Children's Home run by Keys Cwc Limited in South Gloucestershire

Unique reference number SC374640 Inspection date 05/01/2012 Inspector Bridget Goddard Type of inspection Interim Provision subtype Children's home

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Date of last inspection 08/09/2011 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

This privately-run home provides care and accommodation for up to three children with a learning disability or emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

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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 full inspection in September 2011, the overall effectiveness of the home was judged as good. At this inspection, two statutory requirements were made and two recommendations. The home has met both requirements, and the recommendations have partly been met with plans to fully complete them. Overall the home has made satisfactory progress in meeting both requirements and recommendations.

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Progress

The first requirement was to ensure that all staff receive appropriate supervision. The home has responded well to this, and supervision sessions are planned and programmed in on a monthly basis. This means that staff have a valuable, routine opportunity to discuss and reflect on practice.

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Progress

The second requirement was to ensure that the Statement of Purpose is fully compliant with relevant regulations. Specifically, the home was required to publish the skills and experience of the care team. The home has now met this requirement, by including the required details of the staff team in the Statement of Purpose.

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Progress

The first recommendation was to ensure that the home provides a comfortable and well-maintained, homely environment. The home has taken some positive steps to achieve this, notably by updating the kitchen into a smart and convivial, communal and working area. The front room also has new flooring. Some further environmental and maintenance issues still remain. However, the manager has plans for further decorating, and is also considering future use of the small second lounge which is currently not used because of water leaks.

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Progress

The second recommendation was to ensure that the children's guide includes a summary of how a child can contact their independent reviewing officer and the Children's Rights Director. This task is not yet completed, but details of the Children's Rights Director are freely available to young people.

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Progress

Since the last inspection, there has been a change of manager in that the previous manager has left and temporary managers have been in place. The home has successfully recruited a permanent manager, who has now been in post for approximately four weeks. He has made a good start in reviewing all files and systems and is demonstrably already centrally involved in vital planning for young people's educational future.

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Progress

Young people's views are sought through regular house meetings. Outcomes from these meetings include young people expressing preferences for their bedroom decoration and floor covering and these being well met. Young people have also expressed their views about their medication and are now allowed to self-medicate when staying away from home.

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Progress

Young people's good quality of care has been maintained during this period of management change. Some young people have also made progress in increasing their contact with those important to them. Young people say they feel safe, and positive about the care they get in this home. They have very recently filled in feedback forms and senior managers who have received these forms confirm their positive comments. This is especially about good relationships with staff and in- house education.

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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 that the home provides a comfortable and homely environment and is well maintained and decorated (NMS 10.3)  ensure that the children's guide includes a summary of how a child can contact their independent reviewing officer and the Children's Rights Director. (NMS 13.5)

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