Children's Home run by Keys Care Limited in Buckinghamshire

Unique reference number SC421063 Inspection date 11/01/2012 Inspector Emeline Evans Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 24/05/2011 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

The home is privately owned and managed by a national company. It is registered to provide medium to long-term care for up to three young people with complex needs who present with challenging behaviours. The home has access to the company's educational services which are located in the local community.

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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 good at the last full inspection in May 2011. Since that time, the home has demonstrated significant improvement in the quality of care for the young people. The home has suitably addressed the two requirements made and all of the recommendations that were raised at the previous inspection. Young people’s welfare is enhanced by the good relationship that exists between staff and young people. Young people describe the staff team as ‘good and I can talk to them’.

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Progress

The home was asked to ensure the records contained in the young people’s files are dated and signed by the author for each entry. The young people’s case files have recently been reviewed and include updated placement plans. The contents of these plans are comprehensive and easy to follow. All records are signed and dated by the author and reflect individual support needs. Young people’s risk assessments have recently been updated. They are detailed and include strategies to minimise risk. This wealth of information equips the staff team with the ability to support the young people on an individual basis.

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Progress

Following the last inspection, the Registered Manager has continued to formally review Schedule 6 items on a regular basis. This is resulting in an overview of the quality of care and an awareness of key issues and any patterns or trends. These reports have been sent into Ofsted. However, the Regulation 34 reports do not indicate that routine consultation takes place with young people, parents and placing authorities. Young people confirm that regular house meetings take place. This is a valuable opportunity for young people to contribute and put their views forward regarding the running of the home.

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Progress

Young people are supported to make progress across several areas of their lives, particularly in education, health and behaviour. There have been continuing improvements in outcomes for young people in these areas. Young people have extremely good attendance at school and are positively engaging through high levels of encouragement and support. Young people are accessing the community and experiencing a wide range of opportunities. This is enhancing self-esteem and developing the young people’s independence skills. Young people respond well to the progress they are making. The home’s procedure for responding to incidents if a young person is missing from the home has been revised. Each young person has an individual protocol, which is compatible and takes into account the local 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

Regular staff meetings are now taking place in the home. These meetings cover a wide range of items and focus on progression and the quality of care provided for the young people. These meetings include consultation with the company therapist who works with the young people. Regular communication also takes place between the home and the education setting. This holistic approach leads to young people receiving good emotional support and consistent responses from all the adults.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, Ofsted has received a number of reports on notification of significant events. The appropriate people have been informed following incidents and internal investigations carried out; therefore the welfare of the young people is protected. However, the outcome of these events has not been recorded on three occasions.

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Progress

There is a strong commitment from the management and staff team in providing a high-quality service. Staff work well as a team and are committed and enthusiastic in ensuring improved outcomes for the young people. The management team consistently communicates high expectations to staff.

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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 monitoring process in the home allows for consultation with children, parents and placing authorities (NMS 21.1)  ensure the written record kept following the notification of a significant event includes the outcome of any action or investigation. (NMS 24.2)

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