Children's Home run by Norwood Ravenswood in Barnet

Unique reference number SC010415 Inspection date 16/12/2011 Inspector Seka Graovac Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 03/06/2011 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 progress made by the provider since the last full inspection, identifies any further strengths, any areas for improvement and makes judgements as outlined in the Inspection of children’s homes – framework for inspection (March 2011).

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The inspection judgements and what they mean

Good progress The children’s home has demonstrated continued improvement in quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the large majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Satisfactory progress The children’s home has maintained quality of care and outcomes for children and young people and where appropriate has addressed all requirements and the majority of recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Inadequate progress The children’s home has failed to address one or more requirements and/or has not met the majority of recommendations and/or the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people have declined since the last full inspection.

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Brief description of the service

This home, run by a company, is registered to provide short-break respite care or short-term accommodation. The home cares for up to nine children and young people under the age of 18 years who have a learning disability and/or a physical disability and/or sensory impairment. On occasion, the home supports young people beyond the age of 18 to help them complete their education and until appropriate alternative support services are available.

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Brief description of the service

One of the stated aims of the home is to work in partnership with parents and the wider professional network to develop a coordinated and accessible support for disabled children and their families. The home has one emergency bed available for children who meet the admission criteria.

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Progress

Since their previous inspection the service is judged to be making satisfactory progress.

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Progress

As a result of the last inspection, one requirement was raised. The management of the home was asked to improve the record keeping related to the use of physical interventions. The management undertook significant work to ensure that detailed records are kept whenever staff intervene physically. However, this work has resulted in a complicated record keeping system. Although all required information is kept in one of the many home's documents, the actual log of physical interventions does not contain all information as specified by legislation. There has been no negative impact on children. However, having to search for the information through many different forms does not facilitate good monitoring. The requirement is, therefore, restated.

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Progress

Ofsted also made two recommendations at the last inspection. The management has taken the recommendations seriously. Although a development plan for the home has not yet been completed, a consultation process is under way. For example, children, parents and staff have had their say in choosing how to improve the environment and how make the menu more varied.

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Progress

The other recommendation related to the evidence regarding the staff recruitment that is available in the home. The management has started to compile the checklist of the full vetting information that is available in the organisation's head office.

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Progress

The home has continued to strive to improve in other ways, as well. The achievements demonstrate its capacity to improve. For example, all bedrooms were redecorated in September 2011. New bedroom furniture has also been bought. The quality of the bedrooms have improved. Children' enjoy having breaks in a more pleasant environment.

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Progress

The service has reintroduced beef to the menu. Children eat more varied food when they come to stay in the home.

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Progress

A new summary profile and communication form have been introduced to children's files. This has had a positive impact on the clarity of the information. The communication in the home has improved.

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Progress

The organisation is proactively looking into ways to diversify its provision of breaks for children with disabilities and their families. It has made several bids to this effect to the funding authorities.

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Progress

Both parents and children remain highly satisfied with the quality of the service they receive from this 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 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 measure of control, restraint or discipline a written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose that includes all the details as specified in the regulation. (Regulation 17 (B)(3)(4) 16/01/2012

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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

 write a development plan for the future of the home (NMS 15.2)  maintain a summary of vetting checks for staff that reflects Schedule 2 of the revised regulations, in the home. (NMS 16)

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