Children's Home run by Action for Children Services Ltd in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC424089 Inspection date 03/01/2012 Inspector Emeline Evans Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 26/05/2011 Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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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 is a short breaks service for children and young people which is run by a national children's charity. The service can accommodate up to a total of 14 young people. The young people's needs range from moderate to severe learning disabilities, including physical disabilities and/or complex multiple needs. Many of the young people who use the service display challenging behaviours associated with their disability.

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Brief description of the service

The service provides for a significant proportion of young people in need of nursing input, as well as social care support.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The home was judged as satisfactory at the last full inspection in May. However, since that time the home has demonstrated significant improvement in their quality of care for the children and young people. The home has suitably addressed all of the requirements and a large majority of the recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection.

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Progress

The home was required to keep a record of the action taken in response to complaints and the outcome of that action. A complaints log has now been introduced this allows the Registered Manager to monitor and ensure complaints are investigated as appropriate. The Registered Manager is aware of all complaints and is pro active in achieving a positive outcome.

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Progress

The home was also asked to improve on the recording of restraints and sanctions. New systems have been introduced to the home, which now ensure all recording is in line with legislation. The system in place cross-references to all incidents involving the young people in the home. This is a comprehensive process of which staff are aware and ensures effective monitoring and recording is taking place.

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Progress

Following the last inspection, the Registered Manager formally reviews Schedule 6 items on a regular basis. This is resulting in a strategic overview and awareness of key issues and any patterns or trends. However, the Regulation 34 reports do not indicate that routine consultation with young people takes place, therefore a recommendation has been raised to ensure this information is documented. A realistic development plan has been produced which gives a clear focus on identified strengths and areas for improvements in the home. Staff are fully involved in this process. This joint approach enables staff to advocate on behalf of the young people and to express the young people’s views on the running of the home. The children’s guide has recently been reviewed. This has resulted in a comprehensive guide that is appropriate to the young people presently accessing the service. The home is in the process of involving the young people to transfer the

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Progress

children’s guide on to a DVD for new children and young people. This has been successfully put into practice around bullying. This additional aid will support young people with complex needs to understand the aims of the home and what it is like for a young person accessing the service. However, the children’s guide still requires information on; how a child can contact Ofsted, the Children’s Rights Director and how to access an independent advocate, therefore this recommendation is re-stated.

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Progress

Comprehensive risk assessments of the whole of the environment have been carried out these include potential risks, hazards and control measures. This actively safeguards young people and staff. There is a plan in place to review these risk assessments. Young people’s individual risk assessments are comprehensive and identifies the high level of supervision that the young people require; this ensures they are kept safe within the home and when accessing the community.

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Progress

The home has a clear safeguarding policy and procedure in place. However, this policy requires reviewing to reflect the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children Board of the area in which the home is situated, this recommendation is re- stated.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, staff have received training to enhance their work with individual children and young people. This has included autism training and additional training and mentoring around behaviour. This has led to a greater understanding of the young people and a reduction in incidents of restraint and sanctions imposed. Young people have been provided with alternative methods to communicate choice around menus and activities. Staff are consistent and confident in using these communication aids. This practice enables young people to have an input into the running of the home.

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Progress

Staff report that they are able to approach senior staff and management. Staff clearly understand their roles and the expectation placed upon them, they are working towards improving the outcomes for the young people. There is a commitment to provide a high quality service.

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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

 review the children's guide to include how children can find out their rights, how a child can contact their Independent Reviewing Officer, the Children's Rights Director, Ofsted, and how to secure access to an independent advocate (NMS 13.5)  ensure children in the home are regularly involved in contributing to the monitoring and operation of the home (NMS 21.1)  ensure the home's safeguarding policy reflects the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) of the area in which the home is situated and that access to the LSCB's procedures is easily available to all staff. (Volume 5, statutory guidance, paragraph 2.71)

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