Children's Home run by London Borough of Barnet in Barnet

Unique reference number SC033805 Inspection date 05/01/2012 Inspector Seka Graovac Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

p.1

Date of last inspection 24/10/2011 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 local authority's children's home. It is registered with Ofsted to support up to six children and young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

p.4

Progress

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

p.4

Progress

At the full inspection in October 2011, the overall quality of this service was judged as outstanding. However, the home was asked to review its policy on behaviour management including record keeping of any measure of control, restraint or discipline. The manager has reviewed the main policy on care and control and started doing some work on other related policies and procedures. An independent expert has been commissioned to provide a more comprehensive review and guidance.

p.4

Progress

The manager has had discussions regarding managing young people's behaviour and the required record keeping with the staff team, at the staff meeting in November 2011. The only incident when the staff had to physically intervene since the full inspection has been recorded in the required detail. The records clearly show that the restraint was appropriately used to protect a young person from being harmed by another young person. The staff involved took appropriate actions and made appropriate records.

p.4

Progress

The home has comprehensive strategies to help young people to develop constructive and socially acceptable behaviours. However, the inspector's observations during the visit and complaints received from young people show that these strategies are not always fully effective. Some young people are not making much progress in how they behave towards others. Young people receive appropriate sanctions for destructive behaviours and are rewarded when they behave positively. However, the records of individual reward charts show that the young people's individual needs are not always fully taken into account. For example, the same behavioural targets are used for young people with very different histories and needs.

p.4

Progress

The home has continued to work closely with the Local Safeguarding Children Board to ensure that appropriate safeguarding strategies are in place to protect young people and promote their welfare. Through effective inter-agency work, the home has continued to search for better ways to help young people in their care to overcome any difficulties they experience. The management and staff remain highly committed to doing everything they can to help young people progress and achieve better outcomes. Young people receive excellent support to engage with education. However, some of them choose not to do so. Some young people have stopped attending their colleges, since the last visit.

p.4

Progress

A new risk assessment regarding young people missing from the placement has been introduced, as the home continues to work closely with the local police to improve young people's safety when they are missing.

p.5

Progress

An independent on-line consultation with young people is in progress. This is to ensure that young people's views remain central to the planning of any further development of the service. Progress has been made in doing life-stories work with the individual young people. The home has started to upload young people's photos on a secure website to ensure that they do not get lost.

p.5

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.

p.5

Reg. Requirement Due date

17B (2001) review the home's behaviour management policy and practice including the means whereby young people's appropriate behaviour is promoted. (Regulation 17B) 05/02/2012

p.5

Recommendations

To improve the quality and standards of care further the service should take account of the following recommendation(s):

p.5