Children's Home run by Esland South Limited in Kent

Unique reference number SC059037 Inspection date 13/12/2011 Inspector Lucy Ansell Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 17/05/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

Brief description of the service

This is a privately owned registered children's home offering 24-hour care and support to young people of either sex aged between 13 and 17 years of age. Referrals are considered for young people experiencing severe emotional and behavioural difficulties, who have a record of offending behaviour, drug and alcohol problems, mild forms of disability and those requiring assessment for specialist placements. A maximum of four young people can be accommodated at any one time and the home seeks to provide medium- to long-term placements. Whilst the home advocates the positive aspects of planned placements, emergency referrals are also considered when appropriate.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

At the previous inspection, which was carried out in May 2011, the overall rating for the service was judged to be satisfactory. Four requirements were made. These have been mainly addressed and the home has made satisfactory progress since the last inspection.

p.4

Progress

Young people can be assured the home is able to meet their health needs by providing appropriate fresh produce and wholesome meals. The staff shop on a daily basis with an allocated budget and this ensures sufficient food is always available in the home.

p.4

Progress

The young people benefit from a home that is conducted so as to make proper provision for their care, education and supervision. The implementation of a clear management approach has led to a reduction in challenging behaviours from the young people. A consistent approach from the staff team promotes positive behaviours and attendance at school, staff now have more realistic behavioural expectations in line with good parenting. Hence young people are more settled and now enjoy more positive relationships with their care givers.

p.4

Progress

The home has critically looked at the areas where they did not have established systems for monitoring and improving the quality of care provided to the young people. The manager has worked hard to ensure systems for monitoring quality assurance and improving positive outcomes for the young people are being used effectively: this will however take time to establish and embed but satisfactory progress has been made. The manager is keen for the service to develop and to improve quality and outcomes for the young people. For example, young people to be actively involved with all aspect of their care planning and reviewing. The young people in the home are benefitting from the changes to the staff team and the new structure in place is promoting a positive environment. The manager has ensured all staff employed compliment the team and have the skills, knowledge and experience to competently care for the young people and ensure good outcomes

p.4

Progress

The four recommendations made at the last inspection have also been addressed. The welfare of the young people is promoted by no physical restrictions on normal movement within the home, unless it is required to safeguard them and promote their welfare and development.

p.5

Progress

Several recommendations were made to ensure the young people's safety by improving their recruitment practices. All staff responsible for recruitment and selection of staff have been trained in, understand and operate the good practices around safer recruitment. The recruitment records now show the date on which each check was completed and who carried out the check. The home is now able to demonstrate their recruitment practices are safeguarding the young people in their care.

p.5

Progress

The last recommendation has not been fully met. This was to ensure staff are supported to manage their responses and feelings arising from working with children, particularly where children display challenging behaviours or have difficult emotional issues; and to show staff are supported to understand how children's previous experiences can manifest in challenging behaviour. The home has made progress to ensure a competent and qualified trainer is coming into the home to complete training with the staff in the New Year. The home has also improved its practice on supporting staff during key working sessions to ensure any issues are picked up immediately.

p.5

Progress

Overall the home has made satisfactory progress and a more settled and manageable environment has been achieved within the home.

p.5