Children's Home run by BREAK in Norfolk

Unique reference number SC060743 Inspection date 12/01/2012 Inspector Louisa Bayley Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 13/10/2011 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 children's home is registered to provide care and accommodation for four children who have learning disabilities, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. It is owned by a registered charity.

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Progress

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

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Progress

At the last inspection in October 2011, the overall quality rating for the service was judged as good. Five requirements were raised along with two recommendations for areas identified for improvement.

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Progress

The home has fully met the requirement pertaining to the recording of restraint. Accurate recording of staff details, in line with Schedule 4 requirements has also been addressed. The manager has taken positive action to ensure that there are suitable arrangements for the recording, handling, safekeeping, safe administration and disposal of medicines. New medication cabinets have been installed and there is now a robust system in place. This is an area which has greatly improved since the last inspection. As a result, practice has been enhanced, thus promoting the safety of young people.

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Progress

The complaints system was identified as a shortfall during the previous inspection. The manager subsequently briefed the staff team to make them aware that all complaints should be alerted to him in order that he can respond. Although steps have been taken to address this area, a complaint from a young person had not been responded to within a reasonable time frame.

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Progress

Staff consult with and listen to young people regarding their views on the quality of care and running of the home. This is clearly reflected in the décor of the home, the food, activities and future plans. A good example of this has been the plan for decoration of the bathroom. The manager has been creative and consultative in approaching this, in response to a recommendation from the full inspection. Young people were asked to design a bathroom as part of a competition. The winning design won a prize and the staff in the home will be carrying out the work accordingly. Staff also gathered the views and wishes of young people regarding the games room. This has been decorated to a good standard and furnished well, in line with the requests that were made. Consequently, young people feel consulted with and listened to. However, there has been no consultation with placing authorities or parents regarding their views on the quality of care. This means that the requirement

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Progress

raised regarding Regulation 34 has not been fully met. The Registered Manager has produced an action plan for the home. Specific responsibilities have been given to staff, such as equality and diversity and training. This has been successful as the training programme is now more robust and staff receive mandatory training when they need it. The result of this has been that staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to provide high quality care. There is clear progress in the promotion of equality and diversity and this continues to evolve.

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Progress

Young people are positive about the quality of care and confirm that they ‘feel safe’. Staff have good relationships with the young people and provide continued support and encouragement. A member of staff said that one strength of the team is the way they communicate. This helps to promote consistency in working with young people, helping them to feel secure. Staff identify progress since the last inspection. An example being the creation of individual education files for each young person. The clarity of information and clear audit trail of contacts with other professionals promotes accurate information sharing. Young people benefit from this as staff are all aware of the meetings, plans and progress for individuals.

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Progress

Staff in this home continue to work hard to safeguard young people. Complex issues have been dealt with efficiently and thoroughly as a result of the knowledge and experience of the staff team. This means that young people’s well-being remains of paramount importance and that risks to safety are carefully assessed and reviewed.

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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 that the system for monitoring and improving the quality of care provides for consultation with children accommodated in the home, their parents and placing authorities (Regulation 34.3) 24/02/2012

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Reg. Requirement Due date

(2001) ensure that all complaints have a written record of the action taken in response, and the outcome of the investigation (Regulation 24.5) 24/02/2012

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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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