Children's Home run by Family Care Associates Limited in Shropshire

Unique reference number SC020595 Inspection date 16/12/2011 Inspector Julian Parker Type of inspection Full Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 20/01/2011 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 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.

p.3

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

p.3

Brief description of the service

This is a privately owned children's home for up to four young people of either gender from eight years to 17 years. The home cares for children and young people with emotional or behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Overall effectiveness

The overall effectiveness is judged to be outstanding .

p.4

Overall effectiveness

The needs and views of young people are a central theme influencing the running of the home.

p.4

Overall effectiveness

Care planning and childcare practice is personalised and comprehensively meets the individual assessed needs of each young person. Staff operate in a considered and coordinated way with young people, their families, social workers and other agencies involved in their lives. This ensures that young people receive the right help and support they require. Young people are fully involved in the decisions affecting their lives and some of those that influence the day-to-day running of the home. Staff actively enlist young people’s views about all aspects of the care provided by listening to their suggestions and complaints. These are always taken seriously and fully into account where they do not compromise young people's safety.

p.4

Overall effectiveness

Competent, well-trained staff, presenting the right skills and experience, offer effective care for the young people. Staff display a detailed knowledge of the individual young people they care for by consistently providing the support and guidance required. Staff confirm in practice their understanding that vulnerable young people need a stable and nurturing environment to thrive and develop.

p.4

Overall effectiveness

The home is very effectively managed demonstrated by the Registered Manager placing significant importance on providing a high standard of childcare practice and the continuous development of the home. The manager makes efficient use of the informative monitoring systems in place to review the quality of care currently provided and enhance how outcomes for young people may be improved. Two minor administrative shortfalls have been identified that do not adversely impact on the overall outstanding service being provided to young people by this home.

p.4

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):  ensure that children are helped to understand the dangers and risks of leaving the home without permission and are made aware of where they can access help, for example, through a debrief on their return (NMS 5.8)  ensure that the admission and discharge register includes in respect of each child accommodated his address prior to being accommodated in the home (NMS 22.1)

p.4

Outcomes for children and young people

Outcomes for children and young people are outstanding .

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people in the home are making excellent progress to develop their social and practical skills and by doing so improve their self-image. Assisted by caring staff most have developed their emotional resilience, by understanding the reasons for their placement. By forming trusting relationships with their staff team, young people are nurtured, can feel valued and start to make informed choices about their future.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people enjoy healthy lifestyles and generally take an active interest in, and responsibility for looking after their own physical and emotional health, subject to their age, understanding and level of engagement with the home. With consistent guidance and informed advice young people enjoy a healthy and well-balanced diet and engage in activities that promote physical exercise. For example, by attending the gym or using the home’s trampoline and large garden for exercise and play. Through key worker sessions young people are helped to make well-informed choices about their health as they receive information about a wide-range of health and social issues, including sexual health, forming safe relationships and the dangers of smoking, alcohol and substance misuse.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people are making very good progress with their education. They attend either the providers own registered school or mainstream education with transport help from the home. Attendance is excellent. Young people say that they enjoy school and the responsibilities and opportunities it provides. Records, reports and young people’s education projects confirm that some exceptional work is produced when considering each young person's progress from their individual starting points at the time of placement. Young people are helped to understand the importance of learning and how to develop their skills and abilities through education.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Young people benefit from directed and appropriate contact with their families where this is permitted by placing authorities. Practical staff support enables young people retain and normalise positive relationships with the important people in their lives. Staff are careful to ensure that contact is a controlled, safe and an enjoyable experience, which has benefits for young people.

p.5

Outcomes for children and young people

Older children can prepare to become more independent in readiness for their eventual transition into adult life. The support provided is appropriate to age, level of understanding and practical skills. Young people are routinely involved in the running of the house including shopping, cooking, tidying and managing their own allowances while being encouraged to take appropriate levels of responsibility for themselves. One young person confirmed how he received help and practical advice in his ambition to join the armed forces. Some young people having moved on to independence retain regular contact with the home confirming their progress.

p.5

Quality of care

The quality of the care is outstanding .

p.6

Quality of care

Young people are receiving help to reach their personal goals and potential by living in a stable, nurturing and supportive environment where their needs are practically addressed. They say that they enjoy living in the home and feel well supported by the staff team looking after them. Staff are resourceful in finding ways to help young people help themselves and support them to make progress in all aspects of their lives, for example, by helping them understand and maintain fragile relationships.

p.6

Quality of care

Staff set realistic aspirations for the young people. Positive relationships and the provision of consistent day-to-day care, reinforces the home's stability and a nurturing environment for individual achievement. Young people are helped to understand and address their past issues promoting self-confidence and enabling emotional resilience. Promoting personal security and the feeling of well-being helps young people improve social behaviour in public and compliance with social norms.

p.6

Quality of care

Young people are encouraged to recognise the personal benefits of complying with clearly expressed behavioural expectations and the homes routines. A nurturing structure and busy household timetable promotes significant bonding with staff and strong attachment to the home by young people. Forming sound, safe relationships within a generally calm environment enables everyday problems and disagreements to be quickly and constructively resolved.

p.6

Quality of care

Young people are aware of the expectations made from them and the support on offer to assist in achieving goals. Their care planning is explicit through placement objectives and by expectations being introduced at an early stage and regularly reviewed. Placement plans effectively record aims and objectives. All young people are valued as individuals and this is a strong feature of the home. Differing needs, backgrounds, interests and views are respected. Young people receive a service that recognises their personal identity, including issues of gender, faith, disability and sexual orientation, within a tolerant environment. Staff always make every effort to understand and embrace difference, demonstrating this in their day-to-day practice by giving importance to the particular concerns and issues that young people raise. Staff have a comprehensive knowledge of the young people they work with and use

p.6

Quality of care

this to ensure each has their needs properly addressed and that any difference they have are respected by everyone in the home. The rights and responsibilities of young people are practically promoted and understood, particularly by the more mature residents.

p.6

Quality of care

A statutory review of each young person’s placement takes place regularly ensuring that objectives are being met, are appropriately recorded and consider any important developments such as safeguarding issues. Young people are encouraged and empowered to be fully involved in the review of their plans. They can attend review meetings or fully contribute through the written submissions presented by their key workers and manager.

p.6

Quality of care

Young people are actively consulted in different ways to ensure that their views, wishes and feelings influence the day-to-day running of the home. For example, staff recognise that some young people find it very difficult to express their views in group settings and in such cases special questionnaires are developed and may be used in key work sessions. Young people are encouraged to be aware of others who are less fortunate to develop their empathy and improve citizenship, usually through school endeavours. Individual achievements are well recorded in the home's many photographic displays and albums. Staff always take young people’s views seriously while practically helping young people understand why sometimes it is not always practical, safe or possible to act upon their wishes.

p.7

Quality of care

Young people are all aware of how to complain and express any concerns. By being acted upon quickly, they avoid becoming a complaint confirming they are taken seriously. None of the young people spoken with had any cause for concern about the home or their care. Young people, especially those new to the home, have explained that they can speak to social workers, advocacy services, or independent visitors should they wish. Young people confirm that their key worker meetings and general daily interactions provide them with many opportunities to discuss any concern or emerging issue openly and without fear of criticism. They also have access to a telephone; either a mobile or the home’s portable landline, that enables them to maintain regular contact with family or significant people in their life subject to their placement plan.

p.7

Quality of care

Young people live in a healthy environment that actively promotes their physical health and emotional well-being. An active and healthy lifestyle supported by a nutritional diet and access to recreational facilities in the community assists this aim. One young person wrote that he didn’t get enough junk food! All staff promote the importance of healthy eating and a good diet. Balanced homemade meals, made from fresh ingredients and access to fruit ensure that young people see this as an important component of daily living. Young people confirm that the diet is wholesome and varied. They receive practical advice about the connection between a healthy diet and keeping fit. Young people have regular opportunity to assist in meal preparation and recreational cooking with help from staff and they fully acknowledge the importance of sociable, communal meals taken with staff at the dining table.

p.7

Quality of care

Young people have regular access to community health services and are registered with a local doctor, dentist and optician. Staff present an excellent understanding of young people’s health needs ensuring that they are fully addressed. Young people receive routine health checks and access to professional medical advice and treatment when they are feeling unwell. Staff are trained to competently administer first aid in an emergency. Safe and effective procedures ensure staff effectively manage the arrangements for administering both over the counter and prescribed medication to young people. The home’s daily routine fully supports young people’s participation in education and promotes regular attendance both in mainstream school or the providers own facility. Staff support young people’s learning by a combination of classroom assistance, supporting learning projects and helping with homework. Young people have access

p.7

Quality of care

to books, art materials and other educational resources within the home. Young people attending mainstream education receive practical assistance with travelling and course work to be practised at home in preparation for national examinations. A personal computer is available to facilitate research and internet projects. Attendance is very good and most young people are aware of the importance of accessing education. The home's emphasis on personal achievement encourages young people to aspire to obtaining practical skills, certificates and valuable qualifications.

p.8

Quality of care

Staff support and encourage young people to focus their recreational interests and abilities wherever possible. They facilitate access to a broad range of leisure activities providing meaningful experiences and choice to young people's lives. The homes garden provides ample access to green space containing a variety of outdoor play equipment and a small wooded area. Garden parties are held as a summer social event.

p.8

Quality of care

Young people live in a comfortable detached, rurally located single storey house that provides a safe haven for vulnerable young people. The house is very clean, well decorated and furnished to a very good standard throughout. Young people living here become settled and have a strong sense of involvement in the layout and content of their home. They confirm that they have helped to decide on the décor of communal areas and have personalised their own rooms. There are no indications of deliberate damage whatsoever and young people’s rooms are kept clean and tidy confirming their sense of ownership in the home.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

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

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

By living in a supportive and structurally safe environment providing effective protection from harm young people can feel safe and secure. All confirmed that they felt safe living at the home, are well supported by all of the staff and are not being bullied in any way whatsoever. One young person said ‘I feel safe here, I can talk to everyone. The house is always clean and there is loads to do.’

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

Staff are very well trained in safeguarding and confirm that they can recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and know what they need to do to ensure young people are effectively safeguarded. Young people receive practical advice about personal safety, including any potential risk from their peers or adults. Staff monitoring ensures anti-bullying measures are effective. Young people will talk to their carers when they have worries or concerns. Staff work cooperatively with social workers and other agencies to ensure vulnerable young people are fully protected by sharing information and putting safeguarding plans into practice where these are necessary to promote children’s physical and emotional safety. Staff can access a whistleblowing policy should they have any concerns about the professional safeguarding practice of others. By adopting these measures the safety of children and young people is always prioritised.

p.8

Safeguarding children and young people

The vulnerability of young people and their need for stability is addressed by this placement. Its semi-rural location makes it very suitable for young people who may be at risk if looked after elsewhere but links with community recreational facilities and amenities empower socialisation. The risks young people may present or face in the community, including exploitation and discrimination, are well recorded and managed. Clear, regularly reviewed risk assessments and explicit placement plans confirm young people receive protection from harm.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

Staff demonstrate that they are able to balance the need for protection alongside enabling young people to take considered risks that are seen as part of normal adolescent growth and development. In this way young people are able to enjoy similar social experiences to their peers by engaging in recreational activities, such as sports days, community activities and integration into mainstream education.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

The semi-rural location of this home enables it to manage unauthorised absence extremely well. Established protocols and positive relationships with the local police complement day-to-day practice. Robust responses are in place should young people go absent from the home or from an off site excursion. The stability of the placement using effective supervision and positive engagement between staff and young people is very effective. Staff remain aware of the potential reasons why young people may go missing and use this information to assist young people to manage their feelings and frustrations in an acceptable manner. A proactive stance frequently deters young people from running off and putting themselves in risky or illegal situations. However, the ability for young people to be independently debriefed upon their return is not always being made available.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

The behaviour of young people living at this home is generally very good. Upon admission, young people are informed about how the home can help them and what the few house rules are. This key information is reiterated by their young person's guide and on the home's notice boards. Through day-to-day living young people confirm that they know the rules of the placement and what standards of behaviour are expected. Emphasis placed on positive behaviour is confirmed by minimal sanctions or physical interventions being applied. Young people regularly revisit their individual placement and behavioural plans with key workers to discuss the ongoing aims of their placement. Staff apply consistent strategies to encourage and support young people to expand socially acceptable behaviour in all situations, both in the home and the wider community.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

There are effective measures available to staff for the management of infrequent challenging behaviour by the use of an approved physical restraint methodology. The need to use these measures is extremely rare with good recording enabling staff and the home's management to monitor and review the circumstances and effectiveness of such practice. Young people are aware of the circumstances in which such measures may be used while acknowledging these are always in extreme circumstances and only used to ensure they are kept safe. Young people express no concerns about the rewards and sanctions used by the home.

p.9

Safeguarding children and young people

Young people live in a physically safe environment. They are protected by an extensive range of health and safety procedures, risk assessments and preventative checks. Staff carry out regular health and safety checks, including fire drills, to ensure the premises are safe and young people know what to do in case of an emergency, especially when they are newly admitted to the home. The recruitment and selection of people working at the home adhere to robust company procedures and checks to ensure young people receive their care only from safe adults. The home's manager is diligent, by ensuring that all appointed staff become equipped with the relevant skills, competencies and qualifications to meet the needs of looked after young people. Appropriately rigorous systems are in place to ensure that any visitors to the home are suitably checked and supervised while on the premises. The safeguarding of young people is ensured further by the use of only well-practiced

p.10

Leadership and management

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

p.10

Leadership and management

The children’s home is effectively managed and promotes young people’s safety and best interests. The Statement of Purpose document provides young people, families and social workers a clear description of the services and support provided. The young person’s welcome guide is readable and delivers useful information and pictures of what young people may expect in an age appropriate format.

p.10

Leadership and management

The manager and her staff team demonstrate a very strong commitment to delivering quality childcare practice tailored to address the individual needs of each looked after young person. Young people make significant progress across the many aspects of their lives, including school attendance and educational achievement, their emotional development, with good independence skills being developed and effective strategies to keep themselves safe.

p.10

Leadership and management

The use of ongoing practice evaluation assists the manager and her team to further develop and improve the service provision. The ongoing detailed external and internal monitoring of the quality of care being provided is used to direct beneficial changes required to ensure young people get the best possible positive outcomes. The manager places appropriate emphasis on the sustained improvement of the service based on its previous performance and enhancing the progress being made by young people. The annual review of the quality of care is realistic in its aspirations and target setting. Significant importance is placed upon enlisting and acting upon feedback provided by the views of young people, staff, parents and social workers.

p.10

Leadership and management

A very competent staff team who exhibit a wide range of skills and experience look after the children and young people. All established staff have relevant qualifications for working with young people. The team skills and abilities match the needs of young people living in the home. Staff display high levels of enthusiasm and find creative ways to support the diverse needs of young people and their families.

p.10

Leadership and management

The manager and staff are committed to providing young people with stability, consistency and security needed to keep them safe. Staffing numbers currently provide sufficiently for the levels of support needed to promote recreational activities, visits and attending appointments for all the young people.

p.11

Leadership and management

Staff receive a comprehensive training programme that addresses specific behavioural needs of young people in this placement alongside the more pastoral needs of young people. Training provides staff with the statutory input, skills, qualification and knowledge to effectively do their jobs.

p.11

Leadership and management

Staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and the high expectations placed on them for providing quality and informed childcare practice. Collectively staff confirm that when they need support and guidance, the manager is always available and responsive. Staff receive regular one-to-one supervision and annual appraisals of their practice that informs their learning and development. Team meetings take place monthly encouraging the whole staff team to discuss the general operation of the home, how the service may be improved and to reflect on young people’s progress. A staff review of the home’s practice against revised national minimum standards assisted them to evaluate how their practice could be further improved confirming their collective commitment to development.

p.11

Leadership and management

The home’s written records are securely stored, data protected and provide a comprehensive but practical picture of individual young people’s needs, including diversity, development and progress. Young people’s records contain up-to-date information about them, including the relevant documents from placing authorities. Minor additions are required to the home’s admissions register to comply comprehensively with standards. Young people’s case files remain well maintained, as the manager is proactive in following up shortfalls from placing authorities.

p.11

Leadership and management

Equality and diversity practice is outstanding .

p.11