distributed by the home said, they got on well with staff and felt that they wanted what was best for them. Each young person has their own key worker. Key workers help young people to understand and accept issues affecting them in their daily lives and to move forward. However, young people do not have individual placement plans in place. As a result, key workers are unable to formally monitor each young person's placement at the home or how their needs are being met.

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Outcomes for children and young people

The home provides short breaks for young people and their carers. Whilst at the home, young people have the opportunity to learn new things and to develop their independence and self-confidence. Young people participate in activities for daily living and develop their daily living skills. This helps prepare them for independent living and grow in confidence.

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Outcomes for children and young people

The health and education of young people remains the primary responsibility of their parents or carers. Young people are encouraged to attend all medical appointments. Written consent forms are available on each young person’s file, should they require medical attention whilst living at the home. Young people enjoy a variety of different foods, which includes food from other nationalities and cultures. One young person said the food was nice and that they had a choice about what they ate. Young people are encouraged to take exercise, which in turn helps them to stay fit and well. In addition, staff provide support to young people in their attendance at school or college. One young person said, 'staff have helped and supported me to go to college and I think I'm doing well.' Young people are able to continue learning whilst living at the home and to experience a wide range of activities. This helps to support

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Outcomes for children and young people

each young person's continued education.

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Quality of care

The quality of the care is satisfactory .

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Quality of care

The home's care planning systems are not good. Young people admitted to the home do not have their needs assessed prior to admission, they do not have formal placement plans in place and their key workers are unable to formally monitor their progress. In addition, the records of any statutory reviews that have taken place are not retained within the home. This means that, the individual needs of all young people have not been identified and staff do not know what services they need to provide in order to meet those needs. In addition, any progress or problems affecting young people are not formally recorded.

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Quality of care

The health and well-being of young people remains the primary responsibility of their parents, although staff do support young people to lead a healthy lifestyle and to take care of themselves. Members of staff display a warm and friendly approach to caring for young people.

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Quality of care

The home's admissions process is documented within the Statement of Purpose. Members of staff work hard with young people and plan with them what activities they can become involved with and enjoy. This helps young people to have positive experiences and to learn new things. However, the lack of information from placing social workers about each young person's individual needs means that young people may not have those needs met.

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Quality of care

The home has a detailed complaints process in place and there have been no complaints made since the last inspection. Young people are able to make their needs known and to speak up when they are dissatisfied about anything. One young person said, 'staff are always friendly and willing to listen. If I have a problem I know where to come to get help or advice.' Young people feel safe and listened to.

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Quality of care

Young people enjoy living in a quiet residential area. Members of staff help to organise and arrange enjoyable activities which young people can participate in either individually or as part of the group. Examples of activities undertaken range from visiting museums and local places of interest to attending a music session with other young people. The home is well equipped to provide opportunities for young people to mix socially at mealtimes, watch television together or to spend time on their own in their bedrooms. Young people learn to cooperate with each other and to understand the needs of others.

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Quality of care

Staff members spoken to said, 'the young people here are generally friendly, some like coming here more than others. We still get people coming back to visit even though they left sometime ago'. One young person said, 'coming here has helped me feel more confident about respite and I'm better behaved at school. My mum and dad seem a lot calmer and happier as well'. Members of staff and young people enjoy a warm and friendly relationship based on mutual respect. Young people feel comfortable at the home and understand that staff are there to help them.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The service is satisfactory at keeping children and young people safe and feeling safe.

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Safeguarding children and young people

There are systems in place within the home to help safeguard young people. When asked, one young person said, 'I feel safe here, I come back to join in activities even though I don't really have to anymore'. Risk assessments of the known and likely activities of young people have been undertaken. The risk assessments lack detail. One example of this was in relation to a trip to a local park. The risk assessment recorded the time the young person left for the park and their return time. The reason for the risk assessment and why it was deemed necessary was not recorded. Young people are not fully protected and kept safe.

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Safeguarding children and young people

There have been a number of occasions since the last inspection when young people have been missing from the home. The home's written records are inaccurate and again, lack detail. On one occasion, the time a young person was recorded as having returned from being missing was ten minutes before they were actually reported as having left the home. In addition, written records provide no detail of the discussions held between staff members and the young person about their reasons for being missing. This means that patterns cannot be identified, preventative measures cannot be taken and appropriate action agreed.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The home's acting manager and members of staff are trained in safeguarding and they receive refresher training to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. Several child protection referrals have been made since the last inspection and written records of these are retained within the home. The home's acting manager and member's of staff have always acted in the best interests of the young people and tried to keep them safe. This helps to keep young people safe and protected from potential abuse.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Members of staff promote a culture of positive behaviour within the home. Young people are supported to take responsibility for their actions. Sanctions and restraint are used on an infrequent basis. Restorative techniques are promoted and encouraged, with young people writing letters of apology or undertaking extra chores in lieu of a sanction. One young person's mother said, 'my son's behaviour has improved, when he makes a mistake he apologises soon after, he doesn't push the boundaries as much, I have more self-esteem and I'm stronger.' Written records relating to the use of any necessary restraints are not retained within a separate bound and numbered volume used specifically for that purpose. On one occasion the details of a restraint had been typed onto a sheet of paper which was then stapled into the restraint record book. In addition, a member of staff involved in a particular restraint was the same person used in the incident debrief with the young person.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people are supported to develop more appropriate ways to deal with any stress, anxiety or difficulties they may be facing. However, the written records do not fully comply with regulations. This means that the use of restraint cannot be accurately monitored and preventative actions identified.

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Safeguarding children and young people

The home's acting manager carries out regular checks of the home's fire systems, smoke detectors and emergency lighting. Young people take part in fire drills and the time at which fire drills take place are recorded. Regular checks of gas installations and electrical equipment also take place. Full written records are maintained by the home's manager. These measures ensure that young people live in a safe environment and their safety is protected.

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Safeguarding children and young people

Young people benefit from a stable staff team. They are protected by the home's recruitment procedures and are kept safe from potential abuse. The home's recruitment process is thorough and helps to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with young people are employed. Visitors to the home are asked to identify themselves on arrival and to sign the visitor’s book.

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Leadership and management

The leadership and management of the children's home are inadequate .

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Leadership and management

The home has not had a Registered Manager in post for several months. The home’s acting manager splits her time between this home and the home for which she is registered. The two homes are a considerable distance away from each other. Staff receive monthly supervision and support but their working practices are not monitored on a daily basis. This means staff do not receive an appropriate level of support.

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Leadership and management

There has been one notifiable incident since the last inspection. Written records of the incident lack detail and do not fully describe the actions taken by staff. In addition, the overall outcome of the incident is not recorded. Young people may not be fully protected and their welfare safeguarded.

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Leadership and management

The home's Statement of Purpose does not fully comply with regulations or national minimum standards. The names and the length of time staff members have worked in a residential setting are recorded, although their experience is not. In addition, staff carry out assessments of young people, the result of which highlights how they feel about themselves. One example of this being, a young person had recorded that they were, 'no good at anything'. The home's acting manager was unable to explain what staff did with this information and how it was used to help young people. In addition, she was unable to explain what training staff have had and who supervised their use. The use of these techniques and their supervision are not described within the Statement of Purpose. Members of staff are using techniques for which they have received no training and no ongoing support. Young people may be at risk of developing inappropriate behaviours or suffering anxiety.

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Leadership and management

A young people's guide to the home has been written. The young people's guide describes the home and provides important information, which young people may need. However, the young people's guide does not provide all the information required to fully comply with national minimum standards. Young people do not know therefore who they can contact if they are unhappy about anything or what they can expect from living at the home.

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Leadership and management

Written information retained within the home provides a record of each young person's life there as well as the help and support carried out by staff members. House meetings involving the young people take place at regular intervals and their opinions are listened to. Young people and staff members discuss activities that the young people may wish to try as well as different meals they might like to sample. The involvement of young people in the running of the home helps them to develop their confidence.

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Leadership and management

Monitoring visits from someone independent of the home take place every month. The person undertaking these visits makes a record of which young people and staff are at the home during their visit. However, the visiting officer does not routinely seek their opinions with regard to how the home is run. In addition, they do not make contact with the parents or relatives of the young people to seek their opinions about what the home does well and what can be improved. Young people, their parents or relatives and members of staff do not contribute to improving the quality of the care at the home.

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Leadership and management

Young people are looked after by members of staff whose knowledge and practice is not up to date. The organisation does not demonstrate a commitment to training all staff and in ensuring their training is current. This is particularly the case for the assessment techniques used to ascertain the self-esteem of young people. This means that, members of staff do not, have the skills and competencies necessary to undertake these assessments or to analyse their results.

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Leadership and management

Young people receive care from a well supported staff team. The home's acting manager ensures that all members of staff receive formal supervision on a regular basis. In addition, regular staff meetings are also held. One staff member spoken to said, 'the acting manager does her best but it would be good though to have a permanent manager in place, someone who's around more often'. Staff members feel valued and supported in their work.

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Leadership and management

The home's acting manager has systems in place to ensure that the quality of care is regularly monitored. Any problem areas which may be identified are attended to and action taken. The home has a development plan in place. The home's acting manager and members of staff are aware of the home's strengths and weaknesses.

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Leadership and management

Equality and diversity practice is satisfactory .

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