Children's Home run by Hampshire County Council in Hampshire

Unique reference number SC066277 Inspection date 09/01/2012 Inspector Emeline Evans Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 02/08/2011 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

The setting is owned and operated jointly by a Local Authority Children's Services Department and a National Health Service Foundation Trust. This short breaks service provides care for up to nine children and young people who have learning disabilities that may include sensory and physical disabilities, complex health needs or challenging behaviour.

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Progress

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

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Progress

The home was judged as good at the last inspection in August 2011 with four requirements made and five recommendations for areas identified for improvement.

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Progress

The manager has complied with the requirement made at the last inspection for the Statement of Purpose to be revised and this now includes a description of any electronic or mechanical means of surveillance of children and young people. This also includes the procedures for emergency admission to the home. Young people’s risk assessments support these changes and this ensures staff are aware of the correct policies and procedures to follow.

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Progress

On the last inspection, recruitment practices in the home were highlighted as an area to be addressed. In particular, to make sure that full and satisfactory information is obtained and documented during the recruitment process. The Registered Manager has reviewed practice and staff files now include a completed form with all the necessary information in line with Regulations; this form also includes phone calls to confirm written references. As a result, future recruitment practice is enhanced, thus tightening safeguarding children arrangements.

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Progress

The home was asked to improve the recording of any measure of control or restraint. 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 in the home. This is a comprehensive system which staff are aware of and enables effective monitoring to take place. However, the home does not have a volume for recording any measure of discipline. While there have been no incidents of sanctions since the last inspection, there is a policy in place for staff in the use of sanctions. Therefore to enable effective recording and monitoring to take place a requirement has been raised.

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Progress

Following the last inspection, the Registered Manager has introduced a robust system to review Schedule 6 items on a regular basis. This is resulting in a strategic overview and awareness of key issues in the home. Since the last inspection Regulation 33 visits have taken place to form an opinion on the standard of care in the home. However, copies of these reports relating to monitoring have not been sent to Ofsted.

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Progress

The Registered Manager has produced a ‘participation plan’ for this year; this focuses on the views of children and parents after consultation. There is also a health and safety plan in operation. The manager is considering compiling a development plan to cover all areas of the home. This is not currently in operation, therefore it is not possible to reflect on the progress in the home and the future plans to enhance quality of care and improve outcomes for children and young people.

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Progress

Comprehensive risk assessments of the whole of the children’s environment have been carried out; these identify the high level of supervision the children and young people require to ensure they are kept safe within the home. The homes procedure for responding to incidents if a child is missing from the home has been revised. It is compatible and takes into account the Runaway and Missing from Home and Care protocols and procedures. Staff are made aware of this process during staff meetings and therefore staff are able to refer to up to date guidance.

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Progress

Children and young people have a good relationship with the care staff and they respond well to praise and encouragement. The care provided for the young people is good and they are benefiting from a stable staff team. Since the last inspection, staff have received training to enhance their work with individual young people. There is a commitment to providing a high quality service. Staff are aware of young people's individual needs and support plans. However, the young people's care plans and behaviour support plans have not been regularly reviewed and do not reflect the current situation. This lack of up to date and relevant information means that staff are not fully informed of any current actions needing to be taken.

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Progress

There is a commitment from the management and staff within the home to improve outcomes and raise the standard of care for young people accessing the service. Progress has been made through developing relationships with the young people and staff have positive and realistic aspirations for the children and young people. As one staff member stated they ‘enjoy seeing the children achieve and move on.’

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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 a volume is kept for the purpose of recording any measures of discipline and this written record meets the Regulations (Regulation 17b (3)(a-i)) 31/01/2012 (2001) ensure the information, documents and records specified in Schedule 3 relating to a child is kept up to date (Regulation 28 (1)(b)) 31/01/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure a copy of the written report on the conduct of the home is supplied to HMCI. (Regulation 33 (5)(a)) 09/01/2012

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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

 ensure the Registered Manager has a written development plan, reviewed annually, for the future of the home. (NMS 15.2)

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