Children's Home run by Children and Family Services Limited in Luton

Unique reference number SC028599 Inspection date 09/01/2012 Inspector Susan Southey Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 06/07/2011 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

This is a privately owned children’s home which provides residential care for up to four young people with learning difficulties who may also have a physical disability. Required adaptations and equipment are provided.

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Progress

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

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Progress

This home was judged to be good at the previous key inspection. There were no recommendations or requirements at the last inspection. Requirements have been made at this interim inspection relating to recording procedures which are not robust. However, the impact of shortfalls is minimal for young people and they continue to make good progress.

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Progress

Young people are kept safe in the home. Staff promote their safety dealing with safeguarding issues that arise effectively. Fire procedures are robust and ensure the safety of young people. Regular fire drills take place both in day and night time hours.

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Progress

Young people have benefited from good opportunities to engage in purposeful activities. Staff support them to attend music concerts, activity holidays and regular drama and dance classes. Regular interaction in the community has enabled young people to make significant progress in their social skills. This is particularly important for young people who have social and communication difficulties.

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Progress

Staff are dedicated and promote the welfare of young people but recording of information is not effective. The home rarely uses sanctions to manage young people's behaviour although when used they are appropriate and fair. However, they are not recorded appropriately to meet regulatory requirements. In addition procedures are in place for managing complaints. However, records evidencing how complaints are responded to are not available at this inspection.

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Progress

Monitoring of the home is good. The registered provider undertakes annual quality assurance surveys to consult with stakeholders. Regulation 33 and 34 monitoring reports have been completed regularly but have not been submitted to Ofsted in accordance with regulations.

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Progress

Staff promote educational opportunities for young people, supporting them in the school environment when required. Their commitment to working with other professionals enables young people with complex health needs to maintain their school placements. This supports young people to make good progress in education. Staff encourage young people to make décor choices for their bedrooms. Young people have newly decorated bedrooms in colours of their choice. Bedrooms are also individualised with posters and soft furnishings to reflect young people’s interests. This demonstrates staff respect and act upon young people’s wishes.

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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

(2001) ensure copies of reports in respect of any review conducted under Regulation 34 are supplied to the HMCI as per Regulation and guidance (Regulation 34) (2) and CA1989 Volume 5: 3.14) 29/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that the registered provider shall supply a copy of the report required to be made under paragraph (4c) to HMCI (Regulation 33) (5)) 29/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that a written record is made of any complaint, the action taken in response and the outcome of the investigation (Regulation 24 )(5)) 29/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

17A (2001) ensure within 24 hours of the use of any measure of control, restraint or discipline in a children's home, a written record is made in a volume kept for the purpose and includes all information outlined in paragraph 3. (Regulation 17b) (3)(a-i)) 29/02/2012

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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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